Gentlemen – Start Your Augers! By TERRY RYAN Winter is coming, and before you know it
the rivers and lakes will freeze over, giving us a whole new fishing playground. Experienced anglers claim that fish caught in bitter cold waters are the best-tasting. The flesh is firm and flaky and there is no “muddy” taste that you often find in the warmer fishing months. It doesn’t have to be expensive, either. You
don’t need to have a boat. An axe will cut the hole if you don’t have an auger; then a pole, line and bait. It’d be okay to have a stool to sit on, but if it’s a nice day, you’re pretty much good to go.
For many, ice fishing is the favourite way REMEMBER
Wind From The East - Fishing Is The Least; Wind From The West – Fishing Is The Best
to fish. There is the anticipation of catching that great big fish, but sometimes the real thrill is the surprise catch. You know − when you’re fishing for walleye and you land a huge musky that gave you a hell of a fight.
There are also the challenges
related to finding the fish, what they might be interested in snacking on, and the best equipment to use for what you are after. Most often the best source of information is the local bait and tackle shop, which can also guide you about the ice conditions and any other safety/
fishing information that would be good to know before you head off. Having some kind of shelter, protecting you
from the elements and having a source of heat can serve two purposes: one, it keeps you toasty; and two, it prevents your ice hole from freezing over. Just like in the warmer months, the more miserable the weather, the more the fish will bite. And just like in the warmer months, it’s a great way to spend time with friends and family. The size and shape of the shack varies on
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your needs/wants/budget. Some people prefer to have mobile units that they can move around, especially if they are after a more nomadic type of fish like walleye, or want to visit a number of different waters. Others have a favourite, reliable spot and set up a permanent ice shanty for the season. A common sight is the camper trailer on ice (some with skis attached instead of the wheels), little tin or wood structures that seat one, or maybe even a tent with a couple of lawn chairs tucked in. And then there is always the Cadillac of the ice – two-storey, miniature cottage-type shacks which are designed to live in, with bunkies, cook stoves, and the like. You know − Man Cave of the Ice. Awesome! There are a number of little villages along
the Ottawa and Rideau Rivers popping up as soon as the ice is safe. There are many places which have shacks available for rent. You and the family or the buddies can set up for the day and have a great time. A popular spot is just off Petrie Island in Ottawa’s east end. There you will find Ozile’s Café, Marina and Tackle Shop, where they have established an ice fishing village. You can rent huts along with all the required equipment. The huts come equipped with either a wood stove or propane heater, chairs and benches. They also have packages for all-day fully-equipped rentals, or you can rent the hut on its own if you already have all the required equipment. There are even special overnight rates in some of the two-storey huts! If you prefer ice fishing on a lake – check
out White Lake – drop in to see the folks at White Lake Marina, or even check out the Not Just Fishing web site for a list of ice fishing hut operators at this link: http//www.icefishing.
notjustfishing.com. Have a great winter!
www.bounder.ca
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