More women are enjoying ice angling than ever before, and females now represent the fastest growing demographic in fishing across Canada. Find out what makes this classic winter sport so attractive, from 4 leading Ontario female ice anglers interviewed by Outdoor Action Ontario’s Ben Martin.
(Clockwise from top-left: Krista Lewis, Yvonne Brown,
Cara Carmichael and Tia Mason, showing off their winter walleye.)
The greatest misconception about ice fishing is that it is just for the guys. True, many a “Bros’ weekend” have been spent icing walleye, drinking some beverages and commiserating over “the one that got away” – but the truth is that more women than ever before are hitting the ice for their favorite species of fish. Today across Canada, women are the fastest growing demographic joining angling and this is apparent from retailers who are now actively engaging this huge market with excellent results.
When at events speaking with people the past couple of years, the author has seen an increase in women asking about angling, during both the soft and hard water season (summer and winter, with hard water being the term given for ice fishing.) It’s a little-known fact that angling is one of the most popular sports in Canada – did you know that more Canadians fish annually than play hockey and golf combined? It’s a multi-billion dollar industry and a staple of many tourism economies across Ontario. It’s no wonder more women are hitting the ice!
A leading reason for women to hit the ice: To hang out with the entire family while enjoying a classic Canadian past-time! Here, a family enjoys the 2018 Family Fishing Weekend held by Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters and Tackleshare! at Chemong Lake in Bridgenorth, Ontario.
As someone who promotes all things outdoors, winter-spring-summer & fall in Ontario, the author has had the opportunity to become acquainted with many great female angling enthusiasts, who also happen to love ice fishing. So, without further delay, let’s introduce our lady anglers, and learn about why they love ice fishing, some tips to help you get out on the ice, where they fish and what species they specifically like to target during “hard water season”:
For Cabela’s Fishing Pro Staff member and Pure Fishing Ambassador Cara Carmichael, her memories with ice fishing stretch back as far as she can remember – even longer, actually:
“At just a few weeks old I was already doing day trips to the ice shack. With my uncle’s ice shack out in front of our home each winter, it was natural for me to wander out and take part in the fishing. It was basic jigging rod and set lines, a good beginning. When I was younger I would always fish for walleye because that was our fish of choice to eat. It wasn’t until I wanted to start catching different species through the ice that I truly gained a true passion.
I began to learn more and more as I grew older and fished with various anglers. I started to set higher and higher goals for myself – which I suppose led me to become a competitive bass tournament angler today. “
Cabela’s Fishing Pro Staff member and Pure Fishing Ambassador Cara Carmichael with a monster pike pulled up through the ice.
“My favorite part of fishing the hard water is that you can make it as easy or as complex as you want. One day you can drill one hole and fish out of it for the entire day and the next day you are drilling 20 holes while trying to locate the specific species. Learning how each species is different and how to catch them is a must while ice fishing.
For instance, Crappie can be a suspended fish off bottom – whereas Lake trout are often found in deep depths of water. The key is to learn what lures or baits make it achievable to catch these fish. Fishing with knowledgeable anglers and the great resources in the media can go a long way to help learn the ice fishing ropes.”
For Shimano Pro Staff and Ontario Women Anglers lead Yvonne Brown, her journey in angling has also been life-long but her journey on the ice is more recent:
“I started ice fishing about 7 – 8 years ago – At the time, I was looking for additional fishing opportunities that I could do outside of the open water season.” Yvonne is well-respected across Ontario for her work with the OWA, and the program Fishing 101 for Women offered through her organization is a huge reason why we are seeing such a massive influx of lady anglers onto the ice across the province.
For as long as the author has operated his own Outdoors organization, Yvonne has been a constant presence at public events and her cheerful nature and excellent presence with the public has a lot to do with her continued success as a Fishing steward – truly an ambassador who is well known and greatly appreciated for her dedication and passion.
Shimano Pro staff member Yvonne Brown posing with a beautiful Lake Trout, caught on the ice. “Lakers” as they are commonly known as, are incredible fighters and pound for pound one of the strongest fish you can encounter on the other end of your fishing line in Ontario.
