ice fishing in Maine

Tips For Ice Fishing in Maine

There is very little to debate when it comes to ice fishing; people either love it or hate it. But in states like Maine, there is a long tradition of ice fishing, and many people that ice fish can't wait for winter to come so they can get on the ice and enjoy this sport.

But if you’re new to ice fishing in Maine, it is important to get an understanding for what this sport is all about before charging out on the ice. This article will cover the basics of starting out in ice fishing. Who knows, you may even find out that you love the adventure of getting out and catching some big Maine fish.

The first rule of ice fishing is somewhat obvious, but it cannot be overstated enough. Always make certain that the ice your fishing on is safe. A good rule to follow is to wait until there is a minimum of 6 inches of ice on a lake or pond before attempting to fish on it. There are also different types of ice, and it would be wise to get familiar with all of them before heading out.

"Black ice," is a name given to ice that is mostly clear, and contains only air bubbles thoughout it. Black ice is considered to be more safe than the deceivingly-named, "white ice," which is not as clear, and contains melted snow that has been re-frozen over and over. In general, ice fishing beginners should stay away from white ice.

Another good rule is to always test the ice before setting up and fishing. You can often test the ice by the shore, you should drill a couple of holes in the ice close to the shore where the water is not as deep. This will help you to get a good idea of how much ice there is and the quality of it. Another good idea is to ask other fishermen about the quality of the ice and its thickness.

When choosing a spot to fish, you should look at getting some ice fishing access maps that can be available online for lakes and ponds in Maine. These will help to give you a better idea of the depth of a pond or lake that you intend to fish, and hep suggest locations to set up your base camp for fishing. It's also good to note that you need not go out into deep water to catch fish. Many experienced ice fishermen rarely risk going out beyond 6 or 7 feet deep. As a first timer, it is a good idea to stay closer to the shore anyways, and you can be confident that it is just as easy to catch some fish.

Another rule of ice fishing is to never go ice fishing on your own. You should always take a friend when you venture out to go ice fishing. This is important for safety reasons, and it can also make your entire experience much more enjoyable. Another good idea is to let your family or friends know where you will be fishing and at what time you plan to be done.

Ice fishing in Maine can be a great winter pastime, and a way to pass those long, dark winter evenings, but remember, when it comes to ice fishing, safety should always come first.