Ice fishing is arguably one of the most underrated outdoor activities available to all of us. Yet, it’s amazingly fun, especially when you’re catching fish no matter how big or small. The biggest obstacles to ice fishing are cold weather and fish not biting.

I’ve spent time on the ice with brutal wind hitting my face making it difficult to stay out there. Adding insult to injury is the lack of fish hitting the bait. Let’s face it, who wants to sit out in brutal weather conditions not catching fish? Bringing out your kids in these conditions may result in disaster. If it’s tough for adults, then you can just forget about kids having any fun either.

The solution to this is quite simple. No, it isn’t going to the grocery store and buying a salmon fillet. Go ice fishing with someone who’s good at it. Learn their secrets to success, and try to employ them yourself. Secondly, purchase or make a portable ice fishing shanty.

I love ice fishing within the confines of a shanty. First and foremost, you’re protected from the elements. Secondly, you can add a heater inside the shanty and stay toasty warm while fishing. Some shanties have radios, cooking stoves and even lounge chairs.

It's rewarding to lean over the ice hole and watching fish approach your wax worm, minnow or sucker. This is especially exciting for younger kids who aren’t used to ice fishing. I guarantee that they’ll love watching that blue gill, sunfish or even northern pike approach their baited hook.

The best part of a successful day on the ice happens when you fillet your catch; especially blue gills. Get the deep fryer hot, batter your fillets and cook your catch in just a matter of minutes. There’s nothing better than fresh bluegill fillets coming from the deep fryer to your plate.

Ice fisherman (and women) are friendly by nature and will usually show you the best methods to success. You can see which shanties work the best, which rods and reels work the best and whatever else you can use for a later date. Kids love playing on the ice if the bite isn’t happening, so you’ve got nothing to lose. Give it a try and you just might love it like we do.

Rick Taylor welcomes your story ideas. He can be reached at (734) 223-5656 or through his website: ricktaylorrealestate.com.