by A J Grape

Created on: January 07, 2009

Ice fishing is not widely considered to be a family friendly activity. Even hardened fishing fanatics will hesitate or second guess the idea of taking their long-johns out of mothballs for a hike to the ice in the dead of winter. Winter pulls down the jet-stream and arctic currents bend low and roll flat and hard across the land. At times, the bite and burn of even the most gentle breeze is enough to reverse the course of the most meant-well and determined fishermen among us. At these times, even the madness of cabin fever may not be a sufficient motivator to drive us out into the eye stinging open air and onto the cold dry ice. But, on a good day, ice fishing is a great outdoor activity for families especially if everyone pitches in.

Not every winter's day has teeth sharp enough to give us frost bite. And when the sun shines bright and the air is still, a well planned, supplied and executed ice fishing trip can be tremendously successful, refreshing, and fun. What many people do not realize is that winter, in the north, is not one long continuous arctic blast until the first tulips pop through the snow. There is an ebb and flow, with some frigid days and some days that are quite refreshing. Planning is the key to enjoyment and there is nothing more invigorating than spending a day out in the open air fishing on the ice with your family.

Ice fishing, of course, is in a category all its own and the preparations are unique in the sport of fishing. The gear is still very similar to what has been used for over a hundred years. It's basic and trustworthy. How you organize is up to you, but I go with the same tried and true methods my dad used, because they worked and gave us many years of fun.

On large, well known, vacation destination type lakes, ice fishing has become a seasonal cottage industry. There you can find portable fishing shanties and shacks available along with lodging and everything else you might need for warmth, comfort. All the necessary gear is provided right by the lake. These services facilitate an indoor/outdoor ice fishing experience that takes the painful edge off a frigid day. In these shanties, you can venture out and endure some pretty tough winter weather. It's almost like catching fish in the privacy of your own privy. For clarification, this article will describe an experience requiring friendlier weather conditions.

First, we'll talk about the sled box. Yes, I said sled. It's brilliant, and yet so very simple. My dad took an old four

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