Ice fishing is certainly not a sport that we will be able to enjoy in a place like Hong Kong – unless the world freezes over. It does look like a lot of fun though. Rather than staying at home in the warmth during the winter months, ice fishing allows you to get outside, do some exercise, meet your friends, and catch your dinner.
It is difficult for us to imagine what it would be like to see our city covered in snow and our reservoirs frozen over. But for people living in locations where that kind of weather happens every year, ice fishing is a popular sport.
The most important thing you have to remember when you decide to participate in ice fishing is safety. The last thing you want is to go crashing through thin ice and having people fish you out of the frozen water. Experienced ice fishermen recommend that the ice should be at least 10 centimetres thick. There is a popular saying amongst ice fishermen, “Thick and blue, tried and true. Thin and crispy, way too risky.”
The next important thing to remember is clothing. It’s going to be very cold. Doubtlessly you will warm up if you are walking to the frozen lake, but once you start fishing, you may be sitting in one position for a very long time. Therefore, you should wear plenty of warm clothing.
Equipment is something else you have to give some thought to. To reach the water where the fish may be swimming, you first have to drill a hole in the ice. Many people use a hand ice auger (above left) which is like a manual drill. The fisherman has to drill a hole in the ice first, then chip away at the hole with a chisel to make it wider. A 30-centimetre hole is said to be a good size. If the weather is really cold, the exposed water may begin to freeze. Remember to carry with you something called a skimmer to break it up.
Once the hole has been made, you are ready. Ice fishing uses slightly different techniques to regular fishing. For example, during the winter the fish are not so active. They stay at a specific depth. This makes them easier to find – but it’s good to ask for advice from experts who are familiar with the fish. It is also important to remember that if any fish you catch is too small, you should throw it back into the water.
Ice fishing is a fun and unique cold weather sport. You do not really need much equipment. All you need is an air ticket to take you to a place where the lakes and rivers freeze over during the winter.
Topi the Corgi dog demonstrates how to go ice fishing:
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