New To Ice Fishing!

[shelby96]

Hey everyone me and my buddies have all been long time fishermen!

We would like to try out ice fishing on Lake Simcoe, if anyone has any tips or suggestions as to..

1) line setup
2) bait/ lures
3) ice conditions
4) depth of lakers and white fish
5) ice safety

it would greatly be appreciated!

Hope to hear soon!

Thanks

[Sal-eye]

You may need a boat

[shelby96]

So I've heard!

[perchhunter16]

The ice will be gone by next week with the weather forecast we have coming up,

[Paddy]

First time ice fishing? Or first time on Simcoe?

[Sal-eye]

I don't think 12" of ice is going to be totally gone, but we are all going to have to take a deep breath and gather our senses again before we venture out. Typically after a warm front, it drops off. Lets hope that drop will firm up what ever we have left.

[ForrestGumpFishing]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKpAzvXSldA

Self Rescue videos are always helpful !!

[FishConnoissier]

Simcoe was still frozen where I was on Wednesday.
Ice was 3inch white and 4 inch black.

Even with warmer Temps, the ice should still hold up.
But as always,no ice is safe ice, if you must, try to spud out.

[vitaly]

As everyone mentioned, lake trout and whitefish ice is not safe yet, but when it will be, you'd need the following:


1) A braided line works better at deeper water since it has less strech. Get an ice fishing braided that doesn't absorb water. Tie it with a swivel to ~ 3ft of flourocarbon leader (6-8lbs)

2) Different lures work:
Williams
Wobbler
Vibrato



3) Ice conditions are not good now, you want at least 4" of black ice to feel safe

4) They are found at 70-100+ ft

5) Safety gear includes:

Survival suit (or at least a PFD)
Hand Held spikes to allow you to claw your way unto to ice in case of submersion
A spare change of clothes in the car

My personal mantra is that if I need to wear a lot of safety gear, it's not safe to go out.

[shelby96]

Really appreciate all the help!