If you ask a group of men who like fishing, seven out of ten will likely raise their hands. Many guys really like fishing. They say that it’s their meditation and time for themselves that helps calm down and turn off the brain. Actually, this activity trains patience and really helps relax when you are overwhelmed with assignments but don’t use essayservice.
Even though many people highlight different types of fishing according to weather conditions, men who like fishing don’t prefer summer or winter fishing. It’s a hobby, and as you know – every time is suitable for the activity you like so much. However, if you are a rookie to such an activity, it’s worth finding out all the crucial pros and cons, especially when it comes to ice fishing. It may require special equipment to get the best out of it and just to survive, so if you are not ready to spend a pretty penny to find out whether you like such a pastime or not, let’s look at the main advantages and drawbacks.
Pros of ice fishing
It’s always better to start with the positive sides of the issue to set the right mood. Ice fishing can become a real adventure and just a pleasant pastime if you are resistant to the low temperatures and don’t mind spending a lot of time outdoors. So, what advantages can you get with ice fishing?
1. Physical activity
In contrast to the general belief that this activity is only for couch potatoes who like to read magazines, various college-paper.org reviews, and watch TV, it’s not so. Well, maybe it’s partly true for reel fishing, for example, but when it comes to ice fishing, it’s not the case. You should have a good physical condition to cope with all the aspects of ice fishing. You are deprived of the ability to cast off or change the location at the speed light if the fish aren’t biting. The same drilling fishing hole manually requires effort and appropriate strength. And you should stay mobile to succeed in this activity. You should be ready to drill at least several new ice holes, especially if you have only a hand auger. If you think it’s not a big deal, you will regret such arrogance. Well, of course, you will hardly need to drill a hundred fresh holes, but even a few of them will make you sweat. It’s a completely new level of fishing compared to one that happens in fair weather. If you are going to practice ice fishing regularly, you will stay fit during the winter months even without visiting the gym regularly.
2. Enjoying nature
People spend too much time indoors, especially when it comes to cold months, and the need to work on tasks, examine domyessay.com reviews and bake cookies. However, the cold season can boast of incredible landscapes and breathtaking views. So, ice fishing is not just about drilling holes, but it is also an additional opportunity to enjoy beautiful surroundings and even animals in their natural habitat. You should keep your eyes open to notice how rich your spot is in beauties. Besides, depending on the chosen location, you can come across foxes, deer, owls, etc. If you stay home, you can see them only on the BBC. Night fishing can allow you to see an awesome starry sky or even the northern lights if you live in a suitable region. Can your friends who constantly stay home boast of such an experience? It seems no.
3. Cost
Some people may reject ice fishing believing that it’s a too expensive hobby. Well, of course, you can spend a pretty penny on the best ice fishing gear that meets the latest requirements, purchase some cool clothes and accessories “you cannot do without in such a case.” But the truth is that you don’t need all that stuff when you are a rookie, and you are not even sure whether you want to keep this hobby. You can do with the basic set that will include ice fishing rod, reel, hand auger, chisel, and clothes suitable for such weather conditions. If you understand that it’s your cup of tea, and you are ready to spend some money on your comfort, you can purchase all possible fishing finders that will only improve your ice fishing experience. Besides, don’t forget that you can save money on “transportation” since you don’t need a boat and alike stuff.
4. Character building
Who can treat low temperatures as an advantage? Only those who want to improve their health and build a character. While long-distance jogging puts pressure on your joints, cold exposure can have beneficial effects and contribute to improving your health condition. Thus, you will be able to improve your metabolism, reduce inflammation, improve your sleeping schedule, and increase protective barriers of your body. You can search for cold therapy on the Internet.
5. Stress relief
A modern pace of life with all its hustle and bustle put huge pressure on people, so it’s not surprising they turn to old-fashioned and time-tested methods of stress relief. And ice fishing is no exception if you are going to do it on your own. It can be extremely useful to slow down and stay alone for a while. You can turn off your restless brain and just focus on your activity, surrounded by beautiful nature. If you don’t have enough money to turn to a top-quality psychologist to calm down and sort things out, start ice fishing. You will see how useful this activity can be. You get out in nature, leaving all your worries far away. It’s a great chance to reload and get back to normal. Many modern people go on various retreats and start hiking to achieve the same result.
Cons of ice fishing
It is not news that such kind of activity has some drawbacks. Otherwise, the number of its admirers would be much higher. While some people believe that the pros of ice fishing tip the scale, others consider that its cons are not just a stumbling block but a real insurmountable obstacle.
6. Cold weather
While some people consider it a great chance to become stronger in physical and psychological aspects, others cannot positively treat a constant stay outside. Well, if your cold resistance leaves much to be desired or you have some health issues that spoil your life and force you to avoid cold weather conditions at any cost, then you should better look for some other hobbies. Your body, especially hands, will face a real challenge since you may have to dip them in the hole with extremely cold water to cope with fish caught. And it will not be a single case, so if your hands are not used to cold temperatures, they may crack and start hurting. Your pastime may turn into a catastrophe if you don’t have special gloves to protect your hands.
7. Special equipment
If you live in some northern parts where winter is really severe, you may not do without an electrical auger since ice thickness can exceed one meter. Your energy may end earlier than you proceed to fish itself if you need to drill several holes with a manual auger. Well, of course, you should have enough strength and an appropriate level of training to be able to handle it. So, if you don’t have all the required gear, you will have to rent it or purchase it to enjoy ice fishing instead of wasting nerves. Everything depends on your geolocation, desires, and goals.
8. Limitation of fish species
Not only bears go to sleep in winter, and people become lazier since many fish species do it as well. While some types don’t change their lifestyle depending on the season, many others move to the bottom of the river or lake and spend their winter months there. They gather in big groups and use holes in the bottom to wait it out till spring. So, many fish species may turn out to be unavailable for you. It can become a big disappointment, especially if you have spent pretty much money on ice fishing gear and special clothes. Thus, if you are not ready to come back home with a meager haul, choose something else as a winter hobby.
9. Problematic spots
If you are a newcomer to this activity, you may face various issues finding the most successful fishing spots. And while it can be pretty problematic in other seasons, everything becomes even more complicated when it comes to ice fishing. You can partly handle the situation by drilling several holes, but it brings more hustle and spoils the mood. Besides, the chances to find a great place for fishing or an awful one are equal, so everything will depend on your luck and experience, if you have such, of course.
10. Too big fish
Every fisherman dreams of catching a big fish, but such a desire can be accompanied by some other problems when it comes to ice fishing. Thus, the hole you have drilled may turn out to be way too small. You will lose your catch and become annoyed, so the impression of ice fishing can be spoiled. And as we have already mentioned, the width of ice may exceed one meter, so you will not be able to solve the situation right away. And if you drill a big hole in advance, you will have to constantly watch it since low temperatures contribute to freezing, not only your hands but water too.
