The Single Most Important Thing...

[Steve Eddicus]

do your research and go where the fish are. If you don't put yourself in a position where the fish are currently located none of the other stuff matters.

Well said

[Eric Wetteland]

I have to say a auger and rod. (Just kidding). I think for me it's a toss up over the flasher and GPS. I know I have the a flasher but it saves me so much time looking for spots . I guess I need both.

Eric Wetteland

[dustin85]

I do not have a flasher, and also do not catch many fish through the ice...now that I know I need some lighter weight line, who would like to teach me the proper knots and placement?

Dustin

[SomethingFishy*]

I do not have a flasher, and also do not catch many fish through the ice...now that I know I need some lighter weight line, who would like to teach me the proper knots and placement?

Dustin

I have picked up various tips from attending a few FM ice get togethers, easy to talk to the others that we converse with on here. I honestly never would have tried for cats thru the ice if I hadn't went to the Cool Cats get together a few years back, now I try to fish them more often with a light rod and line

[Eric Wettschreck]

I call it "Time on the tool" and you don't get time on the tool if you don't have the tool in your hand, and some type of lure in the water.

Most important thing????? Get out there!!!!!

Moreso in the winter than the summer, my family eats a lot of fish. We eat a lot of fish cuz we're fishing a lot. You'll never catch anything if you arn't fishing. Turn off the TV, un-plug the kids X-box, get off the couch, and go fishing.

Everything everyone else mentioned works too.

[Eric Wettschreck]

I do not have a flasher, and also do not catch many fish through the ice...now that I know I need some lighter weight line, who would like to teach me the proper knots and placement?

Dustin

Like somethingfishy stated, attend some get togethers this winter. Not only will you have a whale of a good time, you'll be slightly amazed at how everyone is more than willing to share info, tips, tricks, and the latest greatest tactic.

Take a peek in the south central forum. They're doing something kind of cool this winter with the monthly get together type thing. Also, Mankato is aboot 1 1/2 hours from Lake Sarah, and the Sarah Saturday event is planned in the SW MN forum. Check em out.

[Northlander]

No doubt the most important thing is my equipment. Without a good auger (Nils), house (Otter), flasher (LX-5), rods and reels (Too Many )and gps with chips Ice Fishing wouldnt be nearly as fun and enjoyable or productive.

One thing I think is important that I can bring to the game is determination.

Yes there are many days where Im just out to kick back and enjoy the day with some friends but when Im on my game and I need to find the fish we lost from yesterday I think Determination is a good thing to have.

If I go at something half punked I never get very good results unless "Lady Luck" comes into play and I always love having her on my side.