Just Getting Started

[DanM]

I am thinking this will be my year to try ice fishing for the first time. Since I have limited budget I want to be sure I spend it wisely. I would appreciate any suggestions for what I need to be sure to get. Not only the what, like an auger, but the type and size. I am guessing I will probably be fishing for pan-fish (and whatever else might bite). Thanks for the input. DanM

[BoxMN]

Main thing, get a flasher. Doesn't matter what kind - the more expensive the better, in general terms, but any will make you have more fun and catch more fish. That is as key as the auger, if not more, as you can always find someone to drill holes for you.

I would also get a round frabil tipup, as you might as well drop a tipup when fishign panfish unless you fish with two rods, which works good too. I like Jason Mitchell rods, not too expensive but significantly better than then $15-20 combos out there. I really like the meatstick and the springbobber rods.

Good luck, and have fun!

[rugbymn]

The bare essentials are just a rod and reel (or even an old fashioned stick with some line tied to it, a few jigs, and an auger.

As for the auger, if you're only going for pannies and looking to just start, I'd suggest going with an 8" hand auger. You can pick one up for a good price and the new ones cut through some pretty thick ice with little efffort. You can get by with a 6", but if you happen to get a pesky northern or bass, you'll have a lot easier time getting them up through an 8" hole than you will a 6" hole.

Rod and reel is all preference. Most of the stuff you can by at the big orange wonderland will work just fine. No sense in buying the deluxe models if you're not going to stick with it.

2 lb or 4 lb Berkeley micro ice should work just fine.

The jigs is where you're going to get a huge variance of opinion. Personally, I'd recommend a variety of colors of each of the following lures:

Ratso

Shrimpo

Demon Jigging Spoon

Angel Eye Jr

Fat Boy

Genz Worm

That should cover you pretty well. A flasher will definitely help you catch more fish, but they're pretty expensive. I'd say they're an important thing to have, but not as important as making a hole in the ice and putting something with a hook down that hole.

[JigginIsLife]

A budget amount would make this easy but lets assume your going to try for as cheep as you can-

Easy- if your gonna be fishing pannies, then stay on flats, if the water is clear, it will negate the need for a vexi and that will be pretty close to your biggest cost. Buy 2 rod/reel combos (most stores carry thier own brand that are quite cheep, but is still a good product) spend about 50 bucks on line, lures, get a hand auger, and an ice scoop. if you can let it buck, get a used house from a friend. try to find a used heater ie sunflower, or cooker (less problems) if its your first year out on the ice, the most important thing is to spend as much time out there as possible, thus making it as easy and comfortable as you can. if you cant swing an ice house, a pop up turkey or deer blind will double as an ice house for you. and for the first month or so a chipper bar will knock out holes, and you wont need an auger. You can do a search on here for panfish rigs, jigs and so forth, and you will get a breadth of knowledge from these guys, one thing to remember is that everyone fishes in thier own unique way, and most of them are right...

[JigginIsLife]

Main thing, get a flasher

I would say main thing.... get on the ice the flasher is a bonus.

[Westsidefishing]

My advice, keeping in mind the budget, would be get some pop up house, they are fairly inexpensive, 7'' hand auger (just about all around right size), some combo rod from C store or GM and some tackles as mentioned above by fellow ice fisher men. Once you get more into it, then you can buy flasher, GPS and more n more never ending cool things.

Hope you enjoy Ice fishing!!!!

[Jack Peterson]

The fish bite very well from first ice until the middle of January. What I would recommend is this:

2 - medium-lite panfish rods with 4lb test. any clear line will work.

1 - 6" hand auger. will cut through the thin ice super fast with the new blades, and will be easy to cut through ice until about the middle of January.

10-20 - Various ice jigs like the ones stated above. You won't need a massive arsenal.

1 - Ice scoop and 1 bucket.

Extra things:

Cheap one man ice house. Look in the classifieds in the paper and online.

Vexilar Fl-8 - again, you can buy a used one for around $100 bucks in classified ads.

Power auger for thicker ice.

A guide - if you want to fish the Alexandria area, shoot me an email. I'll do my best to set you up on biting fish. [email protected]

[Jarrod32]

Most of the advice above is good. Some basic ice rod/reel combos, and some choice tackle is the starting point, and for a $50 bill you can get pretty well equipped.

