As a fierce polar vortex descends upon the US, with temperatures plunging to a bone-chilling -29° in places like Gunnison, ice anglers are bracing for the extremes. Fishing in such frigid conditions without the shelter of a hut presents a unique set of challenges, not only for the anglers themselves but also for their gear and the fish they hope to catch. Here’s what every ice fisher should be aware of when venturing onto the icy expanse under the grip of a polar vortex.
Gear Glitches in the Cold
Guides Freezing Shut: One of the most immediate problems when fishing in extreme cold is that the water on your line freezes rapidly, causing the guides on your fishing rod to ice over. This can make reeling in your line smoothly nearly impossible, often leading to snapped lines or lost fish.
Brittle Lines and Rod Breakage: Cold temperatures can make fishing lines brittle and more susceptible to breaking. Similarly, the fishing rod itself can become more fragile and prone to snapping, especially when under the strain of a struggling fish.
Gelled Up Gear Oil: The lubricants in your fishing reel can thicken or even gel in cold weather, which hampers the reel’s functionality. This can affect drag and reeling smoothness, potentially ruining your chances of effectively landing a catch.
Ice Accumulation at the Hole: The intense cold causes the water in your fishing hole to refreeze quickly, leading to jagged edges that can cut your line. Continuously chipping away at the ice to keep the hole open not only requires extra effort but also disturbs the water, potentially driving fish away.
Battery Drain: Cold temperatures are notorious for draining battery life, which can be problematic if you rely on electronic devices for fish finding or navigation.
The Human Factor
Exposure Risks: In such extreme weather conditions, any exposed skin is vulnerable to frostbite within minutes. Layering appropriately is crucial, but even the smallest gap in your protective gear can expose skin to dangerous temperatures.
Diminished Response Time: The cold doesn’t just affect your comfort; it slows down your physical reactions and can dull your senses, affecting everything from your ability to detect a nibble on your line to your agility in handling fishing equipment.
Impact on the Catch
Fish Health and Handling: When fish are pulled from the deep, chilly waters into the frigid air, the drastic temperature change can shock them, potentially causing harm or even fatality if they are released back. This is crucial for catch-and-release anglers to consider. Additionally, taking photos with your catch in such cold conditions can be risky; briefly exposing fish to the air can freeze their protective slime coat, making them more susceptible to injuries or death upon release. Proper handling is essential to maintain the health and quality of the fish during these extreme conditions.
Fishing In Extreme Cold – Concluding Thoughts
Though it requires extra effort to transport and set up, an ice hut and heater are invaluable during extreme cold snaps. These tools provide crucial protection for your gear, preventing issues like frozen guides and gelled reel oil, and enhance your comfort and safety, reducing the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. Additionally, they help safeguard the fish by minimizing their exposure to the severe cold, preserving their health or meat quality whether you release them or keep your catch.
We hope you’ve found this information helpful! Be sure to check out our other Blog Posts, YouTube Channel, and Online Courses as well as our Guided, On The Water Trainings and our lineup of premium fishing products in our Tackle Shop!
If you have any questions visit our Contact Us page, or email us at info@gsofishing.com. We are here to help. – Team GSO Fishing