When the ponds freeze, the fishing does not have to stop. Ice fishing is a whole New England tradition, a way to keep catching pickerel, perch, trout, crappie and bass through the dead of winter, and a genuinely social, fun way to spend a cold day.
The two methods
- Tip-ups: a flag rig set over a hole with a live shiner suspended below. When a fish takes, the flag pops, and you race over to set the hook. Great for pickerel, bass and bigger fish, and you can fish several at once.
- Jigging: a short rod with a small jig or spoon (often tipped with a bit of bait), worked by hand right at the hole. Deadly for perch and panfish, and more active and hands-on.
Gear
You need an auger to cut holes, tip-ups and a jigging rod, a scoop to clear slush, live shiners for bait, and warm layers. A sled to haul it all and a shelter for brutal days round it out.
Ice safety is everything No fish is worth going through the ice. Never venture out without checking the ice, at least four inches of solid, clear ice for a person on foot is a common guideline, but conditions vary hugely, avoid current, springs and pressure ridges, carry ice picks, and never go alone on questionable ice. When in doubt, stay off.