Get better at ice fishing with these easy tips.

Ice fishers do not mourn the arrival of winter. In fact, they look forward eagerly to the day when the ice on the lake will be strong enough to support them and their gear. Weather cold enough to send most of us in to a warm fire means it is time for ice fishers to put their shacks on their sleds and head for the lake.

Ice fishing requires its devotees to go out on a frozen lake in the dead of winter. To participate in the sport a hole must first be dug in the ice through which to fish. Throughout the entire fishing expedition the hole must be kept clear of any ice which might interfere with catching fish.

Alaska and states along the Canadian border are some of the most popular places to ice fish in the United States. Many ice fishers visit North Dakota during the winter. States like Wisconsin which border the Great Lakes are another great place to go ice fishing.

No matter where you ice fish, a fishing license will be required. Getting a license is the first thing to do once you have decided to embark on an ice fishing adventure. Some licenses will be good for the entire season; others may be valid only for certain periods of time.

Many different types of fish find their ways onto the hooks of ice fishers. Perch are widely fished on the ice. If you are looking to land a perch, you will probably want to cast your line down low. A lot of perch will be found deep in the water during the winter.

As with any cold weather sport layering your clothing is the key to staying warm but not getting too hot. The layer closest to your body should absorb perspiration and pull it away from your body. Several warm layers go on top including multiple pairs of socks and gloves or mittens. Finish off with water repellent jacket and pants on top of everything.

The ice does not come pre-drilled with holes. Ice fishers open up the ice with their own augers. Do not cut an opening any wider than one foot across. Once you have drilled the hole. Keep ice from collecting in it by using a long handled skimmer with a woven basket to scoop chips out of the hole.

Hearty souls may choose to sit out in the open while ice fishing. A lot of ice fishers find that bringing a portable ice shack with them increases their enjoyment. Shacks allow ice fishers to stay on the ice for longer periods of time. Some ice fishers have semi-permanent shacks that are large enough to accommodate several people at one time.

All ice fishers will tell you they have a special trick for catching fish. The most important trick may be in knowing your quarry. Trout respond well to lures that move. Bounce your lure along just below the surface of the water and see how many trout jump to the bait.

Pulling out the fishing gear when old man winter is well on his way may at first seem out of place. One trip to the ice turns many a skeptic into a lifelong ice fishing enthusiast. Therefore, when there is a decided nip in the air, pull your waders on over a few pairs of thermal underwear and head off to the lake to ice fish.