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Ice Fishing Newbie - Is this good?


servocam

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Ok, so, not 100% a newbie to ice fishing. I started when I was 3, sat on a 5 gallon bucket, ice chipper, had pretty much a stick with 2 screws (reel) and some braided line...and eventually left the stick and threw snow balls... and my memories were part of the best times of my life spend with my Dad.

I have gone out w/ friends w/ Shacks and all the gadgets, and now ready to purchase my own goodies and teach my 5 year old how to ice fish. Rather than starting out how I did, I figured we would do it a bit more in style.

I'm on a budget, and here are a few of the items I'm looking at that I need to purchase. I'm looking for your opinions if good or not and other suggestions. First, let me remind you again that I'm on a budget, but if it makes more sense to pay just a bit more, then I will look in to it. I browse Craigs_List, and now HSO, looking for deals on good stuff. Also, I do not have 4WD vehicle and every winter, see many 2WD's stuck on the lakes, so unless light snow or clear, I'll be walking. I will be fishing Clear Lake and Forest Lake, close to where I live.

Ice Shelter:

I don't have room like my friends do to trailer or put in back of their truck, so light and small is what I'm looking for. This is what I selected:

Clam Corp , Nook 2-Man $299, http://www.clamcorp.com/Shelters/FishTrap/Nanook/tabid/376/Default.aspx

They have a Thermal version, but based on experiences in other huts, I think I would get too hot inside of it. I won't be out sub-zero and really windy days. This has the Sled, Seats...and my son and I tested it out at Gander Mtn (he actually selected it). We fit well in it (I’m 6'1, 175, so works for me, even the seats)

Heater:

I have used the larger Tank-top heathers and kerosene heaters. The larger tank-top I think would be way to big for the above shelter and say this one, which seems ideal for the space: Mr Heater Buddy: $79.99 http://www.mrheater.com/product.aspx?catid=41&id=338

Ice Auger:

One of my friends said he has a manual ice auger he will give me, just needs new blades. I grew up using a ice-chipper and manual auger and was not a problem early season. Usually late season, I find existing holes and drill 'em back out. New 8" auger ~$80. Gas power be nice, maybe next year or maybe I'll find a good used on Craigs_list or HSO.

Sonar/Flasher/Fish Finder:

Ok, this area I see many saying Flasher but have also read some articles that said scrap the flasher and use Finder. Flashers are pretty expensive as well and I have used them. It sure makes a difference getting your bait and the right depth. However, unless I find a good deal on used, my budget does not support $300 - $500 for one. So, for a start, I looked at finders and after reading reviews and searches, I found what I think will work to start out with:

HawkEye FF3355P Portable Fish Finder $80 - http://www.hawkeyeelectronics.com/products/FF3355P/overview.htm

Finding the Spots to Fish:

I can use MN DNR Topographic maps and my cell phone GPS/maps to help locate where I want to fish, plus use the Thru-ice feature of the above Fish Finder to check lake depth and verify location....or just go where everyone else is smile

Questions, Comments, Suggestions? Thank you in advance for your help.

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Your plan seems good, but i would look at a vexilar on craig's list. I have been using one for many years and i won't fish without it. They are bullet proof and not affected by the cold. I am not sure about other units, but some lcd units can suffer from cold conditions. Obviously you have to be able to cut a hole in the ice, manual or power, it just depends how hard you wanna work. I cut holes in the ice for many years using a chisel. Staying out of the wind and cold is another big deal. Just get something that is fairly easy to set up and take down so you can stay mobile.

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good plan on the shelter and auger but instead of spending $80 on something you'll regret later I would look for a vex or a marcum sonar. The vx-1 is on sale on friday for 220(you'll have to scope the ads out).I got one last year and I would say it keeps up to the buddies vex. Upgrade in a couple years to the lx5 or fl20. Enjoy teaching the kids an awesome pasttime.