For Ottawa-area angler Tia Mason, the passion for ice angling is very strong. The author met Ms. Mason through her extensive involvement in the Ottawa Valley South Bassmasters, where she competes on the tournament scene across Eastern Ontario. She is a valued and respected member of the club, bringing in new members and helping with the Club’s social media. She also has her own social media following and routinely posts her ice fishing exploits online.
Regarding her start in ice fishing and favorite species to target (and where) Tia states: “This is my third or maybe forth season. I was taken out for my first trip as a birthday adventure. I loved it even though I was skunked that outing. I like fishing for Lakers and crappie – Two ends of the spectrum. Both difficult to find and challenging in their own way. I love fishing in and around Eastern Ontario. It’s the only place I’ve ice fished, but really, with the fisheries I have all within an hour, hour and a half away? I’ve got it made.”
Ottawa-area angler Tia Mason is shown with a prize-worthy specimen of a Crappie – one of the most sought after (and tasty) species of fish that one can target through the ice. Tia is also an accomplished soft water angler and is well-known for her angling exploits across Eastern Ontario.
Well-known angling expert and Streamside Fishing Pro staffer Krista Lewis of Kingston has years of experience on both soft and hard water behind her already: “I’ve been ice fishing for 11yrs now. I decided to give it a try one year after getting tired of waiting for open water and have been hooked since! My favorite species to target are Pike because I love the fight. My favorite area to fish would have to be
Zone 18 because it has the best back lakes! Lots of treasures to be found… and for gear on the ice, I am loving my Streamside predator ice rods – they have a strong backbone, with great flexibility so I can feel all the thrashing around under the ice.
Kingston’s Krista Lewis poses with a nice Pike taken through the ice – this species of fish is actually great to eat as well as being extremely aggressive. Just watch the teeth on these fearsome predators!
Yvonne Brown shares the following gear set-ups for being able to enjoy success on the ice no matter what species you may be chasing after:
“For pan fish – light or ultra-light powered rod, 24 – 26”, Shimano Sahara 500 spinning reel, 5 lb PowerPro Ice Tec braided line with a 4 – 6 lb fluoro leader. I have really downsized my baits this year and the majority of the time I use a tungsten ice jig with a 1” nymph or creature style plastic.
For walleye, pike and lake trout – medium or medium-heavy powered rod, 26 – 28”, Shimano Sahara 1000 spinning reel with 10 lb PowerPro Ice Tec braided line and a 15 lb fluoro leader.
I’ve done really well this year using a Jackall TN60 in Ghost Minnow or Black & Gold colour. I also use a variety of gold or silver spoons anywhere from ¼ to ¾ oz depending on current. I don’t typically use minnows unless it’s with a tip-up but, on occasion, will use a minnow head on my lure if the fish are particularly finicky.
Using an ice hut operator for your first few trips out will ensure a more comfortable day. Typically, people just starting to ice fish don’t have all the cold weather gear needed to fish on the open ice. Try pan fish at first, then larger species once you are comfortable catching and handling smaller fish. Ontario Women Anglers runs several ice fishing events that allows women to fish with others just getting into the sport as well as more experienced anglers. It is a great opportunity for mentorship.”
Brown adds that “many of the women I meet say that they want to learn all the aspects of fishing that their male counterparts don’t/won’t teach them while they are out fishing with them (e.g. tying knots, rigging rods, lure selection, fish handling, etc.) There are also many women that want to learn how to fish so they can take their children outdoors and on the ice. Several ladies have told me that learning how to fish makes them feel empowered and has increased their confidence.”
Hearing such details from Brown only confirms the author’s perspective as to the reason for the massive increase of women anglers we are seeing. Ms. Carmichael added “I am seeing more and more women out on the ice, as it should be. It is a great outing, whether it is fishing for something to eat, for sport, or for a relaxing way to spend time with family and friends.
My advice for those that would like to get into ice fishing would be to start off learning the basics. The basics are very important and once you learn the basics of ice safety, equipment etc., learn about the species your looking to target.
There are many resources out there to provide you with this information. Information abounds in the media.
