Hit the ice this weekend and participate in the statewide free fishing weekend. This means that you can fish anywhere in Wisconsin without a license. However, there is limits on how many fish you can keep and the size of the fish. Get in the spirit, and head to a nearby lake or river for some ice fishing fun. The free fishing begins on Saturday, January 18th and goes until Sunday, January 19th.
Make sure you bring everything you need for a day out on the ice. Here are some ice-fishing essentials:
- You are going to need an ice auger in order to drill a hole in the ice. However, you could use a hole that was already abandoned or ask somebody nearby to drill a hole for you.
- Outdoor seating is going to be a must if you plan on sitting outside for a long period of time. Bring a collapsible camp chair or lawn chair along with you.
- An ice rod and reel is essential to your fishing expedition, they come in many different styles and sizes so consult a local outdoor sales person if you have questions.
- You may want a portable hut and a small portable heater to keep yourself warm while on the ice.
If you have never been ice fishing before, this weekend would be a great weekend to try it out. Ice fishing is a great way to get out of the house, and enjoy the winter season. Even if you are not a huge fan of the cold weather, bring a thermos full of hot chocolate or a cooler full of beverages and you might enjoy it a little more. When your done on the ice, you can go home and whip up a batch of creamy potato soup. Have a great weekend, and stay warm if you plan on hitting the ice.