$1,300 Budget for Ice Fishing gear... Suggestions?

[Dances with Walleye]

Okay, so my buddy, and fishing partner came into $1,300 at a poker tournament... Couldn't happen to a better guy, he's always helping people out, if he sees a car on the side of the road, he always stops to help... If need someone to help shingle your roof, he volunteers, you need a pint of blood and he's at the blood bank...

He's really gotten into Ice Fishing, as his summer construction career makes it hard to fish during the summer.

But he's always been forced to fish with "Borrowed" gear... He hit this money, his wife turned to him and said "It's all yours, buy your Ice Fishing gear, and I never want to hear you whine about it again!"

So he asked me to help him find all the best deals...

Since he's been such a true blue friend, and this is like his dream come true, I really want to do my best to help him...

So I'm wondering what kind of reccomendations any of you experienced Ice Fisherman would reccomend...

He needs a power Auger:

A House:

Which he's thought about getting one of the pull overs, but a slush floor isn't the best of ideas, especially because he's going to have his kids with him from time to time.

A Flasher unit: He said that he doesn't want to get a cheap one... But neither he nor I really know all that much about Flashers.

Basically... What he gets with this $1300 budget has to last him at least the next 10 years.

[Eric Wettschreck]

Why does he "NEED" a power auger??? I say start cheap and go upward from there. You can get a nice hand auger for like 30 bucks or so. Or go to the pawn shop and get a strikemaster 8" for 150 or so.

Nothing wrong with a suitcase portable. Clam makes some real nice ones. I'm kinda partial to the 6800 cuz I like em on the bigger side. Don't forget a heater. I like the Big Buddy heaters but that's just me. They don't give me a propane hangover like sunflowers do and you can get em new for a little over one hundred smackos.

Flashers.....there is a thread started by Matt that pretty much sums up flashers.

Keep an eye on the for sale forums here. As guys get new stuff they will sell their used stuff.

You can easily fit what he wants into 1300. Also, sign the dude up on FM.

[nitroant]

O.K. well Lets try and lay out a budget for each item and see where it lands.

Power Auger Budget $300 to $350 depending on model and what sale you can find

Fish House Budget Plan $450 to $600 for one with a floor and decent size (again depends on what you buy)

Flasher Budget $250 to $500 this depends on how "good" of one he wants

Misc. (rods, ice scoop, heater, jigs, minnow bucket....ect.) I would say and easy $200 depending on what he already has, wants.

So...

Auger $350

House $500 (I just picket a number)

Flasher $500 (I went high end)

Misc. Stuff $200

TOTAL $1550.

Now, depending on what he buys and when he buys it he might get it all for $1300. Wait until the ice show in early December at Xcel and for Joe's 10% off sale the same weekend. Can he get by with a hand auger? Is he looking for a used auger, house, flasher? If he buys right he should be able to come close to the $1300. The misc. stuff is what kills me. Buy the time he buys 2-3 rods/reels, tip ups, lantern, heater, jigs, ice scoop, one of these and a couple of those, it could be more than $200.

Its up to him what he buys. Look around, see what he likes, price it up at some store, price it on some internet sites, check hsolist, just get informed as to what the best deal is and don't make the impulse buy. The ice gear should be out around the 2nd week of November. If your looking for somebody to tell him what to buy, be prepared to get lots of different suggestions.

[stmichael]

I would be checking pawn shops..If he has the option or is willing to look into pawn shops that is where I would start right now. You can get a decent auger between 100.00 and 200.00 most being around 150.00, just make sure it starts. Most people are put in financial trouble and there is typically nothing wrong with them. Finders as well, for example I saw a FL-8 for 150. I looked it over everything worked on it (It did not locate any fish on the floor ), the colors were very bright. You could save a lot of money. Also, check in the papers to see if anyone is selling used equipment. Sometimes someone here is selling a fish house/other accessories.

These are some ideas to keep the finances open for better poles and beer.

[perchking]

Used 2 man pull over shelter = $300

Used 8" Auger = $150ish

Used Flasher = Marcum or Vexi $200

Ice rods and reels = $100

Tip-ups = $50

Heater = $100

Baits = $75

Total = $975.00

Spending the rest on Beer = priceless

[Blaze]

Bingo - what perchking said. The extra cash comes in handy for gas money to ML, URL, and LOW as well as lotsa munchies and unlimited mod possibilities. Heck, he couild spend $300 just on LEDs alone! It would be easy to spot his portable - just look for the Mini-Las Vegas. Hah!

[Borch]

Check out the for sale forum here and he'll get some deals.

