Ok, so it might be a little early to actually get out on the ice(actually there isn’t any ice to get out on yet in most areas of the Midwest) but this is still a good time to start getting ready for the ice-fishing season that is just around the corner.  People who get paid to tell us what the weather is going to do indicate that ice will come early this year, and seasoned ice-anglers know that early ice is the best ice for fishing action.  Don’t let the ice-fishing season sneak up on you.  Be ready when the ice gets here so you can take advantage of the bite when it is best.

 First thing to do.  Make sure the blades on the auger are sharp.  Even though the ice is thin early in the year, you don’t want to be using an auger with dull blades.  It’s more work, and the additional noise of dull blades cutting through the ice can spook fish.  Sharpen those blades!

 If you’re using a power auger, make sure it starts.  You don’t want to find out about auger troubles when you get to the fishing spot.  The StrikeMaster Lazer Mag that is favored by most veteran ice-anglers is perhaps the most reliable unit on the ice.  Mine usually requires just a couple of pulls when starting it for the first time of the year.  Regardless of how trouble-free any auger is though, it should be started early in the season so any tweaking that needs to be done is done before the water gets hard.
 Make sure your ice shelter is in good shape.  Some anglers like permanent houses to fish out of, others prefer portables.  Generally, the most successful anglers go with the portables so they can move with the fish.  Either way, these shelters accumulate a lot of “stuff” during an ice-fishing season.  Now is a good time to wash out the litter, dead baits, and all the other things that can be found in these shelters.  Actually, it would have been better to wash the shelter out when we put it away last season, but anglers rarely do things when they should.

 If you find that a new shelter is in your future, be sure to check out the new Ranger XLTwin from Frabill.  This portable unit has plenty of room for two, maybe even three anglers.  The cushioned bench seat has a backrest, folds forward for extra storage, and is extremely comfortable to fish out of.  You must see it if you need/want a new portable shelter.

 Be sure the line on your reels is new.  Many anglers transfer the reels from their open water fishing rods to their ice-fishing rods.  You don’t want to start the ice season with line that has been used all summer.  Spool some fresh stuff on.  If panfish are the quarry, try 4/1 or 6/2 FireLine.  When walleyes are on the menu, go with 10/4 FireLine.
 Although ice-fishing seems to be a distance off, keep in mind how fast time goes.  And remember, preparation is part of the fun.  Get ready for ice-fishing right now and you’ll be ready when it’s time to go.

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