Ice fishing is a lot like other types of fishing, other than the walking on the water aspect.

For the novice, ice fishing simply looks to be no more difficult than walking out on the ice, drilling a few holes and catching some fish. Well, not exactly.As is the case with fishing open water, ice fishing requires knowledge and acquiring skills to be successful, but the good news is that almost angler who applies themselves can be successful. It all begins by learning about the water to be fished and the tackle being used and its capabilities.Of course, the first thing that comes to mind - or should come to mind - when thinking about ice fishing is safety. That begins with fishing only on safe ice, but also includes wearing the proper clothing and footwear and knowing basic safety procedures.For novice ice anglers the best way to get started is to accompany an experience angler, or simply ask questions of those already on a lake. Ice anglers are friendly by nature and are always glad to welcome newcomers into the ranks of the "chosen frozen."If uncomfortable asking the advice of strangers, tackle dealers in the area are going to make sure an angler's first trip on the ice will be enjoyable, even if the outing fails to produce fish. Tackle for ice fishing is relatively inexpensive, but finding used tackle is often difficult because of the popularity of the sport and the demand for tackle.Chances are first-time ice anglers will not have pop-up shelters - although hunting blinds work well - or propane heaters, so plan the first outing for bearable weather conditions and a half-day on the ice. Once safe ice develops during the frigid January nights it is surprising how comfortable it seems to be out during the more mild almost spring-like days that often occur in February and March.Always notify someone before going ice fishing, and never venture onto the ice alone, so if alone chose an area of the lake with other anglers. For the most comfort dress for the cold weather by using the layering system, which makes it easier to remove clothes if too warm or put clothes back on if too cold.A warm wool, fleece or knit hat is a much better choice than a baseball-style fishing cap and should be worn even if wearing a hooded parka. At the other end make sure to keep the feet warm by wearing a pair of insulated waterproof boots, which should be tied loosely so they can be kicked off if the ultimate disaster of falling into the water happens.Should that happens it is important not to panic and use a pair of ice awls to climb out of the water and unto the ice. Using a swimming motion will also raise the body up and out onto firm ice, and kicking will prevent being pulled under the water.If treading water until help arrives slipping off one's boots makes the job easier, but keep clothes on as they will insulate even when wet. Once out of the water and onto the ice do not stand, but roll from the hole until reaching a safe distance and then shuffled the feet until the shore is reached.When on the saving end of an accident while ice fishing it is important to remain a safe distance away from the hole and never approach them on the ice. Reach out with anything available from tree branches to a rope made of clothing tied together, toss the victim anything that floats and - if possible - use a boat to reach them.Just as every firearm should be treated as if it is loaded, it is best to assume no thickness of ice is completely safe because of weak spots. Generally, 4-inch ice is safe enough to handle anglers and their gear - including small gas grills for cooking.Always try to get multiple uses from a piece of equipment, like using a floatable seat cushion on a floatable cooler in addition to wearing a life jacket. Wearing waterproof gloves is a better choice that woolen mittens and also provide better control if cleaning fish to enjoy on the ice.Some manuals list the following items as options, but in reality should always be packed. These are a dry set of clothes, energy snacks, hot drinks, a coil of rope, a basic first-aid kit and matches in a waterproof container or butane lighter.Ice fishing can be as intense or laid back as an angler chooses. Like all fishing, however, it should be done with safety being the first concern.