FishFreakOnline Archive Page
Friday, January 29, 2010
Winter still has quite a ways to go and if you’re a fan of ice fishing, that means all good news for you. However, before you start loading up your gear and heading out onto the ice, take some time to consider what time is actually best for ice fishing.
Most fishermen agree that both dawn and dusk are the best times to be out on the ice, as these are the times that most fish are active because of feeding habits. However, not all fish follow this rule. Species like northern pike are most active at dawn and mid-morning and crappies are often never active during the middle of the day. Try these times when you’re scheduled to go ice fishing next and see how they work for you.
Do you find that one species is easier to catch at a certain time of day? If so, share with us!
Labels: ice fishing
by: FishFreakOnline
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
We have an exciting blog to share with all of you today. We were recently introduced to the wonderful ladies over at
She's So Fly - a fly fishing blog for women, by women. You might not know it but we've got more than a couple ladies working for us here at FishFreakOnline.com, so this was right up our alley!
Sherri at She's So Fly shares the ins and outs of fly fising with a feminine twist. After feeling the hardship of the recession, she began looking for a way to freshen up her life and found fly fishing. The serene calm of the waters helped her improve her outlook and improve her life during tough times.
Now she blogs about her fishing experiences and shares wonderful fishing resources that are female friendly. We highly recommend her blog if you're looking for a great read about fly fishing.
Hats off to you Sherry and congratulations on the success of
She's So Fly!
Labels: fly fishing, sites we love
by: FishFreakOnline
Thursday, January 21, 2010
When it comes to ice fishing, everyone has an opinion on what works best to catch a fish. Some people may even have rituals they perform before they even hit the ice to ensure that they bring home great catches. So, to help you out with your next ice fishing trip – without having to do some kind of weird fish dance to conjure up a few crappies or walleyes – here's a quick and easy tip.
When ice fishing, try using the lightest line you can. One or two pound test line is usually all it takes to catch fish like bluegills and crappies. If you're fishing for walleyes or a larger fish, then you'll most likely want to look at using 4 to 6 pound test.
By using lighter line, your jig will be able to get more action and you'll be able to detect lighter strikes, which in turn, makes you more likely to catch something. You can also think about using hi-visibility fishing line as well, as it may better indicate how a fish is interacting with your lure.
Labels: ice fishing
by: FishFreakOnline
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
If you're thinking of tagging along on an ice fishing excursion, the best thing to do is to come prepared. Before your trip out onto the ice, educate yourself on some of the best tips and technique for ice fishing, safety lessons that will ensure a safe return home, and finally, make sure you have all of the right equipment. To help you sort out whether or not you've got the right stuff to go along on an ice fishing trip, use this simple checklist on all of the basics.
Reels, preferably micro-spinning reels
Fishing rods with large guides, sensitive tips, with some backbone.
Fishing line meant for specifically for ice fishing
Foam ice fishing bobbers and bobber stops with beads
Clippers to cut lines
Ice scoop for removing slush
Jigs, spoons, hooks, etc.
Bait like wax worms, fatheads, minnows, etc. are always a good bet
A large bucket
Hand warmers
Appropriate clothing and outwear, gloves, hat, etc.
Fishing Pliers
Ice cleats
Fishing License
Proper Identification – just in case
And as always, be sure to get your supplies at FishFreakOnline.com to get the best deal before your trip.
Labels: ice fishing
by: FishFreakOnline
Friday, January 8, 2010
Ice fishing is a great activity to enjoy throughout the winter months, but without the right attention to safety, it can turn to disaster. Use some of these practical ice fishing safety tips as you plan for your next trip out on the ice.
- Never go out onto the ice alone or if you feel it may be unsafe. Just don't risk it.
- If there is the notice that the ice is unsafe, do not go ice fishing. It's that simple.
- As you plan your ice fishing trip, make sure that you are tracking environmental temperatures for a few days before you plan on fishing, as well as on the day you will be going.
- When you get to edge of the body of water, visually survey the ice. Look for any open water areas, signs of change in water levels (wet areas on the ice).
- Listen for any loud cracks or booms coming from the ice. In a river, this can mean the ice is about to break or move. On a lake larger than several acres, this sound can just be normal response to thermal expansion and contraction.
- Look for an easy point of access out onto the ice, free of debris.
- Dress properly for the environment and be aware of any environmental changes.
- If you are taking a vehicle or other heavy equipment on the ice, go out on foot first. Probe ahead of yourself with the ice chisel. If the chisel ever goes through, carefully turn around and retrace your steps back to shore, and try again some other day.
- Near shore, listen for hollow sounds while probing. Ice sloping down from the bank may have air space underneath. This is not safe; ice must be floating on the water to support loads.
- After getting on the ice, others in your group should follow, but stay at least 10 feet apart.
Labels: fishing safety, ice fishing, ice fishing safety, safety tips
by: FishFreakOnline
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