Bogeyman

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I would save $150 bucks and go with one of the hub/pop up shacks. I just purchased a 6x6 for 150. I also just sold my clam because I like these shacks better... more roomy, easy to carry around and saves room for other things. I dont have a truck either so its nice having a shack that I can just throw in my back seat. I would then take that 150 plus the 80 ur going to spend on a finder and go with one of the cheap flashers. I think 2 years ago I paid around 230 for my marcum and I recently saw them for the same price brand new. I also sure you could find a used one for cheaper. If you have and extra cash buy a sled or just use your kids sled for the winter. I think you'll regret buying the finder, I would def go with the flasher. Thats my 2 cents if its worth anything... Good Luck and have fun!!

Also if you decide to go with the hub you could save money on the heater and just go with the sunflower because there is plenty of room in these shacks. also if your 6'1" you can actually stand in these shacks. Thats one thing I didn't like about my clam, I could only stand right in the middle and my head was still scrapping. Last year we had 3 people, 3 chairs, the sunflower, and a grill cooking breakfast in the shack one morning.... forgot to mention 3 holes for fishing smile

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If you plan on fishing anytime it is 20 or colder it may be a good idea to go with a sunflower style heater (maybe a Mr. Heater Cooker and hose to put the tank outside and save room) or a Big Buddy.

I have the Buddy, Big Buddy, sunflower heater and the Mr. Heater Cooker. The Buddy will take the chill of but on cold days (0 or anywhere below) it doesn't keep my Otter Small Den, which is a one-person, warm. Any of the other heaters I mentioned will keep a one-person to a Clam 5600 nice and toasty in my experience.

The only other advice I could give you would be to get something with comfortable seats if you are going with a sled/flip-over shelter. There are a lot of options now. I have seen Clam and Frabil seats that are pretty plush. I believe the Nanook that you are looking at has these type of seats so if you do end up getting that you'll have it covered.

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Try to budget for some good boots, no matter what shack you find, good boots will pay off in comfort and increase your time on the ice and your success.

The classic Mickey boots often can be found very reasonable..$60 to $70, or less.

Look for the real ones not the knock off look alike with a fleece liner...and try to find the White Extreme Cold Weather (ECW) military version. They will last you many years.

If you wear a size 11 street shoe, get a size 12 in the Mickey Boot, and if you can find them one size wider too. The added wiggle room for your toes adds heat retention.

They have an extra thick sole on them and extended standing on ice is not a worry, they dry fast, and all you need to do is carry an extra set of socks with and your warm again as they have no liner to get wet and cold.

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I don’t think you will be happy with that $80 finder. I know you said you are on a budget, but I would try and find a way to squeeze another $100 and get a good used flasher. You should be able to find a Marcum VX-1 or Vexilar FL8 for that price.

Might I also suggest a cheap underwater camera (maybe FishTV) for the kid? Very good for the boredom factor.

It’s very tough (financially speaking) to buy all this stuff at once. Concentrate on the most important things and then add to the arsenal.

Shelter

Flasher

Decent rod/reel

Auger

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Like was said before, you could save a bit of money buying a hub pop-up shelter rather than a sled style. Then buy a cheap sled from Target ( the ones the kids go sledding down the hills on ) and pull that on the ice. I have done that a lot before I got my Clam 2000, now I just strap everything on that and pull it.

Good boots are a must, like Ed said. And actually get the Bunny Boots, they are the warmer version of the Mickey Boot. Bunny Boots are white and the Mickeys are black.

I had gotten one of the those cheaper sonars and in my opinion they are not worth it. Unless you can get a flasher don't bother with one of those. If you just want to check depths get a used handheld. Or you maybe lucky enough to find a FL-8 or a Marcum or Bird for real cheap. A couple years ago I bought one for a $100. Even still, I know a bunch of people that don't use flashers and still do rather good.

I have a sunflower heater with a hose for a 20lbs tank. Works real nice.

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As mentioned earlier....spend the money to get a flasher, you won't regret it.

