Just Getting Started

[servocam]

I always bring the Grabber Hand Warmers / the air-actived hot packs just in case. Plus I have kids, so if feet or hands ever start to get cold, you drop one in each boot or in the gloves.

[Little John]

I've learned not to assume anything. Walking out on the ice to see what people are doing and sitting there for hours in one spot in a portable shelter vs runn'n and gunn'n require totally different equipment to do it right.

A couple guys said boots, and I agree. I use three types. A pair of light weight winter hiking style boots, an all rubber 16" hoot with removable liner and Mickey's/bunny boots. Depending on the game plan and conditions, I decide. If I had to choose one, I'd pick Mickey's.

Other key clothing comments: all windproof outer shell, polar fleece inside, and NO Cotton any where. For an all day outing, having a fresh pair of high quality wool socks is a nice touch.

[muskE]

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!

Agreed. Check the Open Seats thread for people going out. Message me when the ice cometh and I can hook you up.

The other thing to consider is market timing. I would borrow as much stuff as you can this year to see if you like it before any big cash lay-outs. If you're looking for new I would check the big auction sites and watch the ads to see how the prices fluctuate then make new purchases at the end of the season (Feb/ March). That's the time when most stores are looking to dump their inventory and the discounts run even deeper, especially if the winter was "warm."

You may be surprised at how much stuff you already have. If you have a mini-cast you can use that reel on a decent ice pole so you may only need to purchase a rod.

[bikeoutback]

I'm not sure I would have ever gotten into ice fishing if it wasn't for buddies saying "lets go ice fishing, you don't need anything except a case of beer and your warmest clothes/boots, I've got everything else"

Now I've got the auger, ice house, ice fishing suit, flasher... but I still only buy things off Clist or on sale or end of season sales.

Also this may have cost me more in the long run but it didn't seem like it. I buy my jigs 1 to 4 at a time at the local bait shops. While getting bait usually ask the guy behind the counter who 9 times out of 10 is the owner and a local who knows the lake well. For $1 to $8 I usually get a decent idea where to go on the lake, what jig/lure/bait to use and which fish is biting more at the time. The knowledge is worth the small cost to try and help keep these small local guys open also.

[trapperdirk]

Personally I think you should just go out icefishing for the first few times with Dietz Dittrich . He has everything from every manufacturer umpteen times over and then some . I also hear his wife will donate to your cause . LOL Ask him about his warranty and tell him I sent you .

TD