Is there any better feeling than being out there on the ice, knowing that all your hard work has finally paid off and you’ve made a great catch while ice fishing?
This difficult, yet rewarding sport can be one of the most exciting in the world, but there’s nothing more frustrating than returning to your favorite spot only to find that the hole has frozen back up.
While aggravating, there are certain steps that you can take to help ensure that this doesn’t happen, no matter how long you need to step away for.
Here are a few top tips you should keep in mind that will guarantee you have an open hole to pull your fish through every time they’re hooked.
Get Out the Cooking Spray
Cooking spray can be just as handy on the ice as it is in the kitchen. This is because the oil-based spray freezes at a much lower temperature than water, and so applying it to your hole will help ensure that things stay nice and open for a longer period of time.
Additionally, you don’t have to worry about having any sort of chemicals attach to your fish unexpectedly as the spray itself is entirely safe for consumption.
To use this tactic, simply take your cooking spray and apply it around the entire inside of your hole and the edge once every 30 minutes.
Also, to get the most out of this particular method, make sure you store the spray can in a warm space, or even in your pocket depending on how much space you have in your coat.
Can of Charcoal
Another slightly more difficult method would be to add a can of charcoal to your fishing hole.
While it might seem like quite a bit of work, it’s incredibly effective and will be the best way to go if you know you have to step away from your fishing area for an extended period of time.
To do this, simply take an old coffee can and fill it with charcoal pieces. Get the charcoal burning as soon as you can so that the can is ready to go the second you get your hole set.
Once you have your main fishing hole dug, you’ll need to drill another hole the size of your coffee can right next to your main hole and then add a small connecting channel between the two.
Place your burning coals into the smaller hole and that’s about it. The coals will actively warm up the water underneath your two holes, ensuring that the main fishing hole doesn’t close up at any point in the near future.
When it comes to ice fishing, making sure that your hole stays open and ice-free is the best way to guarantee you’re able to hold onto those quality catches. Make sure you keep these tips in mind so that you can make the most out of this upcoming season starting today.
Ben has a bachelor’s degree in construction engineering. When not constructing or remodeling X-Ray Rooms, Cardiovascular Labs, and Pharmacies, you can find him at home with wife and two daughters. Outside of family, He loves grilling and barbequing on his Big Green Egg and Blackstone Griddle, as well as working on projects around the house.
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