It began with the arctic-like blast of sub-freezing temperatures in early January, and, following a brief stretch normal winter weather for area, the cold returned, providing excellent conditions for ice fishing and other hard-water activities.
"There were a few diehards out on the ice early, but ice fishing has really broken loose in the area," Tom Banditelli of Tom's Auto and Marine in Tamaqua said. "They're coming in every day for minnows, worms, jigs and everything else associated with ice fishing."
While the early sub-freezing temperatures had produced safe ice on some water surfaces, the following rollercoaster rides of high and low temperatures, from the Polar Vortex that set low temperature records and caused ice jams on rivers and streams to the heavy thunderstorms and an early January thaw, safe ice fishing conditions were put on hold in some areas. Ice thickness on natural water surfaces should be a minimum of four inches thick to be safe.
Going on ice-covered rivers or streams should not be done as the flowing water beneath the ice makes it very dangerous. And even with safety equipment, which should be part of an ice-fishing gear bag, it is practically impossible to rescue someone from water flowing under ice.
Ice fishing is not for the faint of heart. In fact, many passionate anglers who spend a multitude of hours fishing from April to November will not set foot on a frozen pond or lake with the hope a fish will venture near a hole in the ice and take their bait. Even for veteran hard-water anglers, many ice-fishing adventures are cancelled or cut short due to whipping winds and temperatures in the sub-teens.
Lakes and smaller impoundments of northeastern Pennsylvania offer great ice fishing opportunities. This area is often referred to as the "ice fishing capital" of the Keystone State, due to the abundance of locations available for hard-water enthusiasts to ply their skills, but conditions often change from day to day and lake to lake.
One day a particular impoundment might be covered with six inches of clear safe ice, and the next day following a snowfall or rain and warmer temperatures, it might be covered by unsafe ice and slush. Conditions also change throughout a single day, so always be alert and aware of the ice conditions.
Ice fishing has become more popular with the refinement of the sport's clothing and equipment. Proper clothing for ice fishing begins with good boots, and the best choice is insulated rubber boots and socks that hold body heat.
Dress in layers - not one heavy layer - as this method will trap and retain warm air between the layers. New technology has produced jackets and pants made from materials that allow body perspiration to escape, but prevents outside moisture from entering.
Be sure the outer layer is water repellent and wind resistant, and it is a good idea to remove some layers when cutting holes and setting up equipment. A comfortable day on the ice for all those involved will guarantee a desire to return again in the future.
A good hint for beginners planning to try ice fishing for the first time is to head out later in the afternoon with at least an hour of daylight remaining. Look for open holes that have been abandoned by the ice anglers that left early, and if open holes are found, they can be fished using a light-weight spinning rod, reel, an ice fishing lure or a hook with bait such as a mealworm, baitfish or other bait available at a bait shops.
For those who become hooked, there is plenty of tackle on the market designed exclusively for ice fishing. The most important essential tool is a device for cutting a hole in the ice - from basic hand augers to gas and electric power augers. Other essentials are an ice ladle, tip-ups, ice fishing rods and reels, lures, sinkers and other equipment such as pop-up wind shacks, heaters and sleds for hauling gear and tackle.
There are many different types of tip-ups on the market with wide-ranging prices, and often bargains can be found by searching the classified ads. All tip-ups work the same way, some are just more high tech than others, so selection is a matter of personal choice.
With planning, ice fishing is a great family activity and lends itself to cookouts. As for the regulations, they are outlined in the "Pennsylvania Fishing Summary" the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission provides with each fishing license.
As for the rules, there is only one that matters: safety first.