WINTER HARD WATER FISHING

Today is November 30, 2010. Although today's weather is above normal with rain, tomorrow is suppose to be near normal with snow showers. It's often said about the weather here in Ohio, "if you don't like the weather today, wait until tomorrow"! There has been some skim ice on the ponds already but it hasn't been cold enough to start a good ice over. I was checking the weather in Minnesota the other day and found the weather at Mille Lacs lake to be in the low twenties for day time highs and near "0" at night! This area usually ends up with over 3 foot of ice and their ice fishing season runs through March! If we get the right weather here in Ohio, I've seen our season run from mid January till mid February. It takes several nights with temperatures around zero to make good ice on our lakes. I refer to "Good Ice" as being hard and 6" or more in thickness! A rule of thumb states that 2" of ice can support one 200 pound man, 3" can support a small group that are spread out, 6" of hard ice will support a car. I mentioned "Hard Ice". If the freeze isn't interrupted by warming temperatures or rain and snow, the ice should form a hard, thick covering. If there is a period of snow during the freeze over, the ice will take on a cloudy, softer form and will require thicker ice to be safe! Personally, I never traverse on the ice until it is at least 5" thick. I'm a large guy at over 350 pounds and I don't like to take chances! When I think the time is right to check out the ice, I approach from the shallows, and using a spud bar, I attempt to see how solid the ice is by chopping small holes close to shore! If I'm happy with the results then I'll move further out and open another hole. I'll do this until I reach the first area I want to fish then I'll use my auger to open my fishing hole. I will use this method over the entire lake or at least the areas I will be fishing. The thickness of the ice can vary according to different underwater conditions or any structures like boat docks, rocks or wood that is protruding through the ice. These objects will draw heat from the sun and actually melt the ice that is surrounding them! You should never venture out on new ice alone. Keep in mind that the surface water is at 32 degrees and can be extremely life threating if you should break through! Ice fishing is a great sport and a fun way to make it through the long winter months. Use common sense, dress accordingly, have good equipment and you will find out just how much you will enjoy fishing through "Hard Water"!