Author Dan Galusha says that everyone likes ice fishing. Here’s why.

For years, people have asked me, “Why do you like ice fishing?” I’ve contacted a variety of ice anglers ranging from younger to older and beginner to pro to get their answers.

Rob Meyers, who is a 2-year veteran of the sport, says, “I enjoy ice fishing because it allows me to get out in nature and spend time fishing and enjoying what the outdoors has to offer.”

Ronny Leonard, who is a well-known ice fishing pro in Iowa, says, “Ice fishing is more challenging and more peaceful than open-water fishing. It has been my passion for over 40 years.”

Dylan Lawson, professional catfish tournament angler and one half of the Catfish Cowboys contributes his history of how he got started in ice fishing.

“The reason I enjoy ice fishing is because it helps break up the seasons in Iowa. Most of my life, I have been an open-water angler and an avid hunter, so staying busy from spring to fall was never a problem. Before getting into ice fishing, I spent most of my winter months thinking about and planning for the open-water season, always missing fishing or wishing I could get the boat out and just catch a fish to break the seasonal depression.

“After six years into the sport of ice fishing and many trips north, I don’t know how I went so long without it. To be able to go out in the winter months and catch just as many fish as you can in open water—how can you pass that up?”

Matt Waldron, professional tournament angler with The Crappie Chronicles and Vexilar pro staffer, says, “I love ice fishing because of the camaraderie and tradition. For decades, ice anglers have hit the ice for a variety of reasons, whether it being to catch fish, hang out with family and friends (or escape from them,) or the peace and quiet. There is nothing better than catching a huge fish surrounded by your buddies cheering you on or getting skunked with nothing more to do than to tell fish stories with your friends, while looking through an ice hole into the dead sea. Ice fishing is a Minnesota pastime that has withstood generations, and I love it.”

Matt Johnson is consumed by ice fishing with being the director/manager at Team Ice, director of several ice fishing pro staffs, and owner of Matt Johnson Outdoors. He says, “It brings people together and can be a social sport. When you’re in boats, you’re usually spread out, but on the ice, you can all hang out and share stories and memories! I also like the intimacy of ice fishing…It’s just you and a hole in the ice—in-tune with your Vexilar and a battle of wits with the fish!”

Dr. Jim Nordquist, an avid, well-experienced midwestern ice angler, says, “I like ice fishing because it allows me to get outdoors for the quiet and serenity on a nice winter day. Fresh air and (hopefully) sunshine is a good way to offset cabin fever. Plus, there’s the magic of walking on solid footing to fish, when in the other seasons you would need a boat! The fish are just a bonus.”

I also asked the Rogalla family to participate. Here are their answers:

Wyatt (age 13) says, “I like ice fishing because I get to spend time with my dad and grandpa. I also like to fish year-round, and ice fishing is the perfect mix to have fun fishing in the winter. Lastly, I like the thrill of bringing a fish through the hole to take a picture and send it home to my mom.”

Walker (age 11) says, “I like ice fishing because it is calming, and I can spend time with my dad and family. You can also be excited to catch big fish.”

Brandon (the dad) says, “Ice fishing, for me, is more for the enjoyment of being outdoors. Being able to watch my boys run around the pond catching fish, seeing their smiling faces, taking ‘selfies’ and posting their pictures to their stories. Lastly, I enjoy fishing without electronic devices and try to out fish friends and family around me.

Paul (the grandfather) wrote, “Ice fishing gives the fisherman lots of freedoms that can’t be duplicated in open water. The new equipment options make the trip much easier than in the past. You can select different locations on the ice to fish with little effort. In our part of Iowa, we can fish a different pond each week!”

Well, now it is my turn. Before I started having health issues that are causing some major problems with tolerating cold these days, I had two reasons that I enjoyed the sport. First and most favorite is I like to find a spot with very few to no people to enjoy the peace and quiet. The other was having a group, as we used to have at the Rock Island Conservation Club, that I said was somewhat like the “Grumpy Old Men” type of get-together. Since I fish straight-line without floats, I like the fact that it keeps me in practice for feeling a strike, like in open-water, jig/soft plastic fishing and vertical jigging. I also enjoy working with and learning from my Vexilar unit, as well as teaching others how to use the units to become more successful anglers. It’s a chance to get out and enjoy the outdoors—in my case, on warmer days.

It seems like most of the answers mention similar reasons for enjoying the sport.

Hope you enjoyed this little survey, and that it will get you interested in ice fishing, if you are not already!

Thinking of trying ice fishing this year? You’ll find plenty of insight on the topic in the winter issues of MidWest Outdoors, available by subscribing on our website.