VT Fishing Guide To Getting Started With Ice Fishing

Ice fishing is one way to get someone started in fishing as a sport. What I like about ice fishing is you don’t need a lot of gear to get started. As a VT Fishing Guide, I recommend for beginners to get your gear at your local fishing shop or Walmart. 

VT Fishing Guide

 

Get Your License

The next step is getting your Vermont or New Hampshire fishing license, and you’re going to need an auger to get through the ice. Augers for ice fishing come in a variety of sizes. You really don’t need a high powered auger unless you plan on spending a lot of time on the ice in a hut. Start off with an inexpensive hand auger in the six to eight-inch range. 

 

Choose Your Pole

Now you need to choose a fishing pole for your ice fishing adventures. A simple ice fishing pole will do unless you want to spend the money on a fancy one. A tip-up is a simple trap that allows you to set a sinker and minnow to fish. Once the fish below the ice take the bait, the flag pops up alerting you that you caught a fish. 

 

Bait, Bait

Next item on the list is a set of warm clothes and an ice scooper. Don’t forget to dress warm, bring lots of snacks and drinks. You might be thinking that earthworms would be the perfect bait, for ice fishing because that is what you used the rest of the year. For ice fishing live bait like minnows is ideal. That is what the fish naturally eat during the winter season. 

Stay Warm

Clothing is crucial when you are out in the elements during cold weather on a slab of ice. Make sure you dress in layers. A good pair of insulated underwear, insulated snow pants, and a heavy winter jacket is a must. Don’t forget your fingers and face! There are many types of gloves on the market. Most people find that fingered gloves tend to leak more heat than mitten/glove combo. Bring an extra set of gloves and a head sock. The head sock will allow you to keep your face and head warm without being too cumbersome. 

 

To Shelter / No Shelter

Of course, using a shelter is preferred for ice fishing because it protects you from the elements like snow, freezing rain, etc.. 

There are many different types of portable shelters on the market today including flip overs, hub style, and cabin style. For your first time out fishing go with a VT Fishing Guide or rent a hut to see if it is worth investing in for the future. 

 

Test The Ice

Don’t take it for granted that the ice is thick enough to fish on. Many people make the fatal mistake that just because it is cold out that the ice is strong enough to support your weight. They even go to the lengths of driving vehicles on the ice without checking first. Many have lost their cars to the bottom of a lake because of this simple procedure. 

Pick a spot on the ice that is not to close to anyone else and drill a hole and measure the thickness of the ice. You can also check at your local tackle and bait shop to see what the current thickness of the ice is. 

The most important thing to remember about ice fishing is having fun. You may not catch a ton of fish, but enjoy the sport and fellowship with friends and family. Of course, the added bonus is bringing home a big fish for dinner! 

C K
C K
February 22, 2022.
We had an excellent time with Keith for Ice fishing! Caught a Northern Pike on a jigging rod of all things! Keith was always professional, friendly, and very instructive. Highly recommend!
Erin Courcey
Erin Courcey
January 24, 2022.
Keith really runs a terrific private ice fishing excursion!! From the start, Keith was extremely responsive, organized and full of knowledge and excitement over our family’s desire to try ice fishing for the first time. Keith was thorough in his planning with us so that we were prepared and comfortable with our plans. The day was amazing—-Keith is an expert fisherman, and he so was patient with all of us non fishermen/women. We learned so much and really had the time of our lives with Keith! We will definitely do another excursion with Keith soon, and highly recommend him!
David Malfetano
David Malfetano
January 17, 2022.
Keith is a fantastic guide and was very helpful to our inexperienced crew. Would certainly book this tour again!
Jon Boudreau
Jon Boudreau
January 17, 2022.
Keith and his dad run a great service and provided us with an excellent time on the lake. He knows what he’s doing and takes his time to teach the tour group. Absolutely would book again.
Luke C
Luke C
January 17, 2022.
One of the best fishing experiences I’ve had. Everything was organized, well run, and an absolute blast. Hard to find a better charter!
Kristin Bitter
Kristin Bitter
October 10, 2021.
My family and I had an awesome time out on Lake Morey this weekend with Keith!! He had a great boat, a bunch of different tackle, and put us onto some really nice fish.
Sean Bitter
Sean Bitter
October 10, 2021.
Great fishing! Lots of big fish! Keith is the best
Mike Seaton
Mike Seaton
September 2, 2021.
We went out with stay bent recently and had a great experience! We caught many fish and the guide was very knowledgeable
Christopher Augello
Christopher Augello
August 31, 2021.
Awesome day on the lake. Keith was awesome , great teaching my kids how to fish and me . Caught a bunch of fish too.
Chris Ritter
Chris Ritter
August 30, 2021.
We had a blast fishing with Keith last week. He put us on nonstop action on a hot day, which is not easy. The lake was beautiful and fun to jump in as well. My nine-year-old daughter does not have a ton of fishing experience, but he was able to get her working the retrieves perfectly, and she ended up out fishing me by a long shot! We got largemouth, smallmouth, rock bass, Pickerel, Perch, and sunfish. Keith is great with kids, and a lot of fun to hang out with for grown-ups. His boat and equipment are top notch as well. I would recommend this guy to anyone, And we are looking forward to our next trip which might be some ice fishing.

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