Another cheap investment that I will NEVER go ice fishing without again is a pair of ice picks that I stick in an easily accessible pocket. Trust me on this one. There was a 10 minute period in my life one cold night where I would have traded every single piece of ice fishing equipment I owned for a pair of these, but didn't have them with me. Lucky to be typing this...

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Thank you all for the responses and I'll address comments made.

1. Shelter: Clam w/ Sled & Seats vs. Pop-up Shelter, independent sled, independent seats.

- I actually selected the 6x6 Clam pop-up or Cabelas Clam pop-up as it was less expensive and more room. I could buy a $30 large sled, some fold-out chairs. But then after looking at the Nook, I liked it much better. Fold-over all built on to the sled w/ Seats. I'll see what a few more of you say...

2. Flasher - ok, pretty obvious. I can afford up a few more $ for one. Please explain the big dif. why everyone says Flasher - is it because it tells you real-time what is right under you vs. what passed by? Flasher made for ice-fishing, Finder is made for open water/boating? (Their are pry threads on this topic).

3. Heater - I'll look at other options to find what works best. I first selected the sunflower to use w/ my 20 lb tank. Concern was size, space and getting too hot, but it can be turned down. My son and I were born for the cold (my son will probably ask if he could wear shorts). What temp to you guys get up to in your shelters?

4. Boots - I have two pairs, one that I have used for past few years that I can be out in the snow, covered in snow, for hours, and ice fishing last year, and never get cold. Usually when ice fishing, I end up just in my under armor, jeans, hoodie, and stocking hat when in the shack. I'm covered w/ clothing to keep warm. More concern is keeping my 5 yo warm. I will bring some heat packs for him. I always put a layer of moisture wicking clothing on and he has them as well.

5. Camera - yeah, it would be nice to keep my son entertained. I think I have a source for a good used one. I see they vary in price and have not read reviews on them. Menards has one on Black Friday at 1/2 price. I think it is an Aqua-Vu for $65, but buying something at Menards and for that price concerns me as I may be just dropping it down the hole. Thoughts? http://menards.inserts2online.com/breako...showAsPage=true

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Servo -

First off, welcome. Second off, you have gotten and will continue to get a lot of opinions and biases (including mine). Just remember it is YOU that has to live with the equipment you purchased and the dent it put in your wallet. That being said, I will chime in.

1) Shelter - I am biased, I just purchased a new Nanook (thermal) and am impressed with this unit. So impressed I sold my Clam Scout and my larger hub style shelter as I feel this will be able to fit both requirements (for me) of a lighter 1 man and still be able to accomodate 2 adults (or me and 2 kids). Have not been on the ice with it yet so we will see. I agree that it is a nice package especially for the money.

2) Flasher - you should spend some dollars here. You do not need anything more than a Marcum VX-1, Vex FL-8 or Hummingbird 35. These 3 units are better than most flashers from just a few years ago. In addition when you get more into it and upgrade these will still be a respectable backup flasher or something your kid can use. Other options to save dollars would be used units but I might be inclined to go new to avoid potential problems.

3) Heater - This is my bias but I prefer lighter and simpler versus heat (although I did buy a thermal shelter :o). I have both a buddy and big buddy and use the regular buddy way more. With either you have to be careful how you transport, neither is designed to be bounced around in the back of your sled while you pull it across the ice. If this is the environment your heater will see - get a sunflower or Mr. Cooker - they are more durable. I have not had a regular buddy in a Nanook but in my hub style it was not enough, in the scout the buddy was perfect. In terms of how warm I like it - take my coat and gloves off, keep hole from freezing up. I don't like to get too warm because I if the fish are not biting I will fold up and move. Hope this helps.

4) Boots - good boots are a given. But another thing you will need for your kid is something to put his feet on. I have a four year old and I bring a one of those boat throwables (the square ones) for him to put his feet on. The nice thing about this is it doubles as a life preserver if something bad does happen. This keeps his feet off the ice and he's never complained about cold feet.

