UPside of Life: Fishing on a sheet of ice

It takes a special kind of angler to want to walk out on a sheet of ice, cut a hole in it and start fishing.

Here in the Upper Peninsula, ice fishing isn't so much a sport as it is a way of life. Sure, fishing from a boat or from the bank of a river or stream is a lot of fun, but there's just something special about being out on the middle of the lake with hard water beneath your boots.

And ice fishing isn't just a past time. For some folks, it's a business. Take the folks over at Bay de Noc Lure Company. While their famous Swedish Pimple lure works well in open water, it truly shines as one of the best ice fishing lures in the business. It has perfect action for drawing the attention of stubborn fish beneath the ice, and there are few that will argue that having products from Bay de Noc Lure in your tackle box is essential when the ice is in.

But making lures isn't the only way to have a business that revolves around ice fishing. Take a look at Yooper Gear, an online source of everything outdoors and in the Upper Peninsula. Not only do they offer some hands-on reviews of equipment and give the all-important fishing report, they also offer up guided ice fishing experiences. What's great about these is not only does Yooper Gear's Jeff McGraw know all the good spots throughout the central Upper Peninsula to fish, he also provides all the gear that's needed. That really is a great option for anyone who has never been ice fishing and just wants to try it out first.

To be honest, there are tons of wintertime activities that can be done while enjoying the outdoors in the Upper Peninsula. From skiing to snowmobiling to skijoring to ice climbing and more, the Upper Peninsula is a haven for winter enthusiasts. But out of all of those great winter activities, only ice fishing brings you fun and dinner at the same time.

Remember, however, that care and caution need to be taken when going out on the ice, especially if you're inexperienced in the ways of the sport. Just remember to use common sense and don't go galavanting off on ice that looks like no one else has gone on it. Many inland lakes have natural springs that can make the ice unstable, so avoid wandering off on your own on lakes that you're unfamiliar with.

Keep in mind that there should be at least six inches of ice on a lake before taking a snowmobile or ATV out there, and that cars and trucks need at least 12 inches of good ice.

But the cardinal rule of ice fishing is never trust any ice. Even if it was good yesterday, it might not be today. Even if a four-wheeler drove ahead of you, yours might be the straw that breaks the proverbial camel's back. Being cautions means being aware of your surroundings, and that means being safe and sound.

This time of year, most of the ice is good no matter where you're going, but when in doubt simply make a point of contacting a bait and tackle shop near the lake you're wanting to fish and find out what they have to say.

The Upper Peninsula is a winter wonderland, so why not get out and enjoy it doing something that's fun and provides food for the family? There's really no better way to enjoy chilling temperatures and frozen lakes.

Sam Eggleston is the managing editor of the U.P. Second Wave and a full-time freelance writer. He was born and raised in the Upper Peninsula. He can be reached via email.