Used Portable fishhouse - $200

Used Marcum or Vex(or new LX1 - $200

Used Auger - $200

Fish House LED Lights - $50

Fishhouse Heater - $80

Ice rods & Reels( Check out the store sales Section) - $180

H2O GPS w/Mapping Chip - $280

Rod Bag - $40

Tackle - $70

There I think that adds up.

[Dances with Walleye]

Quote:

---

Why does he "NEED" a power auger??? I say start cheap and go upward from there. You can get a nice hand auger for like 30 bucks or so. Or go to the pawn shop and get a strikemaster 8" for 150 or so.

Nothing wrong with a suitcase portable. Clam makes some real nice ones. I'm kinda partial to the 6800 cuz I like em on the bigger side. Don't forget a heater. I like the Big Buddy heaters but that's just me. They don't give me a propane hangover like sunflowers do and you can get em new for a little over one hundred smackos.

Flashers.....there is a thread started by Matt that pretty much sums up flashers.

Keep an eye on the for sale forums here. As guys get new stuff they will sell their used stuff.

You can easily fit what he wants into 1300. Also, sign the dude up on FM.

---

Thanks Bro's...

First off I suppose I should have stated that he already has a heater, rods, tip ups and the other misc gear. And 90% of the time he has ready access to a 4 wheeler.

As for the power Auger... His neightbor has a hand auger that we usually borrow, because the guy only ice fishes like twice a year... And my buddy has absolutely had it with Hand Augering...

****

Now when he and I have gone out Ice Fishing we've always used other people's houses...

Such as one guy who has a camper converted to a wheel house... Or another one who has a plywood and canvas portable...

My Buddy looked around last year, and was thinking about getting a pull over unit...

Myself personally I think the units with a floor are better...

For one... The whole slush floor factor, and dealing with a potentially wet and slippery floor. (Especially since he has kids that he'll be taking with him when I'm not around to join him.) But he really loves the factor of a sled that everything folds into.

The other part that I don't like about fold overs, is that personally at 6'6" 265, pull overs are like a vietcong tiger cage for me... But of course I'm not forking the money, so that's not an applicable factor.

I guess what I'm really looking for is a Pro/Con of Tent Style vs pull over style...

One unit that I saw was the Clam 1060... It has a main floor, but out flaps of the tent for holes, and the chance to possibly use it in the future if and when he gets into spearing... Plus it has enough size for when 4-5 years from now when we start taking his son out for serious trips, instead of short forays.

****

Another question... Can you just buy a tow behind sled for any model?

[toughguy]

I would second getting the auger from a pawn shop. You might have to ask to see them in the back this time of year but you can get some very good deals. Do not let him spend the 1300 without picking up a flasher. It will make or break his winter.

[MASON38]

Good for your buddy, nice to hear that good people do get rewarded, and a little skill at the table doesnt hurt either .

It wont take long to eat up the $1300, thats the bad news. Once you get the 3 or 4 main basics (shelter, auger, flasher, and perhaps camera) out of the way, the bank can be empty. Your friend should be able to do this, but should consider a few things when making his decisions, and take a little time to go over his options before making his purchases. In the long run you said that these will have last the test of time, so I would definitely get the big purchases out of the way first, smaller stuff can be added later. To get the most bang for the buck, and if the $$$ doesnt burn a hole in his pocket, if he can wait for the end of the season, he should be able to get some deals.

How old are the kids and how many? Small kids get bored and cold a little faster than older ones, so when he does take them out the key will be to keep them entertained, warm and catching fish.

Here's potential list to get started with new prices.

$500 CLAM 1060: gives you space for four adults, dry feet

and you fish over open ice all inside.

$200 MarCum VX-1: nice features at an introductery price.

$200 Camera: Kids love watching their lures and

the fish. Several models and brands in this

range

$60 Coleman Black Cat Heater: More than enough to heat

this shelter.

$275 Strikemaster Mag 2000 8": Decent auger and big

enough for most species.

$30 Spud: No sense taking out the kids and falling

through the ice, safety is a good thing.

$30 HT tip-ups (2): Cross arm style does the job

_____

$1,295

Option #2

$400 CLAM 5600: If kids come, dads outside, or a slightly

tight fit. More than enough for two and

downright roomy for one.

$795 (camera, flasher, heater, spud, tip ups)

$50 (2) panfish rod combos for kids

$50 (1)Panfish and (1)walleye rod combos for dad

______

$1,295

Hopefully the wife will understand come Christmas time, when he asks for gift certificates to the local Fleet/Farm, Cabelas or Gander Mountain store to cover the jigs, lures, line...etc.

Well there you go , a rough draft to get started. Over the next few years he can move up in quality or just additional items. Everything can be reworked, and like I said some big savings can be had at the end of the season.

