Good sense, good gear keep ice fishing fun

A lot of you are eyeing the local lakes and thinking about punching some holes through the ice and wetting a line for some of that "hard water" fun we call ice fishing.

My wife calls it insanity, but that's a story for another day. Before you venture out on that first winter fishing expedition, here are a few points to consider.

Because of the mild weather to date, knowing the thickness of the ice on your chosen lake would be wise. The Alaska State Parks folks monitor a few areas, such as Finger Lake and Nancy Lake.

Fish and Game does not monitor ice thickness. Basically, you're on your own. Drill some test holes close to shore to determine thickness.

Clear ice is stronger than cloudy ice and watch out for areas in the lake where springs bubble up and the ice is thinner.

Personally, I won't go out walking on the ice until it is at least six inches thick. If conditions warrant, like some snow cover, I'll take the snowmachine out on ice 8-10 inches thick and drive my truck out after the ice is headed toward 2 feet thick.

These are conservative views, but then, it's my life and equipment I'm dealing with. I'd rather be safe than dead.

Having the proper icefishing equipment makes the whole experience more enjoyable. Several local stores sell the specialized gear necessary for an enjoyable day of ice fishing. They include 3 Rivers Fly and Tackle and Wal-Mart in Wasilla, and a new store called The Bait Shop & Supply, located in the B&J Rainbow Mall at Mile 49 Parks Hwy.

Stop in and talk with the folks while you browse. They are willing to share hot spots, ice conditions, and make recommendations on what the fish are biting.

When I first started ice fishing, I could carry all my gear in a 5-gallon bucket. Adding some comforts, like a power auger, a tent shelter to get out of the weather, propane heaters, chairs, plus the tip-ups, an assortment of rods and reels, gaffs, tackle boxes, and all the other goodies meant I needed to find a better method to transport my "essentials." Now, I use a large aluminum box mounted on a sled I can either hand-pull or tow behind the snowmachine.

In addition to being safe and having the proper gear, it is also prudent to be legal. You will need a current Alaska sport-fishing license. The 2002 license expires on December 31.

If you plan to go fishing on January 1, you will need a new 2003 sport-fishing license.

Most vendors have the new licenses available starting around the middle of December, so pick one up while you're out doing your Christmas shopping.

Sgt. Mark Agnew of the Big Lake Fish and Wildlife Protection office recommends that you keep a current copy of the 2002 sport fishing regulations book with your gear. When you arrive at your ice fishing destination, take a few minutes to review the rules for your location and intended species.

Note any special regulations that may apply, like number of lines or hooks for northern pike, size restrictions for rainbow trout or bag limits for landlocked salmon or Arctic char. Are you fishing a stocked lake or one with natural fish populations?

Ignorance of the rules is not a valid excuse for breaking them. Sgt. Agnew would rather talk gear and favorite lures than write you a citation for some illegal activity.

For more detailed information on ice fishing in the Valley, go to ADF&G's Region 2 Sport Fish homepage at www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/Region2/html/r2home.stm. Under Fishing Information, click on Ice Fishing Resources.

You now have access to information on lake maps and public access, fish stocking records, safety, fishing opportunities, regulations, winter fishing reports, equipment and techniques.

Click on The Pike Page for detailed information on northern pike fishing.

Dress warmly and good luck.

Howard Delo is a retired fishery biologist living in Big Lake. Readers who want to contact him can send their comments and ideas to editor@frontiersman.com, or call 352-2268 and leave a message for Howard.