As far as the "Big 3" go (auger, house, flasher), I would prioritize the auger first. Can't fish without a hole in the ice. A hand auger will do the job, particularly on early ice. But a power auger is nice, and will make it easier to drill more holes to find the biting fish. The Eskimo Stingray is a good, inexpensive power auger if you're buying new, or good used ones of all kinds can be had. An 8" auger is plenty big.

I would go with the house next; as previous posters have mentioned, the pop-up "hub" style shacks are inexpensive and easy to carry. The sled-style, flip-over shacks are very handy but are more expensive. Get a small propane heater and you can fish in comfort.

If you decide that you like ice fishing, then make the leap and get a good flasher. It will help you catch fish, and will make the whole experience more enjoyable. I won't get into the discussion about which one to buy...that is a whole different discussion.

[SFC]

What jack posted was the basics, that is all you need for the first year. Find out if you even like it before sinking a grand or 2 into the equip. I would go with the smaller hand auger also.

[Jack Peterson]

yeah, smaller augers are faster and the holes are just as good. If I get on top of fish with my hand auger i'll just drill two holes, one for fishing and one for my vexilar. I've seen 7lb walleyes pulled out of 5" holes. They work just as good, but are a little trickier to fish out of sometimes. Go with a 6".

[servocam]

DanM, do you have some friends that go ice fishing? You said, "I am thinking this will be my year to try ice fishing for the first time" you may want to go out with others a few time. I'm sure they would have gear for you to use.

Last year was the first year of purchasing my own gear. You may want to read my thread: My Newbie Thread

I also agree w/ the 6" auger. While the 8" is easy at first, once that ice gets beyond 10-12 inches, you have to work prety hard.

All you need to start is Rod, few small glow jigs, maybe a depth weight, 5 gal bucket, a spud bar, some waxies, and some warm clothes. Be sure to read the Ice Safety threads as well.

I can tell you as a newbie, I found a Flasher makes a HUGE difference!

What's your budget?

[Eelpout08]

DanM, do you have some friends that go ice fishing? You said, "I am thinking this will be my year to try ice fishing for the first time" you may want to go out with others a few time. I'm sure they would have gear for you to use.

Couldn't agree more. If you can find someone to go head out with it will greatly reduce the learning curve, they will already have a good idea of what works for them and what spots might hold fish. all you would need is a coulple of fishing sticks and a few jigs, maybe a bucket to sit on and you are good to go. as you get into it more you can get the gear that you think you need for the style of fishing you like the best. good luck and as long as you are on the ice looking down a hole you can have a good time!

[Deitz Dittrich]

I'm going to agree with servocam- Before you go and break the bank. Decide how much you like the sport. See if you can tag along with a friend or two. No point in buying a ton of walleye gear if you prefer to go after panfish. No point in spending a ton on stuff if your just going to be a recreational(few times a year) angler. A guy could go on the cheap and have just 10 or so jigs, one rod.. Or you could go crazy and get the flasher, underwater camera, fancy auger, rod bags, prtable, perm..ect ect...

[tsande00]

Pretty good advice so far.

I will second the opinion that order of priority should be:

1.) Auger. I picked up a 6" HT brand hand auger for $35 brand new. This thing rips through the ice. It will work very well for you as long as you protect the blades. You can always upgrade to a gas auger down the line, but the hand auger will always be useful to you, even after buying a gas auger, especially early ice.

As mentioned Eskimo makes a great auger for the money, both new and used. (I own a Strikemaster so I'm not just being a fan boy) YOu can probably pick up a used Eskimo in decent shape for $150.

2.) Fish house - You can find good deals on semi used flip over shacks. As long as everything is in reasonable shape, there isn't a whole lot of benefit to buying new....Check the classifieds like Gregslist and our own HSOlist...they are full of em' this time of year.

3.) Depth Finder (flasher) - this can wait a year if your budget doesn't allow. There's always the ol' "go up and drop a line next to everyone else" trick that can get you by for a season or two. Chances are they are on some type of structure and a reasonable chance somebody is catching fish.

