New to ice fishing :)

[wkngmomof2]

My 12 year old son won a Cabelas gift card thru the K102 Trophy Room, he wanted and auger, so I pitched in a little and we now have a Nils hand auger. The auger is great! Now I could use some advice on an inexpensive flasher - We do have the Humminbird 385ci and I'm wondering if it's worth buying what's needed to make into an ice machine or picking up a used one.

[2eyesman2]

check craigs list for a used vexilar..good little machines..also fleet farm has a sale on icefishing gear

[SpecialK]

You can find the parts to turn your bird into a decent flasher for around $150 on amazon if your will to wait a few days for shipping.

[randallt]

I would suggest that you find a FM Get together that is close to you and come out and meet some people that will help you get started.

there are a couple around the metro area the next couple of weeks, low next week. Maybe take a look at some different equipment and try some out before you invest too much money. Great way to meet some future fishing buddies as well.

[Knoc]

a 385ci is a awesome unit for ice fishing. I prefer it over my Vexilar to be honest. Ive had my vex out once this year and that was just to see if it interfered with the hummingbird (which it didnt).

I bought my ice transducer for $70 at Scheels.

Also if ya go to alot of different lakes, a Lakemaster chip comes in very handy.

Have fun and enjoy the hobby!

[Brad B]

My 12 year old son won a Cabelas gift card thru the K102 Trophy Room, he wanted and auger, so I pitched in a little and we now have a Nils hand auger. The auger is great! Now I could use some advice on an inexpensive flasher - We do have the Humminbird 385ci and I'm wondering if it's worth buying what's needed to make into an ice machine or picking up a used one.

fleet farm has the marcum VX1pro on sale this week for $249.99

[HandGunner]

you can find marcum vx pro and lx1 and 2 on c-list for around $200 and less i got my marcum lx-2 there for $130 great investment, I've found a Marcum ice troller with the mount thing for $200 but seller never replied to me, theres also vexilars but i hardly see any hummingbirds. Id have to say if you like fishing period ice fishing will be a great way to have fun, get some cheap rods and lures some waxies and your ready to catch fish already not too exspensive to start just the flasher was my biggest investment

[simple1]

My 12 year old son won a Cabelas gift card thru the K102 Trophy Room, he wanted and auger, so I pitched in a little and we now have a Nils hand auger. The auger is great! Now I could use some advice on an inexpensive flasher - We do have the Humminbird 385ci and I'm wondering if it's worth buying what's needed to make into an ice machine or picking up a used one.

Do you have a tent and other essentials? Or do you just need the flasher. I have a little sled he can have if you live close enough to pick it up.

[HandGunner]

+1 on the sled I hated carrying all the [PoorWordUsage] when I first started,use a tub now tied to a rope LOL a sled would be better. a suitcase style 2 man shelter would be a great one to get you can find them for cheap on c-list. other esentials id say are clothing lures rods bait ice scoop is a must and a camera to catch all the fun and memories