Family Fishing Weekend Ice Fishing Prep
February license-free fishing weekends are a great opportunity for Canadian families to try ice fishing. Whether you’re just getting started or are an experienced ice angler wanting to introduce beginners to the activity, the following tips will help ensure a fun, beginner-focused ice-fishing experience that leaves everyone wanting more.
KNOW THE RULES
Whether fishing during a license-free weekend or another time, it’s important to familiarize yourself with fishing regulations. This document will explain rules pertaining to fishing zones, fish sanctuaries, catch limits, size limits, live-bait regulations and so on.
Your region’s fishing regulations will also offer details on license-free fishing weekends, if applicable. In Ontario, for example, Canadian residents can ice fish without having to purchase a fishing license on February 15 to 17, 2025.
ON ICE ACTIVITIES
Those looking for an easy introduction to ice fishing have many options available. Local fishing clubs, tackle shops and others angling groups sometimes host “Try Ice Fishing” type events or community ice fishing tournaments.
These kind of activities are great ways to learn some ice fishing skills, and experience the fun and social side of the activity. It’s not uncommon for organizers to drill holes for those without an ice auger. Some groups may also offer discounted or loaner ice fishing gear.
Social media, fishing store flyers and local newspapers are good sources to learn about such hard-water happenings.
GOING WITH AN EXPERT
Families wanting a complete, catered experience should consider hiring an ice fishing guide or renting an ice shelter through an outfitter. These experts will get you on safe ice, put you on biting fish and, in some cases, supply fishing gear.
Some outfitters and lakeside tackle shops ofter other ice fishing services, such as ice taxi/shuttle transportation to and from community ice fishing areas.
Pro Tip: Always ask ice fishing operators what’s included and what you’re responsible to bring. This conversation helps prevent confusion and the risk of leaving crucial items at home.
ICE FISHING GEAR CHECKLIST
You don’t need a lot of ice fishing gear when starting out. The following are some essentials, plus other items to consider.
Ice auger — An electric powered StrikeMaster Lithium ice drill is a worthy investment, but also a big-ticket purchase. Hand augers, like the Fin-Bore Manual Ice Drill, are less expensive, but can get tiring to use when needing to drill a lot of holes through thick ice. If you can’t borrow an auger, finding on-ice operators willing to drill holes for a fee is a good option when starting out and gauging your group’s interest in ice fishing.
Ice fishing rod and reel combos — A quality rod, reel and line setup will go a long way to helping everyone in your group catch more fish. Read this blog to learn more about 13 Fishing’s ice rod and reel combos.
Tip-ups — Rapala’s Thermal Tip-Ups let you set lines over an area and increase the number of walleye, northern pike and other fish you catch. Don’t forget Sufix Tip-Up Line and VMC Predator Rigs.
Ice fishing baits — You only need a handful of ice fishing lures and jigs to catch fish. Tungsten Larv Eye Jigs, Tungsten Tubby Jigs and other small ice fishing jigs tipped with finesse plastics or live-bait are good options for panfish. Bigger panfish as well as walleye, pike and other predators can be caught using a variety of lures, like Jigging Raps, Rippin’ Raps, jigging spoons (e.g., Hatchet, Rattling Roach, Flash Champ and Bladed Bull spoons) and CrushCity plastics, like The Suspect, The Jerk or Mooch Minnow on a Tungsten Moon Eye Jig or RedLine Tungsten Swimbait Jig.
Ice fishing electronics — A portable sonar isn’t a must-have item to get started ice fishing, but the information it provides will increase how many fish one can catch. Electronics are such a vital tool, many experienced anglers won’t ice fish without them.
Ice fishing tools & accessories — An ice skimmer/scoop for clearing slush from holes, Ice Safety Spikes, Fish Towel for drying hands, scissors for cutting fishing line, pliers and forceps for hook removal, and a portable chair or 5-gallon bucket/seat are a few other handy items you’ll want to bring on the ice.
TIPS FOR KEEPING ICE FISHING FUN
Stay safe — Familiarize yourself with ice safety guidelines, and go online or contact tackle shops/outfitters to learn local ice conditions if venturing out on your own.
Dress properly — Ice fishing isn’t fun if you get cold. Dress in layers and wear quality winter boots, socks, gloves/mitts and headwear. Insulated, wind-blocking winter jackets and pants/bibs are crucial to have. Hand-warmers and heated clothing are also useful. Watch for signs of frost bite.
Bring more food and water than you think you’ll need — It’s not hard to work up an appetite walking and lugging gear around on a snow-covered lake, and having ample snacks for kids is important for keeping them happy, especially if fish aren’t cooperating.
Focus on the experience — Catching fish is only part of what makes ice fishing fun. It’s also about enjoying quality time with friends and family outdoors. Children and beginners are sure to enjoy the experience of walking on a frozen lake, seeing an auger drill through ice and using “mini” fishing rods, to name a few unique things one experiences on a hard-water adventure.
The above is by no means an exhaustive explanation of everything you need to know about ice fishing. Hopefully, though, it encourages you to get out ice fishing this winter, whether during the license-free fishing weekend or another time. To learn more about the best ice fishing techniques and equipment be sure to visit Rapala’s extensive ice-fishing blog library.
