Help For a Newbie

[blackdog1101]

Hello Gents!

I'm new to this forum, and new to ice fishing. I'm hoping you'll permit me to ask some newbie questions. But, before I ask all the dumb questions you've answered a dozen times already, is there a "Frequently Asked Questions" area that you can refer me to? Or some other reference or HSOforum I can read before I waste your time with a bunch of basic questions? I do a LOT of fly fishing, so I know how it can be with a new person asking a lot of questions you answered last week for another new guy.

As background, I live real close to Lake Minnetonka, can see it from my front window. I hope to fish there some this winter, as well as some of the smaller lakes in the Mpls western suburbs.

Thanks!

[hanson]

blackdog1101-

Welcome to FishingMinnesota & IceLeaders.com!

If ice fishing is new to you, you will be in for quite the education given the wealth of knowledge available here.

A couple suggestions to start your search for knowledge would be to-

1- Use the "Search" function to search for past topics.

2- Start browsing through the many past pages of topics.

3- Ask a stupid question. Don't worry, its OK.

4- Another suggestion would be to attend an FM Get-Together on one of the metro area lakes. I know one is tentatively being planned for Medicine Lake this winter. It would give you a chance to hook up with some other avid ice anglers and pick their brain and even fish with them.

I would also suggest checking out the Metro Area Lakes & Rivers Forum at FishingMinnesota.com You should be able to find a wealth of info about Lake Minnetonka in that forum.

[blackdog1101]

Many thanks for the welcome! The gathering on Medicine Lake would be fun. I used to live near Med Lake, and had dock rights near French Park. Never did any ice fishing there, but caught plenty of northerns and pannies from my canoe. Used to catch carp on my fly rod on a sandbar on the north side of the lake as well

Anyhow, on to ice fishing questions:

I know there's a multitiude of equipment that can be purchased. But I figure the most basic item is an auger. If I can't get through the ice, I can't fish. Given that buget is always a factor, what do you recommend? Can a guy "get by" with a Lazer hand auger? Or do you consider a motorized unit essential?

Thanks again!

[KidWalleye]

I'd say you can get by, butin Jan and Feb it can be a chore to drill holes by hand. I would suggest you get a used 2hp strikemaster (I"m biased since I have one) any brand will do at first. One reason I suggest a 2 hp is they are alittle lighter. Also if you aren't going to get any electronics right away I'd get good lake maps of the lakes you intend on fishing. That way you can get close to "the spot" then drop a weight down for exact depth and hardness of bottom. What I did is bought 1 big money item every year: auger one year, got a fish house for Christmas so that doesn't really count haha, then fl8 the next and so on. That way I didn't have to take the hit all the first year I got into fishing. Also a couple of rods and small tackle box and don't forget a skimmer and bait bucket. You'll be set. And finally you live close to one of the best ice fishing lakes in the state so you have a great place to start. Good Luck Kid

[Got_Ice]

You can get by with a lazer hand auger until about Mid Jan. Early ice I always hear people using spud bars to open holes because they think they are more quiet than a auger but you should hear those things. I would consider a power auger but I don't know your financial situation so you make that call. I have a lazer hand auger and it works great but I like to drill lots of holes and jump around and that auger just doesn't fit my style once the ice gets past about a foot. Also if you can swing it a flasher ( I would go with a Marcum) is also a must have. Other than my auger the flasher is the most important. If you want to stay warm buy a portable shack 1st if you want to catch fish by a flasher. I know Marcum has a few new units out this season that are affordable priced. You might also be able to get a nice deal on a year old model. Hope this helps for starters.

[Waterbeater]

Blackdog, welcome. Great to have you aboard. As for the dumb questions, I can't remember anyone ever getting after somebody for what the thought was dumb and I'm sure you will have some input into this forum as well so once again welcome. Now on to your next question. In my opinion go with a good hand auger if your are starting out and on a budget. Nils master, Lazer, and Eskimo all make good augers. I'd get a 6 or 7 inch being that you are going after panfish from what I understand. If you get much bigger, you're going to go power auger real fast. Next get a couple good ice rods. Your choices are endless. Next step will be a portable shelter and then a flasher. The last 2 are not imperative but really increase the enjoyment and your catch. I hope this is a little bit of help.