Ice Fishing on Lake Winnipesaukee
Have you been thinking about fishing? Why not try ice fishing? You won't be stuck indoors with nothing to do this winter. And you don't have to wait for summer to enjoy Lake Winnipesaukee. You can have a wonderful fishing experience while the ice is covering the lake. Ice fishing can be very enjoyable. Plus there are no bugs to annoy you. Get your gear and Bobhouse because the Lake Winnipesaukee region has a lot of fish you can catch. Lake Winnipesaukee and the surrounding smaller lakes have all kinds of places for ice fishing. You can go out for a day with all your gear in a sled or put up a Bobhouse so you can go back to the same place each time. Different Ways to Get Out and Fish You can use a snowmobile or ATV. These can be used to pull your Bobhouse out or a sled with all of your equipment. If the ice is thick enough, you can drive your car or truck out on the ice. The old-fashioned method of walking works great for a lot of folks. There are lots of public access points to Lake Winnipesaukee, including most of the towns on the lake and public boat ramps. Please be courteous and legal and don't trespass on someone's private property to get down to the lake. Equipment Since ice fishing is different from regular fishing, you need to be ready with the right equipment. You'll need drop reels, hooks and weights, tepee stands to hold the reel and tip-ups. Plus you will need something to put a hole in the ice. There are inexpensive hand augers and gas-powered augers. Pick the one the best fits your needs and budget. Don't forget the sled. You will probably be thankful to have a sled to pull all of your equipment. Another important piece of equipment is your fishing license. You can get them at a bait and tackle shop or any place that sells fishing and hunting gear. Staying Warm It can get really cold on Lake Winnipesaukee when there's an ice cold wind blowing down the lake. If you don't have a Bobhouse, the old method is to build wind block walls out of snow. You can also purchase a lean-to to block the wind. For a more permanent warmth, people put up Bobhouses. A Bobhouse can be anything from a small shed for one person to an elaborate mini-mansion on ice. Most Bobhouses will have hatches in the floor you can lift and drill a hole in the ice. Some Bobhouses have wood or gas heaters generators, grills, refrigerators, televisions, etc. Ice Fishing Derby Each February, Lake Winnipesaukee holds its annual The Great Rotary Ice Fishing Derby. This is a huge ice fishing derby where people come from all over the country and Canada to fish in the many lakes in this area.. There are all kinds of festivities in Meredith. It's something the whole family can enjoy.
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