How to: Get Started Ice Fishing

Ice-fishing is a big part of winter culture in Minnesota where I grew up, and essentially a good excuse for adults to build a fort and hangout. There’s something heartening and cozy yet simultaneously adventurous about being in a little shack on the ice, usually fairly warm, but knowing all the while that the harsh elements are waiting just outside, whooshing on the walls.   

As it turns out, the shack isn’t actually a necessity (and plenty of people don’t use them), but it’s a big part of the culture, a la this lovely scene from Ted Demme’s 1996 Beautiful Girls:

Ice fishing may seem daunting if you’ve never tried it, but like many things in this world, it’s easier to get started than you might think and now there’s this wonderful guide from Popular Mechanics to get you started. 

I’ve also added two other links here you may find useful:

Everything You Need to Know to Start Ice Fishing and Ice Fishing Tips