Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Over the past couple of weeks, the temperatures in Western New York have dipped below freezing, consistently remaining under the 32-degree Fahrenheit mark. That has not only resulted in more snowy conditions, but it has also helped the local waters freeze over.
While many people usually strap on the blades to go for a skate or play some outdoor hockey when the waters freeze, others grab their fishing gear and get cozy on the ice, looking to reel in the perfect catch.
"It's my favorite way to go fishing is through the ice," says avid fisherman Tom Matte.
When driving down Route 5 past Buffalo's Outer Harbor, one will often see the tents or huts on the ice along the boat docks close to the shoreline. Some people are even more adventurous, heading out further from shore to try and catch the ideal fish.
However, everyone is different when it comes to the degree of comfort when venturing out onto the ice.
"I always wait to see [others walk out there] before I even attempt to walk out there on the ice," said Mike Felong, who's a newcomer onto the ice fishing scene.
"The ice near shore is always the weakest. Once you get out onto the ice itself, it's pretty thick," said fellow fisherman Don Hirschbeck. "I mean, 3-4 inches holds a person. Right now, you've got 12-15 [inches] that would hold a big pickup truck."
Ice fishing activity has picked up quite a bit lately down at Buffalo Harbor State Park. The fishermen taking to the ice say the activity beneath the surface has started to slow down, as compared to activity with the fish the week before.
"Everything I'm catching, as far as Perch and stuff, are pretty small, but there's still some nice [fish] in there," Felong said after a morning of fishing on Wednesday.
"I actually think [the ice] might be too thick now," Hirschbeck said of the conditions on Wednesday. "I think when it's this thick, the fish will go to school."
However, when the ice is not quite thick enough or has melted a bit with warmer temperatures, that's when it's time to take some extra steps before making an attempt to head out.
"There's social media sites you can check, there's plenty of information there. Just pick your favorite group and look around, everyone will help you," Matte said. "I kind of watch what other people are doing, look for tracks, for snowmobiles. And, of course, take a spud bar. Hit the ice with your spud bar as going out. If you see a crack, then you got to turn around and just be safe."
The U.S. Coast Guard is helpful for those when trying to gauge when it is safe to head out on the waters, especially on the Great Lakes like Lake Erie. They said recently that ice thickness on the lake is far below what the averages have been in years past. That makes for some weak and unstable ice for fisherman, which can be a danger if not careful.
Usually when conditions are ideal to head out on the ice, not much is said by local services and other authorities advising against going out on the frozen waters. As long as one uses good judgement, there shouldn't be any issues. It's when advisories are posted when fishermen should take caution and consider playing things safe.
"Water that cold, anything chest-high I would consider deep water, because once hyperthermia sets in, your arms and legs aren't going to move. There really is no shallow water when it comes to ice fishing," Matte said.
So what is customary to take with you on an ice fishing trip? For every fisherman, the supply list certainly varies.
"I mean, it's pretty simple, honestly," Felong said of his routine. "You don't need much to get out there, just something to drill a hole. If the weather's nice, you don't even need a tent. You can go as extravagant as you want with heaters and bring grills, propane tanks, everything out there. Or you can go as simple as a bucket and a hole."
"Well, you've got to get up about three o'clock in the morning. You got a suit up - long johns, pair of sweat pants, snow pants, boots, double socks, hoodies, t-shirts, undergarments. Layer up," Matte said. "You've got to have your bait, got to have your beverage of choice, of course, and get your gear together and get out on the ice."
As for those tents or huts that people see passing by, some fishermen like Matte would rather go old school with their experiences.
"I've been out ice fishing in 17-below," he said. "I have a hut, I have a propane heater. Fire up the propane, let it run for 10 minutes and as long as you're not running in and out, it keeps your hut remarkably warm for a long time. But a good 25-30-degree day when it's sunny, there's nothing better than sitting out on the bucket out on the open ice. It's fantastic."
Best of luck to all those heading out on the ice this winter.