If a flasher is in your budget than by all means spring for one. They do greatly increase the fun factor of ice fishing...

As you move on you may want to acquire items like GPS, underwater camera, 4 wheeler, etc...lol. The sky is the limit.

One thing to keep in mind is that ice fishing equipment, for the most part...as long as you take care of it, holds it's resell value pretty well. I guess what I'm saying is be thrifty at first, make sure you like the sport and it's very easy to upgrade your equipment as you move forward with your new found passion.

[shnelson]

If this is truly your first time hitting the ice - I would hold off on any purchases. In the great state of Minnesota, there are plenty of guys out there with plenty of gear that would be more then happy to take you out to get a taste of it. Your only cost the first time out should be beverages and bait .

If you are looking for someone to take you out, let me know - I live just north of stillwater and have plenty of gear to share.

Final note - If you are dead set on getting your own gear and hitting this soon to be addiction head on, take all the advice above and check out local want ads, HSO classifieds and the ever popular c raig s l i st for incredible deals on barely used gear. I've seen like new hand augers go as cheap as $10, makes it real easy on the wallet that way!

[DanM]

Wow, what a response. I really appreciate all of the comments, suggestions and advice. Thanks again Dan

[fishinfey8]

1. hand auger ($10-50)

2. ice fishing rod & reel combo ($20)

3. plain red hooks ($3)

4. bag of split shot sinkers ($3)

5. 2 ice buster bobbers ($3)

6. 2 lindy rattlin flyer or buckshot rattle spoons ($7)

7. A nice day (priceless!!)

At the cheapest that is $46 and at the most expensive it comes out to $86. Ohh ya and don't forget the fishing license.

[tsande00]

1. hand auger ($10-50)

2. ice fishing rod & reel combo ($20)

3. plain red hooks ($3)

4. bag of split shot sinkers ($3)

5. 2 ice buster bobbers ($3)

6. 2 lindy rattlin flyer or buckshot rattle spoons ($7)

7. A nice day (priceless!!)

At the cheapest that is $46 and at the most expensive it comes out to $86. Ohh ya and don't forget the fishing license.

A budget would have helped significantly. I would have sacked the rattlin flyers for some red glow jigs, but to each his own.

[mww24]

if i had a few hundred to spend. It would be flasher first. Then carry a 5 in your pocket to bribe some holes being drilled for you. I know if i see someone drilling by hand i walk up and ask how many holes they want and where. For pannies I would recommend a spring bobber set-up. You will catch many more crappies with a spring bobber rod. The jason mitchell is great product for cost. Main Thing is to have fun. The ice can be filled with idiots but its usually easy to avoid those groups, and you can always find people having a good time without causing problems that are eager to help a rookie. good luck.

[Acemac]

if you alrewady have summer fishing gear your really all ready to go

every winter I use my summer reals and switch them over to ice rods

what you need

Chisel

Rod / Reel

hook / line / Sinker

[Little John]

I didn't see anyone mention boots, bibs, jackets, etc. If your going to ice fish, you really need to decide if you're going to be out in the open or in a shelter. If you're not warm and comfortable you can't enjoy your time with any number of toys.

I run and gun in the open most of the time, so clothes are an important part of my game.

Also, like many have said, a budget is a must. And after that, you only get what you pay for. You don't need exotic stuff, but quality costs more.

[crappiebuster]

Good point...Yeh I would say a good pair of boots would be the first thing. When your toes are cold and numb ice fishing is no fun.

[shizzy]

if i had a few hundred to spend. It would be flasher first. Then carry a 5 in your pocket to bribe some holes being drilled for you. I know if i see someone drilling by hand i walk up and ask how many holes they want and where.

I do the same. I always turn down any money offer and just tell them to pay it forward. I remember my first couple of seasons out on the ice. I never turn down someones request for me to punch a couple holes for them.

[tsande00]

Living in MN one would assume a person already has warm winter clothing. If he plans on going the route of a flip over shack than he probably doesn't need top dollar bibs, boots, etc.

It's much harder to run and gun anyways without a flasher or depthfinder.

[Acemac]

"good" boots are a good point cold feet can be the diff from getting a newbie back on the ice.