New to Ice Fishing

[Hick727]

Im new to ice fishing and was wondering what a good rod and reel combo would be? And what jigs work best? What are some good lakes in the Minnetonka Area?

Besides for Lake Minnetonka and Christmas Lake

Thanks

[ND4LIFE]

There are lots of good rod/reel combo's out there and really depends on your budget and what type of fishing you are gonna do. I prefer a medium action in 30" for jigging when you need to 'feel' what the fish are doing. I have some lighter action shorter rods for pan fish/slip bobber fishing. A really high end rod really isn't necessary for beginner fisherman anyway (unless you can afford it). I would rather spend money on 2 'less expensive' combos then 1 'high end' combo. It's nice to have a few setups ready to go so you can switch lures/styles really quick.

Jigs are a whole other game and the variety is huge and somewhat over whelming. A few different colors (bright to dark) and different sizes are always good. Don't really need big heavy jigs when ice fishing since your are not fighting currents. Don't forget some good basic hooks and split-shot weights in your arsenal too. This has always been a good live bait setup for me. Take a look at Northland tackle's HSOforum. There are some good articles and videos on lure presentation.

Good luck and good fishing!

[Sgt_NellieUSMC]

As far as rod and reel combos go, you can spend alot of money if you go for the top of the line stuff such as St. Croix rods. I usually prefer the ugly stick combos that usually run about $30 and they usually already have have line spooled on them. They seem to be pretty durable all the way from the medium action to the ultra lights. There are a few others out there that are cheaper but you usually get what you pay for. If you are just getting started i would recommend buying at least one medium rod for your walley's and a ultra light for some pan fish. if you are going to fish for pike/muskies, you will need a stiffer flex than medium for obvious reasons.

Like the post before, jigs can be a preference in brand, size , color etc. For panfish I recommend jigs in the #10 and #12 sizes. The color can always depend on the day. For walleyes i usually jig with buckshot spoons tipped with minnow heads. And you can always rely on shiners/crappie minnows on a plain hook with a split shot weight about 12=14inches above the hook. These are just a few tips to help get you started. Hope this helps and good luck out on the ice

[Hick727]

Thanks Guys!

How do you choose color?

[Sgt_NellieUSMC]

it all depends on the lakes you fish. I usually fish lakes in the south metro area and the lighter colors work better for me. and if you are fishing at night, the glow jigs are a must. if the waters you fish are really clear the darker colors may work well during day time. you will have to do a little trial and error to see what works. you might find you never catch fish with certain colors on that particular lake and some that work better. you will learn over time and possibly you might find a nice guy willing to share a few tips when you get out on the lake.

[Hick727]

So its pretty much just opposite. Light Water = Dark Lure and Dark Water = Light Lure

Thanks

[DuckBlind]

I like St. Croix or the Cabelas combos...cheap is fine. Probably end up down the hole some day anyways. I just look for BIGGEST guides I can find, ice can build up on your bobber stop and it seems the bigger guides don't get in the way as much.

Jigs...

Crappies: Demons (green head-glow)

Walleye: Plain huke with a glow bead and glow sinker

[DarthBaiter]

Any rod reel works fine imo. Sometimes my go to rod/reel is a cheap $7 one i got from wally world. For pannies I like a #14 marmooska tipped with fresh water shrimp, sunfish can't resist them. Color of the jig doesn't seem to matter. But if you use the shrimp a small #14 is pretty much required in order to hook through the little guys tail crustacean.

[mntim]

When just starting out, look for cheap. Buy the $15 combo rods. They may only last a few years, but make sure you enjoy ice fishing before you start investing. When I first started ice, I bought a bunch of jigs of e bay. You can get a bunch of good deals there if you shop right. Welcome to the addiction most of us are in.

[Hick727]

Would this be good? http://www.gandermountain.com/modperl/pr...ails_box_holder

[rkpolaris]

jason mitchell rod and reel combos are nice, only around $50

[GotALunker]

If you're just starting out...I agree...go with affordable. The inexpensive combos got most of us started. And BTW, the tip ups at Fleet farm that are less than $10 (POLAR made by HT) IMO are pretty much the best ones you can buy. This addiction can get expensive so it would be in your interest to ensure you are interested.

If you're drilling holes by hand...bring a friend especially if you're heading out mid ice. That can be very discouraging, but don't let it stop you from going out there.

If you want any more detailed hints...shoot me Private message. I'll be glad to help.

Oh and yes, we did mention addiction right?

[Hick727]

If you're just starting out...I agree...go with affordable. The inexpensive combos got most of us started. And BTW, the tip ups at Fleet farm that are less than $10 (POLAR made by HT) IMO are pretty much the best ones you can buy. This addiction can get expensive so it would be in your interest to ensure you are interested.

If you're drilling holes by hand...bring a friend especially if you're heading out mid ice. That can be very discouraging, but don't let it stop you from going out there.

If you want any more detailed hints...shoot me Private message. I'll be glad to help.

Oh and yes, we did mention addiction right?

I love the outdoors and i love fishing and hunting, so im already addicted

And thanks, if i need advice i know who to go to now

[Brad B]

Would this be good? http://www.gandermountain.com/modperl/pr...ails_box_holder

I wouldn't go with that. the rod would be okay but HT reels suck. I had 2 of the reels and have since got rid of them. I have switched to using the shakespeare ugly stik pro ice combos. the are of good quality and are only $30.00 each. stay in that $25 to $30 price range. they are not the cheapest but you don't need to spend $50 + like some people do.

[MJBaldwin]

I am just starting out as well the girlfriend got me a rod and one for her for my birthday but I was at Gander this last weekend and found a berkly set of two for 20 bucks couldnt go wrong with it just to have an extra line in the water.

[tsande00]

I've actually had really good luck with HT reels. I probably own about 6 of them right now. They aren't going to last 10 years but they're still running strong for me, some are 3 years old. @ $20 I can afford to buy a new one frequently.

South Bend is the brand I'd stay away from.

[rodmoen]

another thing is when your out in 2 feet of ice with your hand auger and see 10 power augers sitting next to everyone else, if your courteous, most of us with a power auger will burn you a couple holes if you ask nice, and the bite is not too hot.

My favorite rod combo is my gander mtn guide series, I would pick up something to get you thru this year, and look to upgrade at seasons end when every store is givin their stuff away 30-40% off.