


The sport of ice fishing has undergone many changes over the years. As a result it has become one of the more popular winter activities. It rivals skiing and snowmobiling as the top winter activity.
Long before it became such a popular winter recreation it was pursued just for survival in the north. Even back then ice fishing was a way to suppliment other sources of food.
LURES
If you go back in time many hunters and trappers had little choice but to use their ingenuity to come up with ways to catch fish. They fished with materials they had on hand boot laces, string, wire, can lids, and old kitchen knives and forks bent into srange shapes, or other gadgets on hand if food was needed now. Their techniques have long been forgotten and have not really been described in much detail for us to read about.
No doubt in the early years of ice fishing most of the rudimentary tips came from Inuit and native peoples who where the real experts in ice fishing for their livelihood. Native americans used what they had at hand, making lures from animals and bones. Because of remoteness and no tackle shops to visit their lures were made in this way out of necessity.
Today we have a huge selection of gear for ice fishing, just visit your favorite sporting goods store and your in business. Rods, reels, lines and the variety of lures is huge. Lures are now made for every type of fish and they are made in all sizes, colors that you will ever need.
CLOTHING
In days of old dressing for ice fishing was a problem from the long johns to heavy wool pants and shirt for the next layer. Then for the feet you had heavy wool socks then heavy felt lined boots. Then the heavy parka to top it off, then woolen gloves and heavy mittens, very uncomfortable for movement and flexabillity.
Modern clothing allows ice fishermen to fish much more comfortably remain warmer and safer.
TRAVEL
Travelling on the ice one hundred years ago meant getting out the snow shoes and putting all your fishing gear and food in a backpack and lumbering off to the nearest remote lake or river.
Todays ice fishermen have little concern for these old problems, he has some problems but is much better eqipped to handle most problems.
The invention of the snowmobile has changed the lifestyle of everyone living in snow country, including eskimo and natve peoples. The dog teams of old are slowly disapearing. Snow machines involve much less work and worry for all.
The snowmobile has become a way of life for all outdoors people everywhere. It has also had a great effect on ice fishing. Just by hooking up a small sled to the snowmachine you can handle all the gear needed for a successful ice fishing trip. Fishing on the ice is no longer a great problem from travel to keeping warm and even to catching those fish technology has made things much easier and of course it is great fun.
Ice fishing huts today come in all shapes and sizes just look and you will find styles and sizes from basic shelters to huts with all the comfort af a camper. But just get out there and enjoy, be safe, warm and catch some fish.
ICE FISING