Wanna Try Icefishing for First Time... Any Advice?

[TSCTSC]

We want to try ice fishing this winter. Have never done it but have watched Grumpy Old Man. Mainly just for the experience. What do I need to do it and is there any lakes where it is recommended to go that I can rent ice houses for a day and get a good day out? Thanks!

[goodyy7]

Wow, could go all different kinds of directions on this one. I guess my number one piece of advice is to find someone that knows what they are doing, has the gear, and go with them. I think lots of folks hate it and get burnt on it because of lack of success, being cold, not having fun, etc. A lot of this can be solved by getting out there with an ice addict. Where you at?....so someone can maybe help you in a right direction? You know any ice addicts?

goody

[Captain B.R.K]

It'd be nice to know where you are going. For a start, take a look at all the different forums here on the site and look into where some of the hotter bites are happening to where you'll be fishing. From there I'd call your local bait shop and talk to them about ice thickness and baits (waxies, maggies, plastics, minnows) to use for that time of year.

For the first time, I think you can get by with a decent priced combo found at your Gander Mountain, Sportsman's Warehouse or Cabela's. Heck even Wally World might have something like that A handful of lures and you'll be off. Get a hand auger (6-8") and you'll be on an adventure!

No need to go gung-ho right away with electronics, top of the line reels/rods, etc. Start small to see if you'll really like ice-fishing. Pick a day that will be relatively fine to sit out on the ice for a few hours or half a day, dress warm, bring a bucket and have fun.

Better yet, try to attend one of the I.C.E Series events or Get Togethers that will happen this year! Not only is there advice here, but you'd get the hands-on approach on the ice!

Keep the questions coming!!

[slick814]

Goodyy7 & Capt. BRK have it right. You can get started with a small investment in equipment for yourself at places like Gander, Sportsman's Warehouse, etc., and Wal=Mart does have some basic stuff too.

I was at the Gander in Forest Lake yesterday to pick up some stuff for my late fall excursion to the Northland next weekend and saw that they already have some rods out, JR's Tackle sponge handles and cork handles for like 3 bucks or so... from there, if you have an unltralight or lightweight reel that you use for open water, use it!! I's suggest throwing in a little hot lube, but the summer stuff is fine if you're in a heated permanent or portable.

If you let us know where you're at, maybe some of us would take you out for a trip or two... I'd be willing, and you can use some of my stuff, too. That way you don't get discouraged if there isn't early success and feel like you've wasted $$ on equipment.

Heck, there might even be a few of us who would be willing to go with you to help pick out some essentials.

I'd say that you can be pretty well set up for under $50.. a couple of combos, a tip-up and a few jigs, etc... only thing that would put you over that mark wold ba an auger, unless you can find a used one at a pawn shop or something...

[Animal]

If I wanted to try ice fishing, I would do one of two things: 1. Hire a guide. There are serveral listed on FM. One in the Big Winne area or Bemidji area would get you on some good perch or pan fish which should provide some decent action. They are full service and all you need do is show up.; 2. Walk out to a group of people icefishing and start BSing with them. Tell them you would like to try it. Based on my experience most people would have an extra rod and would likely help you out. After you have a great time you can stop by Gander or one of the other outfitters and start spending the first of your $1000.

[hanson]

TSCTSC-

A couple of good options have been mentioned here already.

Where are you located at? Or where do you want to fish?

We could lay out a pretty good game plan for you. Heck, I'm sure a few fine folks here would even offer up a fishing trip for a day.

[TSCTSC]

Wow...Thanks for the response. It really sounds like it could go cheap or it could go very expensive.

I am in SE Minnesota, Rochester. Any advice or lakes I could try?

Thanks!!

[hanson]

Oh boy!! You might be in for a good time!!

We've got a number of FishingMinnesota staffers that fish down that way in the winter- CrappieTom and Dan Thiem come to mind. They are both awesome & helpful people.

Lake Zumbro is pretty popular along with the backwaters on the Mississippi River.

If you are interested, you may want to put up a post in the Rochester Forum- Click Here!!

There are also 2 FishingMinnesota Get-Togethers planned down that way in which you could meet many of us FM folk as well as fish & chat with some knowledgeable anglers.

CrappieTom is calling them the Lake Zumbro Zinger and the Backwater Brawl. He has a couple topics started with more info on these events.

[Captain B.R.K]

Why ice fish when you have some of heaven's finest trout waters near you to fly-fish in ? Get in touch with Crappie Tom for some of your needs- he'll help you in the right direction for pannies and crappies.

[wolfwood]

I would suggest fishing out of a shelter when u try it you could sit in a warm selter with freinds and not catch fish and still have a good time but to sit out in the cold and not catch anything is a bad first impresion

[Bigbartguy]

I agree w/ Wolf. Go to Mille Lacs with a couple of buddies and rent a house for a day (and night preferrably).