1st Guru helped hundreds of students successfully join their dream universities, and hope to help you do the same. University applications are open for 2026 entry

Introduction to Ice Fishing

The winter season brings a unique set of opportunities, particularly in regions where ice fishing is a beloved tradition. This activity, often shrouded in the allure of its icy waters and hidden treasures, offers a perfect blend of adventure, excitement, and skill. As an alternative to the usual summer fishing spots, ice fishing requires a different set of tools and strategies that cater to the unique challenges presented by frozen lakes and rivers.

Setting Up Your Ice Fishing Equipment

Before Ice Fishing free play venturing out onto the frozen lake or river, it is essential to ensure you have all the necessary equipment. The most basic items include an ice auger, which is used to create holes in the ice for fishing; a portable shelter or tip-up structure to keep warm and protect your line from the elements; and of course, fish baits and hooks.

Choosing the Right Ice Auger

An ice auger can be either manual or electric. Manual augers require more physical effort but are lightweight and portable, making them ideal for backpacking trips. Electric augers, on the other hand, offer greater convenience but may require access to power sources.

The Art of Drilling Ice Holes

Once you have your gear ready, the next step is drilling holes in the ice. The size and depth of these holes depend on several factors, including the type of fish you are targeting and the weather conditions. A general rule is that larger fish require deeper holes.

Depth Considerations for Different Fish Species

  • Walleye: Typically found in depths ranging from 10 to 25 feet.
  • Northern Pike: Prefer shallower water, often found at around 4 to 8 feet deep.
  • Crappie: Often caught in 6 to 12 feet of water.

It’s crucial to test the ice thickness before drilling; it should be at least four inches thick and free from cracks. Using a hand-held drill or an auger, create holes spaced about 50 to 75 feet apart to ensure you have multiple spots if fish are scarce in one area.

Choosing the Perfect Ice Fishing Location

The success of your ice fishing trip largely depends on selecting the right location. Here are some tips for choosing a prime spot:

  • Shallow Water Areas: These areas tend to retain more heat and may have algae growth, which can attract fish.
  • Structural Features: Look for points, reefs, or underwater structures that provide cover and shelter for fish.
  • Water Flow Patterns: Fish are often attracted to areas where water flows, such as near the mouth of a tributary.

Understanding Ice Fishing Tactics

Effective ice fishing tactics can significantly increase your chances of success. Here are some key strategies:

  • Patience is Key: Fish move slowly in cold water, so be prepared to wait.
  • Tackle and Bait Selection: Use appropriate bait for the species you’re targeting. Live baits like minnows or leeches work well, while artificial lures can also be effective if fish are finicky.
  • Bite Detection: Keep your attention on the rod tips; a subtle tug often indicates a bite.

Tackling Cold Weather Conditions

Winter fishing presents unique challenges. Dressing in layers and wearing waterproof gear is crucial to maintain warmth and dryness. Additionally, keep your equipment organized in insulated pockets or containers to prevent freezing.

End of the Day: Wrapping Up Your Ice Fishing Adventure

After a long day on the ice, it’s time to pack up and head home. Ensure all your gear is properly stored; augers should be cleaned and lubricated, and shelters should be disassembled and put away in a dry place.

Preserving Ice Fishing Traditions

Ice fishing is not just about catching fish; it’s also about enjoying the outdoors with friends or family. It fosters camaraderie and creates lasting memories. As you prepare for your next trip, remember to share this knowledge and passion with others, helping to keep these winter traditions alive. In conclusion, ice fishing during the winter season offers an exhilarating experience that combines nature’s beauty with the thrill of the catch. By understanding the techniques and tactics involved, anyone can enjoy successful and rewarding ice fishing trips. So grab your gear, head out onto the frozen waters, and let the adventure begin!

Who We Are?


Have you ever wondered what you might excel at exceeding your expectation and others? We, unfortunately, young or old, could potentially misjudge and mis-assess our own strengths and weaknesses.

When we misjudge ourselves or lack self-awareness, our unique qualities as individuals are ignored. In turn, the chance to become successful may slip out of our reach. We at 1st Guru, are a group of thriving young professionals, who have not only succeeded academically but currently thrive in our selected careers. 

With an understanding of at least two cultures and very different people we met on our journey, we have not only built upon everything we have learned but also everyday scenarios. We have always strived to build important friendships, work connections and personal relationships to make our process personalised.

