In my last column about ice fishing for kokanee, I summarized my interview with Mike Ramsay and how he approached ice fishing for landlocked salmon. I decided to follow this up by talking to local sporting goods retailers in the 100 Mile Area. I talked to Mark at Lone Butte Sporting Goods, Jude at Exeter Sporting Goods Ltd, and Tasha at the Screaming Reel in Donex Pharmacy and Department Store to see what the local ice fishers were generally purchasing. There was a lot of consistency in what they collectively had to say.
It seems most kokanee ice fishers all choose some sort of flasher from an “Ice Stater” to an Ice Gator Deka Flasher. I think it was Jude who commented that most people find something that works, and they stick with it. I suppose that truth could be translated to any type of fishing as well.
There was also a commonality in the types of hooks being purchased. It seems tear drop glo hooks in orange or chartreuse in size four to six topped the list.
When it came to bait, there was no clear preference as the choices ranged from live bait such as worms, maggots, and meal worms to artificial baits like Powerbait Maggots, Firecorn in red, pink and chartreuse, and Trout Nibbles. Scents were also, it seemed, another area where personal preference came in with people choosing anything from garlic to Kokanee Special, to Bloody Tuna and Krill. Again, it seems selections were most likely decided upon by what had worked for them in the past.
I did not discuss rods with anyone, as they are mostly standard from what I have seen in all the sporting goods outlets, and reels are again up to the preference of an individual, be it of a casting or spinning variety. Nor did I discuss with those I interviewed the type of sonar most people used to locate the fish and of course bottom.
I suspect that choice is as much a matter of function as economics. I know a lot of the people I have met on the ice use the same sonar for ice fishing as open water fishing, while others purchase a special ice fishing sounder. I know that some models of open-water sounders require a specialized transducer specifically made for ice fishing.
When it comes to getting a hole through the ice, some people prefer the old-fashioned way of using a handheld ice auger, (far preferable to using an axe or handheld ice chopper). Some people have modified their hand augers by purchasing an adapter that can be used with an electric drill. Care must be taken with this rig to ensure there is some type of stopper attached to the auger to prevent it from disappearing down the hole if it somehow becomes detached from the drill while in use.
There are also gas or electric augers that a lot of people are using these days as well. Again, it is a matter of economics and efficiency that determines what is being used. The size of the hole drilled is normally dependent on the size of the fish being targeted.
In inclement weather a very useful item to have is an ice fishing tent; it not only shelters one from the elements but provides a bit of privacy and often allows one to look down the hole to see fish. They come in many different sizes, and some are easier to set up than others.
I think most people either do research on them or see what others are using before committing to a purchase. And of course, everyone needs some type of sled sufficient to hold all this gear and get it to where the fish are. From my experience, most ice fishers are a very sociable lot and enjoy sharing their knowledge of all this equipment and experience with others.
I would like to thank Jude, Mark, and Tasha for their information, and would suggest that anyone interested in getting equipped or wants to learn more about ice fishing give one of them a call.
As the ice slowly becomes thick enough to safely walk on, consider getting out on the lakes for fresh air, exercise (many times the fish are located quite a distance from access), companionship, and maybe to get some fresh fish to take home.
