Haven't tried ice fishing? Here's what you're missing

Fishing can be fast, furious, and fun

Like all fishing, there are no guarantees the fish will bite. But when they start biting, fishing can be fast-paced because you're trying to hook and land fish and keep all your lines baited and in the water. Catch a few fish through the ice and you will quickly understand why people get hooked on ice fishing.

Ice fishing can be a combination of fishing and tailgating

Bring a camping stove or grill, some food, your favorite beverages, camp chairs, a heater, etc. The only challenge is getting all your gear out on the ice, but an inexpensive plastic toboggan can haul a surprising amount of cargo. If you have a snowmobile or ATV, there are trailers and sleds that are great for hauling more cargo. Adding food and drinks-especially warm meals and hot drinks-makes the outing more comfortable and enjoyable.

There's plenty of room for everyone

There's no shortage of space on a frozen lake, which is not always the case when you're trying squeeze people into a boat, or even in shorelines with limited fishing space. The whole lake, reservoir, or pond is available and everyone has room to spread out. You can also try other spots by just walking across the ice. Kids love ice fishing because they can play and have fun on the ice if fishing is a little slow.

The fish taste better

That may sound like an old wive's tale or a boast by ice anglers, but there's scientific evidence that backs it. The "muddy" taste you sometimes hear about from fish can be caused by blue green algae, which can proliferate during warmer months. Blue green algae is gone, or greatly diminished, in cold and frigid water, so it no longer affects the fish's taste.

Ice fishing is traditionally about catching fish for eating, so indulge, but stay within the bag limits, which you can find in the fishing rules booklet.