We want to share with you the wisdom we have gained along this journey, helping you to make the right decisions and impressions when you try to embark on your studies at your ideal university.

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Our Mission


Our mission is to help you turn your university and career dreams into reality. Our approach to achieving this is to focus on your long-term career goals and capabilities from the very start.

Our process also helps to identify your strengths, weaknesses and opportunities so that we can build a comprehensive strategy to get you into your ideal university.

We want to help you make the right decision to set you on the path of success towards your ideal career.

Together, we’ll identify what matters to you most in your future and help you reach where you belong!

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Our Story


Most of our advisors are from outside the UK with English as our second language, though despite this, we have studied at top-ranked UK universities and are currently fulfilling challenging positions within both UK and US industry-leading companies.

The journey from where we were before to where we are now has not been a straight path. Through our differences in culture, background and race, we have learned that we have one thing in common: passion for what we do professionally.

Being passionate about what we do is the simplest, most important element of our character.

It is this passion that drives us to help you pursue and secure your place in the area of study and work that you are most interested in. Using our unique experiences and perspectives, we can provide an insider advantage so that you can stay ahead and lead on your selected path.

We hope to help you with one of the most profound life decisions you are about to make, which will ripple through your adulthood.
With various offices across the world, we guarantee the same energetic vibe and stand united in our shared goal to empower 1st Guru students to be the best that they can possibly be.

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Admission Process 1


Let us know about you! By filling out the free consultation form, we can learn more about you, your goals and interests.

Please provide as much information as you can as this will guide us towards identifying the best opportunities and tests for you.

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Admission Process 2


Note down the application deadlines for your universities and courses as well as the entry requirements. These may include academic qualifications, language proficiency (e.g. IELTS or TOEFL scores), and prerequisites for certain subjects. Make sure to review these requirements carefully before applying. 

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Admission Process 3


Prepare your application as your application will typically include the following components:

  • Personal details: Your full name, contact information, and nationality.
  • Education history: Details of your previous education, including transcripts and exam results.
  • Personal statement: A written statement that outlines your motivation for studying the chosen course, your career goals, and why you're a suitable candidate.
  • References: Letters of recommendation from teachers, professors, or employers who can attest to your academic and personal qualities.
  • Proof of English proficiency: If English is not your first language, you'll need to provide evidence of your language proficiency, such as IELTS or TOEFL scores.

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Admission Process 4


Register in the UCAS Hub and complete the registration questions, confirming key details such as the year you want to start your studies (and that you are interested in ‘Undergraduate’ level of study).

In the UCAS Hub dashboard, you’ll see a title called Your application’ which is where you can begin your application. There is substantial information required here so be sure to give yourself plenty of time to take breaks and come back to it, to get everything right. 

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Admission Process 5


Review your application thoroughly and then submit it. Before it can be sent off to any universities/colleges, you’ll need to get a reference and pay your application fee. You will need to find a suitable referee, whether a teacher or an employer. We will advise you on this. The application fee is unfortunately not refundable. 

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Admission Process 6


Once you've submitted your application, you'll need to wait for the universities to review it and make their decisions. If you're successful, you'll receive a conditional or unconditional offer. You'll need to accept an offer within the specified deadline to secure your place. 

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Admission Process 7


As an international student, you'll need to apply for a UK student visa (Student Visa, previously Tier 4 (General)). This process involves providing proof of your acceptance at a UK university, evidence of your financial support, and other relevant documentation. 

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Admission Process 8


Once you've received your visa, it's time to arrange accommodation and prepare for your move to the UK. Research housing options, book your travel, and familiarise yourself with the local customs, culture, lifestyle and living costs. 

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Step 1: Getting To Know You


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Step 2: Assessing Your Aptitude


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Step 3: Meeting Your Advisor


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Step 4: Selecting & Applying


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Step 5: Preparing for Your Interviews


As a crucial step in the process, we'll collaborate to guarantee you hear back from at least one university for an interview.

Together, we'll thoroughly analyse your application, supplying you with pertinent interview questions. Our numerous mock interviews will considerably boost your chances of acceptance, enabling you to present yourself as the ideal candidate.

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Step 6: Offer Received


Well done! You can now relax and wait to hear back from the universities you’ve applied to.

Most of 1st Guru’s students receive more than two offers from their application!

You’ll be pleased to know that our stress-free university consulting has a 97% success rate!

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Choose the right MBA programme


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Prepare a compelling application


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Await decisions and accept an offer


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