Winter fishing is a special treat for connoisseurs. Therefore, as soon as the rivers are covered with the first ice, people with fishing rods appear on them. If you want to join their ranks, keep in mind that fishing in winter is a rather extreme vacation. Therefore, you need to know about some of its features.
Winter fishing, by definition, is different from summer fishing, because the water is covered with a layer of ice. You can safely walk on it only if it is transparent and dark, without air bubbles inside. But when you observe light and loose ice - it is better not to tempt fate, it is too fragile. Of course, it is not easy to see all these signs under a layer of snow. So just tap the ice with your foot. If you hear a crack, go to another place, look for stronger ice so as not to end up in the hole. One of the nicest aspects of ice fishing is the absence of mosquitoes and flies that annoy in summer. But snow and frost, especially when sitting for a long time in one place, can further spoil the pleasure of relaxation. Therefore, the main rule of fishing in winter is to choose warm clothes and shoes. Special equipment is sold in fishing shops, but ordinary items will do as well. The main thing is to dress according to the principle of "cabbage" - more layers. If you get hot, you can take something off. The ideal option looks like this: thermal underwear, woolen sweater, warm vest, army windproof pea coat or construction jacket. Put on special boots for fishermen or felt boots with galoshes on your feet. It would be nice, just in case, to pry on a pair of socks, and lay a plastic bag between them. Protect your hands with gloves with clipped fingers, put on a hat with earflaps on your head to cover your cheeks in case of strong winds. Winter fishing will be more comfortable if you take care of a wooden board: you need to put it under your feet. Don't forget to wipe your hands with rags. The face can be protected with baby cream "Morozko" or special for fishermen. Some people take a tent with them to shelter from the wind. Another difference between winter fishing and summer fishing is the need to use various devices. You cannot do without an ice ax, which cuts a hole in the ice before starting the process; a scoop for scooping up excess water; a boat hook for removing large fish from the hole. And put all this in a wooden box on which you can sit, holding a fishing rod in your hands. By the way, the rod should be shorter in winter than in summer - no more than 50 cm. And fishing is carried out only with natural bait, for example, bloodworms. For the rest, the process is standard - cast your rod and wait for bites, remembering to sip hot tea from a thermos.
