Ice fishing in Wisconsin and how to 'get your toes wet'

Anyone that's ever witnessed a 'Scon do a polar plunge, peel off their shirt at Lambeau Field, or eat an entire family-sized order of cheese curds knows that we're a hearty breed.

And added onto the list of arguably insane Wisconsin hobbies is one that draws in sportsmen from all over and sends 'em out onto our frozen waters: ice fishing.

Whether you're the experienced angler searching for your next wall hanger, or the average Joe looking to get off the couch, ice fishing is a great way to fill your freezer and have a bit of fun (and a few beers, too)!

Ice fishing for dummies

If you've ever thought to yourself 'musta had too many Spotted Cows, I swear I see someone camping on the ice!' you haven't been over-served - those are just ice fishermen.

After drilling through the ice using an auger (which looks like a giant corkscrew), these sportsmen and women rig their favorite lure or live bait, hoping to find a fish hungry enough to bite.

Ice fishing gives the angler two choices for technique - a jigging rod or a tip-up.

Jigging is performed when the fisherman 'jigs' a lure at a certain depth using a dwarfed fishing rod similar to your childhood Snoopy pole.

The tip-up is a rig set over an open hole in the ice, with a spool of line dropped into the water. At the end of the line is the hook and bait, which, when swallowed by the fish, sets off a flag into the air, alerting the ice fisherman that a fish has been caught. Beaver Dam tip-ups, which are made right here in Wisconsin, are considered the creme de la creme of tip-ups.

Tradition has it that whoever spotted the flag gets the honor of peeling off their gloves and hand-lining in the fish. After the fish is "landed," you can bring it home for the spouse to cook, or clean it right there on the ice and have a fresh shore lunch.

Cripes, that sounds cold!

You betcha, it'll be a wee bit nipply!

Staying warm out on the ice is key to having an enjoyable time (and staying safe). Layering up and wearing a nice pair of winter boots, preferably waterproof, is the first step.

The second way to stay cozy is to bring an ice shanty, which is a floorless tent that allows you to fish in or use as a basecamp to watch tip-ups from. With the help of a portable heater, you'll be warm in no time.

Many a fishermen and women relish the camaraderie of the fishing shanty or "shack," where cribbage games are played and fishing tales told. Some die hards even sleep in their shacks on the ice, hoping to get lucky in the middle of the night! (Sounds like our college days...)

So where do ya go?

With over 15,000 lakes and 43,000 miles of river, Wisconsin gives even the most addicted fisherman more water than he or she could possibly fish (looking at you, Uncle Ed).

Where you decide to wet your worm depends on what type of fish you're looking for. For example, Green Bay is known for monster musky and walleye, while smaller lakes like Winnebago and the Dairyland Reservoir are chalk-full of delicious panfish.

To put it plainly, you can catch fish anywhere in Wisconsin. But here are a few spots worthy of their praise. (Oh heck, here's a few more too).

Regardless of where you go, be sure to check the fishing regulations for that specific lake and species sought after.

Swimming is for the fish

Just like in the summer, fishing provides plenty of hazards to anglers of any level.

Ice conditions can change quickly with Wisconsin's finicky weather and climate conditions, creating large pressure cracks, open water, or "rotten" ice. Frozen rivers are notorious for having weaker ice due to the running water underneath, which increases the danger if anyone were to fall into its moving current.

Even though there are no waves to capsize you, it's still important to keep an eye on the weather above. White out blizzards or extreme fog can make it darn near impossible to know where the shoreline or dangerous ice is.

If ya do your homework, however, ice fishing can be an incredible outing for the young and old. Not only can you get your fill of delicious, ethically-sourced fish, you'll also help conserve our fish populations (a year around job, dontcha' know)!

So grab a friend, go buy yourself a fishing license, and try your luck!