And this year, with the extremely cold December here is the North Country, the ice has formed early. I've learned that there are many basic, elaborate, simple or high-tech methods used by ice fishermen. The most basic of course is to put a hole in the ice. Making a hole requires an ice auger . There are two basic types of augers.
Larger diameters cost more, but make it easier to bring a big fish through the hole.
The ice fisherman also needs some basic equipment - a rod, reel, and line. Ice rods are usually short, light, and sensitive. The reel should balance the rod and have a sensitive drag. The line should be four to six pound monofilament. Assorted baits and sinkers are used, but jigs made of feathers, animal hair, or synthetic materials seem to be most effective.