Jumping off the Diving Board

Remember that first time you jumped off a diving board?  It probably went to something like this.  You slowly climbed the steps and crept out to the edge.  You looked down at the deep water, looked at your friends, looked to make sure the lifeguard was watching.  Thinking this was going to be a painful experience; you chickened out and swore you would try it again, someday.  Someday came and you took the leap.  Realizing this was better than swimming with your mother in the kiddy pool.  You were hooked.

Why do I write about this anecdote on a fishing website?  Ice fishing. 

Short rods, different lures and baits; intimidating stuff if you have not tried it before.  "First time ice fishing," "New to Ice Fishing," and "Any Ideas?" These are just a few of the forum posts that ask the basic questions of ice fishing.  I applaud these members for trying to gather a little of information before trying it out.  If you have not gone yet, and have thought to yourself, "maybe next year," now is the time to try it.

Still do not believe me?  Think it is too expensive?  Maybe to complex?  Try this out just once.  Buy one inexpensive ultra-light  ice fishing pole, spool of the 4lb test line, a few tiny ice jigs and a cup of wax worms.  Borrow your other fishing buddies' auger, promising to return it in one piece.  Drive to your favorite local fishing water that you are comfortable with during the open water months.  Locate some water with a depth ten to fifteen feet.  Tip your ice jig with a wax worm and slowly work it from the bottom to the top. 

As for falling through the ice, not going to happen.  I am taking a slow approach.  I have read articles such as " Early Ice" by Bernie Keefe and Minnesota DNR's article at http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/ice/index.html.  Read the reports, drill extra holes, and always error on the side of caution. 

So far, I have taken my first ice fishing season slow and steady.  Today, in the company of good friends, we attempted a front flip off the diving board and succeeded.  We caught about 50 fish, landing four different species of trout.

This blog was originally posted on Fishexplorer.com