GOOD LUCK

Ok took to much time to make this up, so he has some of the basices. SO....get the 1060, get a better flasher, and a way better camera!

[Eric Wettschreck]

Quote:

---

I guess what I'm really looking for is a Pro/Con of Tent Style vs pull over style...

---

You kinda already summed it up.

Pull overs are great for set up speed and portability. They are easy to set up/take down. Most come with their own sled so hook up the sled to the 4 wheeler, load up the gear, and away you go. The down side is you can get real slushy feet. Some dudes put down carpet to keep the tootsies offa the ice but then you have a chunk of ishy wet carpet to deal with.

Suitcases are also good. Take a little longer to set up/take down but they have a poly or wood floor which I personally think is a HUGE bonus. I also think the suitcases are easier to heat cuz you don't have the open "Apron" type seal on the ice for wind to get into.

It's really 6 of one and a half dozen of the other. They both have good and bad. If it were me (It's not but if it were) and considering there will be smaller kiddos running in and out, I'd go suitcase. But that's just me.

[Dances with Walleye]

Quote:

---

Good for your buddy, nice to hear that good people do get rewarded, and a little skill at the table doesnt hurt either

.

It wont take long to eat up the $1300, thats the bad news. Once you get the 3 or 4 main basics (shelter, auger, flasher, and perhaps camera) out of the way, the bank can be empty. Your friend should be able to do this, but should consider a few things when making his decisions, and take a little time to go over his options before making his purchases. In the long run you said that these will have last the test of time, so I would definitely get the big purchases out of the way first, smaller stuff can be added later. To get the most bang for the buck, and if the $$$ doesnt burn a hole in his pocket, if he can wait for the end of the season, he should be able to get some deals.

How old are the kids and how many? Small kids get bored and cold a little faster than older ones, so when he does take them out the key will be to keep them entertained, warm and catching fish.

Here's potential list to get started with new prices.

$500 CLAM 1060: gives you space for four adults, dry feet

and you fish over open ice all inside.

$200 MarCum VX-1: nice features at an introductery price.

$200 Camera: Kids love watching their lures and

the fish. Several models and brands in this

range

$60 Coleman Black Cat Heater: More than enough to heat

this shelter.

$275 Strikemaster Mag 2000 8": Decent auger and big

enough for most species.

$30 Spud: No sense taking out the kids and falling

through the ice, safety is a good thing.

$30 HT tip-ups (2): Cross arm style does the job

_____

$1,295

Option #2

$400 CLAM 5600: If kids come, dads outside, or a slightly

tight fit. More than enough for two and

downright roomy for one.

$795 (camera, flasher, heater, spud, tip ups)

$50 (2) panfish rod combos for kids

$50 (1)Panfish and (1)walleye rod combos for dad

______

$1,295

Hopefully the wife will understand come Christmas time, when he asks for gift certificates to the local Fleet/Farm, Cabelas or Gander Mountain store to cover the jigs, lures, line...etc.

Well there you go

, a rough draft to get started. Over the next few years he can move up in quality or just additional items. Everything can be reworked, and like I said some big savings can be had at the end of the season.

GOOD LUCK

Ok took to much time to make this up, so he has some of the basices. SO....get the 1060, get a better flasher, and a way better camera!

---

Wow... Nice powers of itemization...

Currently he has a 9 year old daughter, who doesn't care to ice fish...

A 5 year old daughter, who is really into it some days... And would rather be home with Barbie on others...

And then a 3 year old son, who is a die hard... I mean this kid is to fishing what Mozart was to the piano.

So realistically in the course of the next 10 years, it will be Him, his son, and me, when my own family comes along then things adapt (I'm about to get engaged, so I'm still behind him in the curve.)

****

I'm pretty sure he's cool with going to a pawn shop for the auger... So that's probably where we'll save the some money.

****

Just wanted to say Thanks to everyone who's chipped in some info...

I'm much more of a summer guy... And really appreciate the experience...

So it's pretty much like we use my boat and rig for the summer, and now his ice stuff for the winter.

[Eric Wettschreck]

Another thing, where do yous guys hang out/live/fish???? There are plenty of people out there who will go with ya/take you with them.

Just like anything else it takes time to acquire gear unless your friend wins the powerball, in which case I want him to be my friend too. You don't need fancy schmancy and don't try to keep up with the jones's. Knock a hole in the ice and drop a line down and have fun.

