Now we see that Santa likes to relax after the Christmas Holidays by doing a little Ice Fishing. Our casual Santa Figurine stands about 14 inches tall. It looks as though Santa has had a good day of Trout Fishing. In his right hand is his fishing pole, resting on his shoulder and in his left hand a string of winter trout-like fish ready to be placed in Santas woven wicker creel which is hung over his shoulder. To keep warm he is wearing his dark brown pack boots with gold laces, blue pants, his traditional red coat and stocking cap and a green fishing vest. Standing on the snow next to this Ice Fishing Santa is a small reindeer and behind the reindeer are 2 small fir trees. Select this link to view our Collectible Santa Figurines.
Ice Fishing
Ice fishing is the sport of catching fish with lines and hooks or spears through an opening in the ice on a frozen body of water. Fisherman may sit on the stool on the open expanse of a frozen lake or sit in a heated cabin on the ice, some with bunks and amenities.
Many fisherman fish with no protective structure, merely heavy coats and gloves and other winter wear. Longer fishing expeditions can be mounted with simple structures. Larger, heated structures can make multi-day fishing trips possible, but these are often eschewed by seasoned fishers, many of whom do not use these larger shelters. A structure with various local names, but often called an ice shanty, ice shack, fish house, bobhouse, or ice hut, is sometimes used. These are dragged or trailered onto the lake using a vehicle such as a snowmobile, ATV or truck on to the lake. Some ice fishing houses are elaborate, and can be equipped with lights, heat, bunks, cooking facilities, and the like. At the opposite extreme are portable, tent-like structures designed to be easily moved. Select this link to view our Unique Christmas Gifts.
In North America, ice fishing is often a social activity. Not infrequently, the consumption of alcohol is involved. Some resorts have fish houses that are rented out by the day (called ice huts); often, shuttle service via snowmobile is provided, eliminating any need for sobriety on the part of the participants. In Finland, solitary and contemplative isolation is often the object of the pastime. In Finland, fish houses are a rare occurrence, but wearing a sealed and insulated drysuit designed out of space-age fabric technology for emergency rescue teams is not. In North America, lines of fish houses often develop over underwater ridges or other areas where fish are particularly plentiful. Ice fishing gear is highly specialized. First, an ice spade, saw or auger is required to cut a circular hole or larger rectangular hole in the ice. Power augers are sometimes used. A strainer is sometimes required to remove new ice as it forms. Select this link to view our Christmas Figurines.
Three main types of fishing occurs. Small, light fishing rods with small, brightly colored lures, or bait such as waxworms or mousies , may be used in jigging for fish. Tip-ups, which carry a line attached to a flag that "tips up" when a strike occurs, allow unattended or less-intensive fishing. The line is dragged in by hand with no reel. In spear fishing a large hole is cut in the ice and ice fishing decoys may be deployed. The fisherman stands over the hole while holding a large spear attached to a line. This method is often used for lake sturgeon fishing. Becoming increasingly popular is the use of a flasher. This is a sonar system that provides depth information, as well as indicates the presence of fish or other objects. It is very different from the common use of the word flasher. Underwater cameras are also now available which allow the user to view the fish and watch how they react to your lure presentation. Select this link to view our Collectible Santa Claus Gifts.