For those of you who are getting cabin fever, check out the fastest growing winter sport - ice fishing. In the '50s and '60s this was a family outing on Lake Hopatcong with hundreds of anglers enjoying this winter sport. I have never gone ice fishing before, so it has raised many questions on how, where and even why. I did some research and spoke to a few friends who have been ice fishing for generations and they tell me it's like tailgating on ice.
First you need to find fishable ice. (Four inches or more) - Lake Hopatcong, Lake Wawayanda, Swartswood Lake, Paulinskill Lake, Cranberry Lake, Lake Musconetcong, Budd Lake, Mountain Lake, or any other frozen body of water. Safety is the key, so make sure to check ahead and see if the location you intend to fish has safe ice. You can never have enough warm layers of clothes to wear, and always bring backup so if you do get cold or wet, your day is not over. A thermos with a hot beverage is a good idea and since you're at a public lake bring along the tailgate supplies and food. For all you Jets and Giants fans this should be second nature. Don’t forget you will also need a fishing license that you can get online or at any participating sport shops.
What do you bring to catch fish under the ice? I read that most anglers bring a sled to transport their tackle and supplies on the ice which enhances the whole ice fishing experience. Local bait shops will sell live shiners for bait - two to four dozen is recommended, or meal worms and grubs will also work well. You'll also need a hand auger or ice chisels to cut several holes in the ice. I'm told you will need to buy a "tip-up" for each line, which is an apparatus that flips a flag up when a fish hits your line; this way you don't have to stand there and hold your line in the cold. You can have up to five of these set up on the ice, and make sure you put your name and address on each (rules of ice fishing). Tip-ups are inexpensive and you can get them at the local bait shop as well. If this is too much information a small fresh water spinning rod and reel will do.
Now, what type of fish is lurking below? Well, according to the N.J. Division of Fish & Wildlife, many species of fish including warm-water species such as largemouth bass, sunfish, crappie and yellow perch are active and susceptible to ice fishing techniques. Two of the more popular and widely distributed species are the chain pickerel and yellow perch. Both species are generally found in shallow depths (less than 15 feet) associated with aquatic vegetation. Yellow perch are a schooling fish and once located, the action can be fast and furious. Sunfish and crappie also school up and can be caught in good numbers. Large predators like smallmouth bass and largemouth bass are also on the prowl and provide a little more challenge.
Several popular cool-water fish species found in the northern U.S. and Canada have been stocked in recent years by the Division of Fish & Wildlife and angler organizations in New Jersey. These fish can provide the ultimate challenge for those ice fishermen looking for trophy-size fish. These species include walleye, northern pike, tiger muskies, and last but not least is the true "cold water" fish, the trout. There are several lakes where holdover trout are available and others that are stocked by angler organizations in the fall. Fish & Wildlife has also increased the opportunity to catch trout through the ice with the relatively new Winter Trout Stocked Lakes program. For more research log on to
www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/articefish04.htm. Remember to have fun, take all your trash away, and be cautious, courteous and safe.
Fish on!
