Ice fishermen use shanties, like these set up on Hundred Acre Pond at Mendon Ponds Park, to keep warm while fishing.

Brothers Jeff and Tim Thomas

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation recommends that fishermen wait until there is 2” to 3” of black ice or 4” to 6” of white ice before venturing out with their equipment.

Brothers Jeff and Tim Thomas (left to right) with a northern pike caught at the Victory Baptist Church Sportsmen Ice Fishing Derby on Hundred Acre Pond at Mendon Ponds Park.

Jim Redding (pictured right) sets up a tip-up while his granddaughter, Aliyah Redding (left), looks on.

A manual ice auger allows anglers to cut through the ice quickly and efficiently. But be careful: the blades are incredibly sharp.

Tim Thomas places a tip-up on the ice. A tip-up consists of a small wooden frame and flag that is triggered when a fish takes the bait on a corresponding hook and line.