So you’ve finally decided to build a pond hockey net, and congrats on making the right choice! You’ve picked up the right stick, and you’re powering through the thick of the winter season. You’ve got the pond and the area surrounding it perfectly planned. You’ve got your houseboat fully equipped with all of the necessary additions needed for a comfortable (and dare I say exciting) fishing trip.
But wait, what’s that sound ? Did you hear that? Could it be ?… pitter-patter, pitter-patter, go the raindrops as they fall from the sky! If there’s one thing the weather gods have been trying to teach us this winter, it’s to stop chipping away at the ice in the pond and to start filling it up immediately! So if you’ve got a minute or two to spare, you best get to work so you can enjoy that ice-tea floatation device you’ve been admiring.
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Assembling The Pond Hockey Net
If you’ve decided that a pond hockey net is indeed what you want for your own personal use, congratulations! You’ve taken the first step to completing your dream project. The next step is to get to work and start assembling your pond hockey net so that it can be brought to life and be productive the very next day.
Assembling a pond hockey net is a pretty straightforward process, and it doesn’t require professional tools or expensive equipment. All you need is a pair of hands and some common household items (like an extension ladder or maybe even a chair).
The first thing you need to do is measure the distance between the two nearest trees or lamposts (this will determine the height and spread of your net). Next, find a spot on the ground where you’ll be able to roll the finished product (make sure there’s not any electrical equipment or anything that might be damaged by the weight of the net).
Ladder As A Garnish
One of the simplest and most effective ways of elevating your personal enjoyment of ice-fishing is to add a ladder to the mix. A sturdy ladder, suspended over the edge of the pool or pond, will allow you to climb up onto the ice and fish from an elevated position. It might not sound like much, but being able to stand on the ice and control the depth of the water underneath you is fantastic!
There are several different types of ladders that you can use for this purpose, so find something that suits your needs. If you have a pair of kayak paddles available, you can use them as a makeshift ladder (just be careful not to drop them on the ground, especially near any electrical equipment or water sources).
Paddles As A Middle Layer
Another great way to enhance your fishing experience is to place one or two long, thin poles (paddles) in the water next to the bank. Placing the poles in the water creates two things: 1) a barrier between you and the fish (protecting them from becoming dinner), and 2) a current that will keep the fish engaged and motivated in the water (which makes them easier to catch).
When you’re fishing with your buddies, you can take turns using one of the poles. After your turn is over, your buddy can use the pole to keep the fish at the surface awaiting the next catch.
Extensions Etc.
If you’d like, you can connect a number of extensions (like garden hoses, plastic sheeting, or PVC pipes) to a water spigot and run them all under the surface of the water. This will create a current in the water that will keep the fish at the surface for the period of time you’ve set for your ice-fishing expedition!
Once you’ve got all of your equipment and gear set up, it’s time to start warming up the area around the pool or pond. This can be done by lighting a fire or putting a few logs on the ground. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but being able to see a campfire or woodstove nearby is always comforting and helps create a more cozy atmosphere.
Rolling The Pond
With your equipment and gear taken care of and situated comfortably around the area of the water, it’s time to start rolling (or covering) the pool with a net. There are several different types of ponds and pools that you can use for this purpose, so find something that suits your needs. Make sure that the edges are completely rolled out so that there are no holes for the fish to escape (if there are any, they can either be plugged or covered over with brush or sod).
To start, you’ll want to position a chair (or maybe even two or three chairs) at the edge of the pond. From this vantage point, you can see all of the area surrounding the pool and get a feel for how it all comes together. Next, walk back to the middle of the pond and stand with your arms folded. When the chair(s) is (are) in place, sit down and gently but firmly roll the pond toward you. When this is done successfully, the pond should be completely covered from edge to edge, leaving no visible gaps.
Brushing The Surface Of The Pool
Another great way to enhance your fishing experience and create a more finished look to your pool is to cover the entire surface with a layer of gravel. This will prevent the pond from looking too flat and boring, making it more appealing to the eye.
To achieve this, you will want to get a small garden rake and gently rake over the surface of the pond, working your way from the middle out toward the edges. You’ll want to repeat this process until you’ve covered the entire surface of the pond with a smooth layer of gravel. (It’s usually best to start at the edges and work your way toward the middle so you don’t disrupt any natural sediment at the bottom of the pond.)
Rocking The Surface Of The Pool
Another great way to add another layer of interest and appeal to your pool is to place small rocks or shells on the surface. These will break up the monotony of the water a bit and make it more interesting to look at.
To do this, you will want to walk around the edges of the pond and push large rocks into the water as you go. When you reach the middle of the pond, stop for a moment and take a look around you. You’ll notice that the edges of the pond are completely different from the center; the former is smooth with a few rocks in it, while the latter has a lot of jagged rocks sticking out of the water.
This difference in texture creates another option for you: You can either keep the center as it is or you can slightly rock the pond (by moving a few of the big rocks from the center toward the edges). Try out different combinations and see what looks best to you.
Decking The Pool
Once you’ve got your pond perfectly arranged, it’s time to work on the decking around it. This can be done with materials like wood, plastic, or metal. You can also use concrete or stone if you’d like. (If you do use concrete or stone, make sure to put down a layer of compacted gravel first so that it doesn’t look like you’re just throwing up some concrete slab.)
Whatever material you use for the decking, make sure that it fits the area and that it’s easy to maintain (as you’ll be fishing in it often). Also, make sure that the color isn’t too dark or light; you don’t want to attract too many sun-loving or shade-seeking creatures to your pool!
Fishing From The Water
Once your pond is decked and ready for fishing, it’s finally time to get down to business. The first thing you should do is cast your line (either fresh or frozen, depending on the time of year and the weather conditions) into the water and wait for the tug of war (or whatever other activity your fish are involved in) to start. If all of your fish seem to be ignoring your first few attempts, it might be time to raise the stakes a bit (or in other words, increase the size of the hook or the strength of your line).
Fishing from the water is both reliable and exciting, especially when you’re using a rod and reel or a spin rod and a fixed-position reel. It doesn’t have to be glamorous (though it can be!), as you can use almost any surface (like grass, tree roots, or even the pond floor) for fishing from the water.