Why do people ice fish?

[fallen1817]

For me, there is something really relaxing about sitting in the hut, and staring down the hole, and never knowing what is going to swim by... And trying to "play" with the fish to entice them to bite...

... And then there are the other times where a pike flies in at mach 5 and slams your lure...

... And some of the best naps are had with your head back, and fishing line in hand.

[bobalong]

I like all kinds of fishing, I think if you are passionate about fishing the time of year or the gear you use doesn't really matter. We all have our favorites, gear, lakes, stream, species, season, etc. but mostly we just love fishn'.

[Sloughsharkjigger]

It’s in the genes...

Grand-fathers - Grand-father fished any time it was legal, which in the northern third means going trough ice. Fish was an important part of living.

As mentioned in previous posts it’s all about access... very true for sure. Yet, it’s not just about getting to that certain spot on said lake but actually getting to said lake became possible once the ground became frozen.

[338Bluff]

After today I'm starting to wonder myself. 2 hour drive. Burned up 3 bottles of propane. Ears and nose are still tingling/burning. Complete skunk out on whitefish. I'm an idiot lol!

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[58thecat]

Because.

[ssyd]

1. I don't own a boat.
2. I drive a car.
3. I can use an underwater camera.
4. While technically not allowed, in my experience if you're fishing legal the CO won't dump your booze and charge you with drunk boating.
5. Nothing beats warm days late season with minimal snow on the ice. Tip: Bring a frisbee.

[Red Bullets]

Ice anglers can say all these reasons for ice fishing but secretly inside they all are patiently waiting to hook into the fish that is so big that it won't fit into the hole... and the fish that got away becomes campfire legendary. Eventually the local history book has a folklore story written about the old angler and the lake.

I have ice fished over the years for the peaceful zen and protein. Nothing better than a fresh willow smoked whitefish or pickled pike. Fish chowder with perch, pike, walleye, whitefish and lingcod in one pot is divine. Food for living long....in cold winters.

[fallen1817]

Originally Posted by 338Bluff

After today I'm starting to wonder myself. 2 hour drive. Burned up 3 bottles of propane. Ears and nose are still tingling/burning. Complete skunk out on whitefish. I'm an idiot lol!

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And you know what? I'd bet money you'll do it all over again next chance you have!

[338Bluff]

Originally Posted by fallen1817

And you know what? I'd bet money you'll do it all over again next chance you have!

Tomorrow doesn't look to bad. Only minus 24C.....

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[madman]

The same reason i have to breathe.


Mad

[Brandonkop]

Because the fish are under the ice in the winter.

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[Glenn D]

What else to do untill lake thaws.

[PlayDoh]

I used to wonder the same thing for years. Then I tried it. Now I can’t stop.
Sure the boat is nice, warm sun, etc. except when there’s people all around you, or it’s plus 33 and your baking in the sun. Kids are board, wife / woman have to pee, etc. I not knocking it though.

Ice fishing is like fishing in my own personal man-cave. I don’t even care if I catch, honestly. I mean I try fairly hard to, but the silence is golden.

And when it’s 35 below you get to feel like some Eskimo or polar explorer. I can’t take the heat, and I’m right at home in the cold.

Don’t knock it till you try it.


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[Johnny199r]

I ice fish all winter, without a shack or any sort of covering. I also live in Northern Manitoba, where it's much colder than most of Alberta.

I like the social aspect, I like that it gets me outdoors in winter and I like catching fish.

[Tigrr]

in response to the op it is the cheapest way to fish and I can go out on any lake. Ice caught fish taste the best too.

[1bluZebec]

Getting out on long drive early in am with a fresh coffee and setting up just in time to sit down and relax and watch the sun poke its head out above the tree line to start the day officially is my favoritenot having to launch a boat or worry much about access is awesome. It's a rush


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[Dweb]

-30 sun out pike biting !!

[Jaymann]

It's something fun to do during the winter. After you've spent an arm and leg on equipment it's a pretty cheap hobby to get into. I own a camera and I enjoy/get frustrated watching fish go after my lures.

[Nikanit]

I've fished all my life and only started ice fishing 10 years ago. I like the fact that a lot of times, I can actually see my lure and the fish come to it, very unlike my usual lake or river fishing. Very exciting to see the fish come in

[sns2]

Originally Posted by 1bluZebec

Getting out on long drive early in am with a fresh coffee and setting up just in time to sit down and relax and watch the sun poke its head out above the tree line to start the day officially is my favoritenot having to launch a boat or worry much about access is awesome. It's a rush


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This is an added bonus to the enjoyment of the fishing experience.

[wcbarker]

Originally Posted by badger

Watch this, unlike any ice fishing I've done:

Crazy Girl Ice Fishing

I used to bow fish out of holes like that when it was legal in alberta. great time. Too bad it is all over with now. Don't think it will ever come back.