Mindful Preparation: Insiders from Mark Martin’s Ice Fishing School
From tackle to technology, the subject of preparation is the first topic of the curriculum. In order to have the most successful day, efficiency and effectiveness are crucial before a fishing trip. Being prepared equips those going on an adventure to manage unexpected challenges with confidence. It can mean the difference between finding a way out of a minor inconvenience or tough and potentially dangerous situation. Not being prepared is the main ingredient of a recipe leading to making things go bad.
What goes into preparation? Not only getting things together but making sure anglers are covered for what may happen. Hall of fame, professional walleye angler, Mark Martin emphasizes the subject of preparation in depth, especially with his students of his one and only Ice Fishing Vacation School.
Safety First
Before you think about catching fish, safety must always come first. Ice fishing is a thrilling adventure, but it comes with risks that require proper preparation.
“We get out there safely, and we want to get you back safely.”
One of the first safety essentials is wearing proper winter gear. A float suit is not just a luxury, it’s a lifesaver. While not everyone may afford one, ask yourself: How much is your life worth? Do not cut corners when it comes to safety. Always assume the unexpected could happen, such as falling through the ice. Martin stresses that this is standard practice among professionals and students alike. A float suit, paired with proper layers, ensures warmth and safety throughout the day.
A list is made up of first aid kits, special clothing, boots, handwarmers, ice picks, a cell-phone battery charger, ramps, etc. As far as safety and legality, a helmet is an absolute necessity for those venturing out onto the ice with a 4-wheeler or a snowmobile. Consult your state laws about needing an off-road vehicle tag from the department of natural resources. Being prepared means following the rules!
““We are not out there playing Columbus, blindly exploring. We take a spud and check the ice as we go, step by step.””
Scouting the Ice: Slow and Steady
Preparation does not stop with gear—it extends to assessing the ice itself. Before venturing out, it is essential to scout the area thoroughly. Martin explains his tried-and-true method:
If there are no visible tracks from other anglers or snowmobiles, this becomes even more critical. Mark and his team scout on foot before bringing in machines. Using tools like the Navionics app or GPS on your equipment, phone, or fish finder, ensures you are staying on track and targeting safe areas efficiently.
Always use caution and practice safety on the ice!
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Always use caution and practice safety on the ice! 〰️
Understanding Ice Structure and Contours
To catch a picture perfect fish, preparation is a necessity! Photo Courtesy of Mark Martin Fishing.
When it comes to finding fish, knowledge of underwater structure is key. Even in vast and featureless areas like Saginaw Bay, small contour changes can make a big difference.
Martin emphasizes the importance of understanding contour lines on maps:
“A point with just a foot or even six inches of difference can be a fish highway. Treat those subtle underwater features as if they were major drop-offs in a reservoir.”
Drilling multiple holes to verify depths and contours is necessary, as maps are not always precise. If you want to be a successful ice angler, mobility and covering water is crucial. This strategy not only ensures safety but helps locate active fish zones.
Having the Right Tools
Efficient ice fishing requires the right tools in good condition. A reliable auger with sharp blades is essential for drilling holes quickly and accurately. If your auger blades are over a year old, consider replacing them to save time and effort.
When planning a trip on the ice, consider the need for specialty tackle and supplies. A yolk for pulling a sled with an ORV is needed. For bumpy rides across the hardwater, special tackle boxes to help secure precious lures from being tossed around loosely and becoming damaged is sometimes overlooked. The last thing you would want is to pull up to the first spot and find your equipment is damaged.
Additionally, bring along a quality fish finder or depth finder to pinpoint promising spots. These tools streamline the process of scouting and help you stay productive while on the ice. Combo units are available with GPS mapping that could be mounted to an ORV. Mapping is extremely important when making long runs across the low light hours, especially in flustering wintery conditions.
Daybreak Departure: Properly rigged snowmobiles stand ready to ride out as a group as a safety practice. Photo Courtesy of Mark Martin Fishing.
Following the stages of preparation, the night before tasks are the follow-through motion to ensure equipment runs as intended. These tasks include fueling up beforehand, charging batteries, getting live bait, or having a plan to do so, and so on.
The Bigger Picture
Ice fishing is more than just catching fish—it is about adventure, the camaraderie, and returning home safely. Whether you are a seasoned angler or a first-time student, a well-prepared trip will always be the most rewarding.
Practice Makes Perfect: Ice Fishing Schools
Mark Martin’s Ice Fishing Schools emphasize preparation and safety on day one. From proper scouting techniques to gear setup, the focus is on teaching students how to fish successfully while minimizing risks. The first day of school is also referred to as syllabus day. This is when items are explained to a class. This is no different from the first day of Mark Martin’s Ice Fishing School. Before program officially starts, students are required to fulfil a list of equipment.
Mr. Gary Burch is an great example of previous students mastering their craft and passion. He has been to several Ice Fishing Schools and now serves as a staff member.
The alumni network of anglers who’ve participated in the fishing school program has a proud reputation of taking and making anglers into highly skilled artists of the craft. This kind of experience where people can learn and practice firsthand while having a guide with decades of experience instructing along the way. Fishing Vacation School was created so that those who are serious about their business can learn by taking an accelerated course on whatever it may be with ice fishing. There are a lot of ways to catch a fish, but more ways to go wrong. The mission and overall objective of the program is so that students leave having not only the knowledge, but the confidence to apply what they know and critical thinking skills to employ.
“We teach the importance of preparation to ensure every trip is as safe as it is rewarding,” Martin shares. The school’s approach has resonated with both teachers and students, showing them how to fish smarter, not harder.
For those interested in attending an ice fishing school, visit www.fishingvacationschool.com for a future opportunity to learn from a curriculum with centuries of experience. There are still spots available for Mullet Lake, February 9-12.
Special thanks and consideration
Please consider supporting the businesses and organizations who helped with making Mark Martin’s Fishing Vacation School happen. Without their support, this program would have not operated as smooth and effectively. Franks Great Outdoors, Linwood Corners Cafe, Linwood Campground Beach Marina and Campground, Go Great Lakes Bay, and Quality Inn & Suites Bay City, were all outstanding in providing their services and abilities to make this event happen. If you or someone you know is visiting or in the bay area, these places have you covered for your needs when it comes to comfortable lodging, having a delicious meal, purchasing fishing tackle, providing launch site with ample parking accommodations, or sharing motivation to embark on a new adventure.
