Set the hook by lifting the rod tip quickly and firmly. Store your fish on the ice away from your fishing holes. If you don't catch a fish, move 30 to 40 feet and cut another hole. As you add holes, return to the holes you cut earlier once in a while to see if the fish have moved over there. Sunfish and perch are active throughout the winter with late December through mid January often providing excellent fishing.
Ice fishing is a very social activity.
Often you can walk over to the next group and swap stories about conditions or your fishing exploits. Seeing the fish come up from the dark water beneath the ice is very exciting. If the ice is clear, you may even be able to watch the fish approach your ice hole. The flavor of fish caught through the ice from the frigid waters is truly exceptional. To remove bones and create a solid piece of meat for cooking, use a sharp knife.