5) Camera - limited on when you can use them (if low light you can't see anything) and they are somewhat difficult to get set-up. My belief is if I'm fishing with my kid I'm fishing for sunnies and action. Nothing cures boredom like catching fish. Save the serious fishing for when you are by yourself or with friends - both you and your kid will appreciate it.

Well again, welcome to the site and take my suggestions for what they are - suggestions. Good Luck! Paul

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  servocam said:

They have a Thermal version, but based on experiences in other huts, I think I would get too hot inside of it.

You can't ever get too hot, even if you don't think you will be going on sub-zero days. Especially with a young 'un in tow. If you get to warm take off the coat. Ice fishing in T-shirts is great fun.

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Regarding the heater, I find it weird (for me) to hear that a regular buddy will not keep a smaller shack warm. I use a regular buddy in a Otter Cabin (2 person) and it heats it fine. I do wear bibs usually, but usually have my jacket off. Me and bro were out in -15 and had our jackets off inside using only regular buddy. Granted, I did put reflectix on ceiling, so I am sure that helps.

A regular sized sunflower will heat you out even on low, I think, I stopped using mine in the two man shack. I do carry a mini-sunflower (mr. heater jr. brand?..) as a backup to my buddy, just in case wink

Also have a Big Buddy that I run off a 20# when using snowmobiles to tow sleds.

Good advice it to bring something for your kids feet to stand/set on instead of snow and ice. Will help tons! Good luck and have fun!!!

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Here is my $.02 as I also fish with young kids.

Shelter - Sounds like you are good there, but look at used shelters too. People are always changing, upgrading, etc.

Flasher - I see Vex FL8 used for ~$100 fairly often. Very good for a first flasher and you could probably resell it for the same next year, or if/when you wanted to upgrade.

Heater - The daisy head on a 20# tank is cheapest, but it is big, gets hot, and kids with fishing line around it could lead to troubles. Being burnt or melting their line on it.

Boots - Mickey Mouse boots are great and cheap. Also a peice of carpet on the ice will help any boot/feet stay warmer.

Camera - Great for the kids (and dad) when the fishing is slow. Not really needed though.

Good Luck and have fun.

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here's my 2cents-

Shelter - look for used shelters. i started with the suitcase style, which worked well but i fished quite a bit so it was a hassle-i then upgraded to the clam pro. the hub styles look really nice and portable. i'm not to familiar with the nook, but i would base your decision really on the amount of fishing you're going to do and the portability factor. i have a truck and w/o it i wouldn't be able to transport a flip over house. if i had a car, i would definitely go a hub style house.

Flasher - i fished a few yrs without one until i started fishing with a few buddies. got out fished every time, decided to invest in one and will never go out again w/o one. once again, depending on how much you plan to fish, look for a used one-either a vex fl8 or marcum vx1-like they say, they are bulletproof.

Heater - i have had experience with everything from using lanterns, big mr buddy, mr. cooker, sunflower, etc. i've found the only way to keep warm on those real cold days is to use a mr cooker hooked up with a hose to a 20# tank. store the tank outside, and run the hose under the shelter to the inside. whenever it gets to warm, take a layer off, or crack the door for some cool fresh air.

Boots - i wear my normal winter snow boats. no idea what they are, i've had them forever. i bring a piece of carpet out and have been able to sit all day out on the ice. i always bring some instant heat packs tho just in case... i've had cold toes before and they will be the first thing to turn a slow fishing day into a miserable slow fishing day...

Camera - they have limited use. you have to relatively shallow, with good daylight in clear water to be able to see much. i no longer have one and to me were just an added hassle to the sled. but for the kid factor, i think it would be a great thing. i'm actually debating getting one from menards now...

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I would stay with your 1 man flip over hosue. I like having all the gear in the sled. You will have to buy a sled to pull your gear anyway why night have a house on it. Way easier to set up alone and in the wind.

I also would look on the for sale forums and look into buying a used flasher. I see a few LX-3's out there now and some old VEx on the Clist.

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Thank you all for your opinions. I was just chatting w/ the neighbor as our dogs played for an hour.

