Strategic pre-ice visits may be a extremely prudent for the ice angler aspiring to succeed.

These stops are specific to those die-hard anglers who enjoy doing some highly effective and strategic planning, preparation and pre-fishing homework a few weeks before safe ice is formed.

A serious ice angler will be able to efficiently locate productive areas before even leaving the house if they take advantage of online resources!

Utilizing innovative websites such as Angling Technologies in conjunction with a handheld GPS unit enables fishermen the opportunity to enter waypoints on one of these mobile devices thus decreasing drilling time with the auger and increasing productive fishing time!  If you don’t have a handheld unit…don’t worry…if you have a cellphone, Angling Technologies is mobile friendly!

Speaking of augers, another destination that is highly recommended online for those who desire to maximize their ice time is the Jiffy Website or the Strikemaster Website.

It goes without saying that to catch fish through the ice you need to drill holes as a primary objective once you’ve arrived on the lake to start the year.  If you haven’t cared for your power auger properly during the offseason or sharpened the blades on your hand auger, you might find yourself heading for home in frustration.

Both of these websites have helpful information in regards to proper auger care and maintenance.  They also feature a Service Center Directory link that will highlight the certified locations nearest you for conducting service on your ice drill.

This final location is a highly recommended target prior to arriving at the lake.  It’s none other than the local bait and tackle shop.

Successful ice anglers make it a part of their routine to invest some quality time gaining advice about which local lakes may have been producing consistent action during the late fall period for the target species one is after.  Often the tips and tactical advice they provide can excite even the most enthusiastic ice angler as it may confirm or compliment the homework that was done online.

HOT TIP:  Many local shops will be just as excited to get a successful ice season underway.  For this reason, they’re often keen to offer some unbeatable deals on the many of the latest product innovations within the industry.

Dick Smith’s Live Bait & Tackle Ice Sale..Going on NOW!

I hope these 3 pre-ice destinations provide great value and ultimate success to the beginning of your ice season!

Chad Leton's blog is an extension of his youth fishing guide service, HookedUp101 Fishing Academy