As winter blankets Ohio with ice, Brody Steele, a 27-year-old avid ice fisherman, is gearing up for the ice fishing season at Knox Lake.
Steele, who has been ice fishing for over 20 years, recently shared his experiences and tips for ice fishing at Knox Lake.
He highlighted the lake's potential for ice fishing, especially after the restocking of 238,000 yellow perch fingerlings.
“You catch anything from bluegill to the perch to catfish. I've had really good luck just doing doing that way. I know that the state is trying to turn this into an ice fishing lake,” he told the Mount Vernon News.
Steele, who works at Knox Marine located at 13285 Netherland Road in Fredericktown, mentioned his preferred fishing spot at Knox Lake, emphasizing success near the old original creek channel in the stump field.
“I had a few customers catching some really nice ones – 10 to 12 inch perch last fall,” he said. “So definitely going to be good there I think for it even crappies underneath the ice there's guys catching really good crappie, I've seen four. Another guy had over 15 this spring so the crappies and fish are growing. Grass has really helped this lake, especially give that thing two more years. It's going to be back to a very good fishery in the state of Ohio."
Using a seven-inch ice auger, Steele described his fishing technique, which involves drilling multiple holes, setting up rods at different depths, and using ice jigs with wax worms.
“Starting out just drill you a few holes, and I just use a seven inch ice auger,” he said.
“Drill through, scoop that ice out of the hole. Get a little lead weight, send that thing down all the way until you get the little – oh it's like a little ice bobber on top of that little rod that comes up – kind of get that lined up set right. I only reel about 3 to 4 cranks up toward that eighth knot on the bottom. Just a little bit off of it. Pull it back up, rig it up and I'll have 4 or 5 rods out, just in different holes.”
“Some of the lines will have two of them little ice jigs on it. Whatever certain depths I want. Say I want one down, two, four inches from the bottom and I want one that's 10 to 12 inches off the bottom. I mean, heck, I've got a lot of doubles doing that. That's really it. Drill, drill 4 or 5 holes, throw 4 or 5 rods out and just have a blast doing it.”
Steele said his affiliation with ice fishing goes back to when his dad and grandfather took him out as a child.
In a multi-generational tradition he uses the same rods that once belonged to his grandpa.
“I haven't changed nothing. I just go out there, enjoy it. I really enjoy it too, because you don't have the pleasure boaters out there beating you around,” he said.
Steele also provided valuable advice for beginners, stressing the importance of safe ice conditions. He recommended caution with ice thickness, suggesting a minimum of five to six inches for trustworthiness.
“Obviously, conditions have to be right for it. I don't like, obviously, them four inch guys that go out there with four inches of ice. There's some that this seems pretty sketchy walking out on especially when they crack,” he said.
Steele said some fishermen carry poles just in case the ice gives way beneath them.
“I know there's a lot of guys that have fallen through. After that, they'll take a big ten foot pole with them and just walk out with it. If they do fall through at least that thing holds them,” he said.
Additionally, he warned against re-drilling the same hole on consecutive days to avoid potential cracking.
“If you go one day and absolutely had a blast, caught a bunch of fish, the next day you want to go again, don't redrill that hole, cause then it's going to crack and that really scares you,” he said. “So move over three foot. I've learned that lesson a time or two. I want to go back to that same hole and next thing you know, there's cracks each side out that thing. So that kind of worries me.”
“The biggest thing is just be cautious.”
Ice anglers are required to possess a valid Ohio fishing license before participating in ice fishing activities.
Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) notes fishermen should stay informed about the latest ice fishing reports once the freeze sets in; local bait shops frequently offer valuable insights into current fishing conditions, active species, and optimal locations.
Fishermen must also comply with size and daily limits for the specific fish targeted during ice fishing excursions.
ODNR advocates for the practice of leaving a "float plan" with a trusted individual who is aware of your ice fishing itinerary. Include essential details such as your fishing location, parking arrangements, and estimated time of return.
This precautionary step enhances safety and ensures a swift response in case of emergencies. Comparable to common practice among boaters, this approach is equally advantageous for ice anglers.
Anglers seeking additional information or having inquiries are encouraged to contact the Ohio Department of Natural Resources at 1-800-WILDLIFE or connect with their local Wildlife District Office.