Cabela’s, a company I represent, holds an ice fishing weekend each January. Ontario Women Anglers also hosts many day trips and seminars where you can spend a day on the hard water learning the basic fundamentals of ice fishing. There are fishing guides in most communities that will take you out for a day on the ice. Lastly, ask a friend to take you ice fishing.”
Cabela’s Pro Staffer Cara Carmichael with a brute of a Laker taken from the Ottawa Valley.
Tia’s Tips – Simple steps to enjoy your time on the Ice
It’s about having fun! Tia has some great tips to help women (and anyone else) get out on the Ice and have a great time…
- Start small. I mean targeting smaller species. I think that beginning with a smaller, schooling fish is much more exciting than sitting around waiting for a big pike to set off your tip-up. Both are great, but getting to catch a lot of fish, improving your feel of a bite, and getting you moving around searching out the fish, might be the key to get you hooked on the sport.
- Go with someone who knows what they’re doing, and ask to share their gear. This way you can feel out what you like and what you don’t. It will hopefully give you the chance to try out different rigging methods and the various lures as well. And most importantly, share their flasher! This can be easily done by drilling three holes in a triangular pattern. You drill the two you’re going to fish out of a few feet apart, then a third in the middle of those, that is offset to their tops. You should be able to adjust your electronics’ settings so that both of your lures will be seen on the sonar. Fishing without a flasher isn’t a must, but I can honestly say, I wouldn’t fish without one. In my opinion, it makes for a much more enjoyable and successful outing.
- Dress properly. If you’re uncomfortable, you won’t enjoy your time on the ice. Stay as dry as possible. Wear moisture wicking under layers. One thing I always do is change my socks mid-day. A fresh pair of socks feels like a little piece of heaven! Another godsend is full-foot heater insoles. They’re about $4.00 a pair and last for about 6 hours.
- Lastly, move around! Do some research on your intended spot beforehand. You can get Navionics for your phone. Use this app to help you locate drop offs, structure or other surfaces that fish might cling too. Choose your depths based on the species you’re targeting. Not only will you increase your chances of catching fish, you’ll stay warmer in the process!
Tia Mason takes a rest from breaking a trail to the ice while towing an ice fishing sled – a common way to getting gear to and from the ice (and a great workout!)
We have a huge generational influx of angling talent taking place in Ontario right now, and it is amazing to see the entire family getting involved – Fathers and Mothers with their daughters and sons. No longer is angling thought of as a man’s sport. Clearly, more and more women are becoming active in this classic Canadian winter tradition, making new traditions of their own, along with their family.
Just as the author loves to enjoy his favorite outdoor past-times with friends and family, our ice-angling women are the same. All four of our interviewees agreed that fishing with family was a highlight of their time on the ice and a main reason why they got into ice fishing to start with. It’s easy to see from their efforts on social media that the avalanche of women joining the sport is not going to subside anytime soon.
Part of having more women in fishing means putting more women in leadership and mentorship roles to foster growth of our sport, not just for women but the next generation of anglers coming up, and people who have always wanted to fish but perhaps been a bit too intimidated to try it.
In closing, I recall the words of Yvonne Brown when she glowingly recounted her time at a derby with her son: “I recently participated in the Stoco Lake Black Crappie Ice Fishing Tournament in Tweed and fished with my 27 year old son, Kyle…. we came in first! Aside from the fact that it was the first “big win” for both of us, the fact that I got to fish it with him was all the more special. He also got Big Fish at 1.75 lbs. I was so happy for him and proud to show the fishing community the potential of women in ice fishing.”
Kyle and Yvonne Brown took #1 spot at the Stoco Lake Crappie Ice Fishing Tournament!
Thanks to women like Yvonne Brown, Tia Mason, Cara Carmichael and Krista Lewis, the author is extremely excited to see the potential ahead for our wonderful winter sport as more and more women hit the ice to see what it’s all about!
The author wishes to thank the participants in this article for taking the time to conduct interviews and provide their most memorable ice fishing photos for sharing with the Outdoor Action Ontario audience – OAO Nation!!!