At long last, the Cape Cod ice fishing season is underway. After a series of false starts, the recent prolonged cold snap put anywhere from 4 to 6 inches of ice on most Cape ponds, and fishermen have been out in force.

Big largemouths have been the primary prize for small pond ice fishermen. Dan from the Hook Up in Orleans put a 3½-pounder on the ice Thursday morning. Jill at Red Top Sporting Goods reported a 6-pound largemouth weighed in this week.

The Cape’s lone northern pike water, Wequaquet Lake, has produced pike to 10 pounds this week according to Todd at Falmouth Bait and Tackle. Pickerel are far more numerous and in far more locations than pike, and even though you won’t find a double-digit pickerel, it’s not uncommon to catch a 4- or 5-pounder through the ice.

The panfish bite is on as well. A crew from the Hook Up loaded up on yellow perch this week, enough for a big fish fry on Superbowl Sunday.

Shiners under tip-ups have been the most popular method, although Todd from Falmouth Bait and Tackle reported that jigs are working as well.

Not much word on the trout fishing, but they are most certainly biting through the ice as well. Just be sure to be extra careful on the larger trout lakes as these will have taken longer to freeze and are less likely to have safe ice than the smaller, shallower bass and pickerel ponds.

If you are without ice gear, you can find it in good supply at The Hook Up in Orleans and at Falmouth Bait and Tackle in Falmouth. Both shops are well stocked in tip-ups, sleds, jigging rods, ice jigs and any assortment of hardwater gear.

Best Bets for the Weekend

There should be fishable ice right through the weekend. Gather a group of friends, a few dozen shiners, a propane grill, a mess of tip-ups, a few folding chairs and have a tailgate party to rival any happening in the Meadowlands this weekend.

Most importantly, be safe, check for 4 inches of ice before considering fishing.