It’s just about time to retire the open water fishing gear to winter storage and dig out the ice fishing gear! The weather is getting colder and we are ramping up for another fantastic year of Minnesota ice fishing. So, to help you get ready with us, we have a few tips and tricks to make sure you are geared up and ready to go once the ice is firmed up on Lake Mille Lacs.
Ramping Up for Another Season of Minnesota Ice Fishing
It’s never too early to start planning ahead for the winter season. Even though the ice isn’t here yet, it’s not far off and we can’t wait to start drilling holes again. The best way to know when it’s ready to start moving fish houses is by checking in with Mille Lacs ice reports or the ice fishing report through The Red Door Resort. We’ll have regular updates to make sure you get a first look at what’s going on on the lake. But until then, what do you need to get ready to be best prepared for the green light that’s right around the corner?
Tackling Your Tackle Box
The changing of seasons doesn’t just bring a change in the color of our scenery, but also a change in our fishing gear. Just like mom always putting away our summer clothes and pulling out our winter clothes, we tend to do the same with our tackle boxes. So, what do we need to make sure is in check? Well, first thing’s first, dust off the tackle box and open’er up.
Number one thing you will want to double check is that your fishing line is still in good working order. There’s nothing worse than getting out on the ice just to discover that all of your lines are brittle or somehow managed to tangle in storage. If you don’t already, we suggest having braided lines for ice fishing as it’s a lot easier on your hands and less likely to get coated in ice. Another thing you will want to check is your ice fishing poles and tip-ups, if those aren’t in good condition, your fishing trip could go south in a hurry.
As far as your tackle box goes, double checking that none of your lures have gotten brittle or worn out is a good habit to get into. It’s far easier to pick up new lures before you head out, rather than trying to find a bait shop nearby with the lures you prefer in stock. The lakes are busy and shelves don’t always stay fully stocked in the thick of the MInnesota ice fishing season. Check out this site for some of the top lures used by anglers that are hitting the ice this year to see what you need to add to your tackle box.
A Few Things You Won’t Want to Forget
So, your tackle and poles are all in working order. All should be right as rain… right? Well, let’s make sure we cover all bases and check just a few more things off the list to be completely ready for this upcoming Minnesota ice fishing season. One major item on that list is needed for optimal comfort while out on the ice, and that is a Minnesota winter-worthy outfit. You are going to want to make sure you have clothing made of fabric that won’t hold moisture that you can layer up. Gloves and a hat are also a must, but remember, a good pair of gloves for fishing are going to be water repelling. Wet gloves can make for a very uncomfortable day on the ice. The last apparel related item to check off the list is a good pair of boots. Now, obviously not many people are going to be headed out in a pair of Jordan’s, but not all boots are built for ice. You’re going to want to make sure that they have a good amount of tread for gripping the ice and plenty of insulation while being water resistant to keep your feet warm and dry. Wool socks are a good idea too.
One of the most important steps for any angler getting ready to head out onto the ice is to double check the MN ice fishing regulations. Regulations have been known to change from year to year, so it’s vital to stay on top of them. You don’t want your trip to be a bust over an overlooked detail that could’ve been easily avoided. Ice fishing shouldn’t be stressful, so checking regulations before you go is the easiest way to take the risk of having a bad run-in with DNR off the table and have a good experience.
Mille Lacs Ice House Rentals Made Easy
The final detail to settle before venturing out is finding the best Lake Mille Lacs ice house rental or resort to call home for your time on the ice. The Red Door Resort will give you access to everything you need on your Minnesota ice fishing adventure. We have easy access to the multiple ice roads on Lake Mille Lacs, ice houses and sleeper houses ranging from cozy and quaint to top of the line ice castles, cabins for those that prefer to sleep on land, and all of the resort amenities at your disposal. With all of these bases covered, you will be ready to reel in some incredible catches and have the Minnesota ice fishing experience of a lifetime!
