Are you planning an ice fishing adventure? Do you want to make the best time of your life? If you answer to both of those questions is yes then you may want to review the following 7 sure fire ice fishing tips to see exactly how prepared you are to catch those fish on your ice fishing trip best baitcasting reels for beginners.

1. Make a List

You have probably heard this before but I will repeat it since it is very important. Make a list. Yes, it is as simple as that. Based on your past experience with ice fishing you need to develop a list of supplies that you need to take with you on the trip. Things like heaters, seats and augers are just a couple of items to be included on the list. After all you don't want to get out there and find out you forgot something.

2. Prepare the Fishing Hole

After drilling the hole with an ice auger use a scoop to make sure the hole is clean of all debris. Anything left in the hole like chips or chunks could cause entanglements and result in you possibly losing the fish. Ice chips are sharp resulting in your line being severed. So it is important to make sure that the fishing hole is kept clean at all times.

3. The Bait

You can't fish without bait and it is important that you bring the proper bait. Bait that works well for ice fishing includes minnows, wax worms, maggots and assorted PowerBait lures. Keep all your bait separated and for the live bait keep them alive by using coolers.

4. Equipment

Your fishing equipment such as rods and reels are very important so be prepared to inspect and clean them prior to heading out to the lake for a day of fishing. For those hard to reach places on your rod a Q-tips has proven to work well on your rods and reels. Since your reel is going to be subject to freezing conditions it as advisable to use lubricant that is non-freezing.

5. Heating

An important item that you can't forget to bring is a heater. You are also going to need fuel in order for the heater to generate the warmth you need to keep comfortable. It is hard to enjoy fishing if you are constantly freezing.

6. Shelters

To protect yourself from the cold and the wind it is best to have a shelter. Today's ice fishing shelters are not that expensive and some of them come with their own sled and can be set up or flipped in a matter of minutes. These portable shelters will break that cold wind and if you have a heater in the shelter you will be comfortable for fishing. With a shelter you also have the benefit of it being dark allowing you to see the fish beneath the ice.

7. Dress Appropriately

Don't forget where you are and where you're going. Make sure you dress appropriately for the cold conditions. A down parka and thermal pants are a necessary item in order to keep warm. For your hands a good pair of gloves ar mitts are called for and for the feet a warm pair of winter boots. Since you are going to be out on the ice you want to make sure the boots have a sole that will not slip on the ice. You don't want to fall and hurt yourself as you will be far from any medical attention.