What he said is close to what you all are saying. He brought up a good point that some of you did that I didn't think too much of. KEEP YOUR FEET OFF THE ICE. He said don't do carpet - soaks up water. I was thinking the rubber ergo-mats - the drain through ones that are like 1 inch thick rubber and have like 1 inch holes in it. Think that will work?

While I probably would purchase a used shelter, I would struggle to purchase used Electronics unless deal was really good - you just never know.

Heat: Yes, you can always peal layers if you get hot, open the door, or the Nook has vents on each side at the top...but once your cold, hard to warm back up (Keep some hot soup, cocoa, or coffee in a thermos too). My concern was the size of the heater for the space, safety and portability. Dragging around the 20# cylinder may not be desirable. Neighbor same - put the tank outside of the shelter and he suggested the Cooker/stove/heater. But he also said large tank means more weight for me to drag around. Don't need something that will last >3 or 4 hours. The smaller ones, I can always bring 3-4 canisters.

  schweady said:
However you decide to do it, don't lose sight of the most important part (you said it yourself in the original post): "my memories were part of the best times of my life spend with my Dad"
- You got it! It time with this big little guy:

Alex @ 3 yrs old

alex.jpg

Alex @ 4 yrs old

Photo_080108_001.jpg

Alex @ 4 1/2 yrs old

IMG00253.jpg

Alex @ Almost 5 yrs old

IMG00573.jpg

Thank you all and have a great Thanksgiving!

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Hey Newbie! Welcome- I think you are tackling this the right way- and I wish I had gone this route 6 years ago when I was in EXACTLY your position.

Shelter

I've now had 1) a $600 Northlander suicase style (nice but bulky, heavy and a pain in the arse to drag around), 2) a $400 flip over (Big, not much room in the sled part and HEAVY to drag without a wheeler) and 3) my $189 Quick Fish3 hub system.

I can't argue with your thoughts on a flip-over type shelter- but they are spendy! I'd go with a quick-fish 3 or one of the similarly sized Cabela's brand or whatever for around $200. You can save some money here vs a flip over. You already have a bucket or a camp chair don't you? Sure there is room to stand up in a hub system (like the Quick-Fish) but are you really going to stand up and stretch and NOT just go outside for a few minutes regardless of the shelter you're in? This and a small sled from WallMart and you're set for about $210.

Heater

They're all the same but I'd stay away from a tank-top for lack of a carbon monoxide sensor. The Mr. Heater series are all plenty warm for the size of shelter you're thinking of. You can't really skimp here. And i highly doubt you'll ever be 'too hot. '$90.

Auger

Heck, go with the manual you mentioned. The price is right and you'll be nice and light. New blades are spendy too. $30.

flasher-

I think most of us would say you need to go with a Marcrum or a Vexilar. $250? (I'm not a huge fan of the Showdown for the reasons someone else mentioned about LCD and cold). Grab one off Craigoslisto or wait till the Ice Show.

Fish TV

I'd skip the fish TV for now. They're good in a permanent or in a BIG flip over. For the needs you pointed out though- they're bulky, heavy and VERY touchy to get working at all. My guess is that you could advertise on Craigoslisto that you're looking for one and get one cheap. If you do get one though- get the 4-directional one for sure.

$210

$90

$30

$250

$580 and you're fishing.

If you're in Forest Lake- might as well guarantee yourself some Crappies and hit West Rush Lake near Cigar island. Sure it can be crowded but there are always fish.

Good Luck!

Labguy3000

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Have you considered an 11# tank? That is what I use it is lighter and smaller so easier to tow around. The most important thing is get out on the ice and enjoy it. And if things are going well, look for us 50+ guys with are over 20 year old kids, and grandkids to young to fish, we will be more then happy to help you out.

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I would not recommend using a sunflower type heater in a small shack with a 5 yr old. They are notorious for burning stuff cause very hot on all sides - Since you only plan to go out during the nicer weather, the Buddy sized heater should work for you an MUCH safer around kids IMO.

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