[toughguy]

I have a flip over and I love it. I would never go back to a suitcase unit. The flips are so much easier to move and pack up with all the things you need to go ice fishing. I put down some rubber mats that you see at a carwash or in the kitchen of a restaurant. It keeps your feet off the ice and slows down the rate slush is formed. (They also don’t suck up the water and freeze like carpet) The seats are also much more comfortable in a flip over. For me the only down side of the flip is that most can only fish 2 or 3. Since he has 3 kids the suitcase might work better in his situation. With a nice sized suitcase portable he should be able to fit all 3 kids and himself. Might not be room for the wife but what can you do? Otter makes a double sided flipper and Clam is coming out with one this year too. I’m sure he could fit the whole fam in one of these but it would take a massive chunk out of his budget. Oh yeah, and drilling holes in a house with a floor can be a pain too. You have to put up the shack, mark where the holes have to be drilled, move the shack, drill and clean out the holes and move the shack back and hope you hit all of the marks. Now this might not seem that that big a deal now, it's a whole different story when its 10 below and windy. The more of a pain that it is to pick up and move your house the less you will. This will only result in catching less fish over a season. For me the portability and comfort of a flipper make it the way to go.

[picksbigwagon]

I sold my 6800 and bought a voyager 2 years ago, best decision I could have made. if it is going to be three people, with one of them getting bigger every year, I would suggest a voyager or the otter equiv. Pawn shop auger, and the VX-1 will get you in the right direction. Keep watching the want ads here and in the local papers too. If he can wait until april, Home Depot always has rock bottom prices on heaters....ask around, you might find someone who has two or three they don't use. Don't forget a coleman lantern, or somekind of light source as well. I wear pac boots, so the slush doesn't bother me, but I did buy a 3 footsquare drain matt at menards and cut it in half. Heavy rubber with holes in it, keeps the feet dry and kind of warm when it is slushy out there

[HarryG]

I think going with used equipment is the way to go. I wish I bought more used stuff. I think a used otter is better than a new cheapo. When you choose stuff, get the best you can afford or else you wind up buying what you wanted anyway. I.E. I have a cheap portable and a good one. I got the cheap one and I did not like it so I wound up buying a better one. I never use the cheap on anymore, it just sits there. The only thing I can recommend as far as cutting corners is your auger. You could get a hand auger first. Later in the year, you may find a good deal on a power auger either new or used. You will always use the hand auger. FM has great used deals and so does hsolist. http://minneapolis.hsolist.org/search/spo?query=auger

I love seeing someone save a few $ where I did not.

Good Luck!!!

[Gator Slayer]

I'd agree with everyone who says power auger. If you don't have to hand auger holes when it's slow I think you will be more likely to move (a thus find fish) during slow times. I'm not a "Clam guy" but I think the "link" clams would be a great idea for you. You can expand by adding new shelters when you need to and stay light when the crum crunchers aren't with. If you are really interested in a clam 1060 let me know I know where there is one that was not used at all last year. not mine.

[KidWalleye]

I would go to the ice show in Dec, at the River center. You can get great deals there if you look hard enough. Also I would look into going to Gander and starting a credit card for the 10% off deal. 1300 plus 130 will go a long way. Cabelas I think does the same thing. Might as well get the most out of his money. If he's creative he can make that $ go a long way. Beware used equipment unless you know something about it. I've been through 4 portables and I love my voyager. I started with a suitcase style. They have their place. I like to hit the ice right when it is safe and that means 4-wheeler or draging it out. Try dragging a suitcase style house 1/2 mile out to your spot. Good luck, Kid

[JigginIsLife]

Ok well I will run my Gander Mtn Prices by you-seeing i work there:

Ice Shelter: 359 (10% off if you get a display-if you want)

Auger: Can get for like 250-300 depending on where you get it pawn shops for sure.

Vexilar: FL-12 FOR SURE 400- Genz pack and tax??

New Rods, Reels, Line, Jigs, AquaView, GPS, Boot Grippers, Lantern, Ice Hole Scoop.

Just figured i would add in a few odds and ends becuase after a while these all ADD up and Quick. These are all almost must haves but nobody really thinks about it right then. anyways good luck to him and congrats sounds like it couldnt have happend to a better guy!!!

[SomethingFishy*]

If he already has heater,rods, and other "basic" neccesities:

Otter Lodge ( Build a removable floor, fold out or rubber mats) Approximately $500-600 (2-3 seats, cover ,hyfax, atv hitch)

Strikemaster Lazer Mag Xpress (Factory reconditioned) Approximately $200

Marcum LX-3 or LX-5 Approximately $400-$480 for LX-5 (watch for deals, sometimes less)

Lowrance ifinder H20c GPS ($185-300) with MN Lakemaster chip ($100)

Get some early season or Ice Show deals and maybe save enough to pick everything up. Watch for deals on "Open Item" or "Bargain Cave" items at various stores and you can find some sweet deals. I bought both my GPS and my LX-5 in the bargain cave and saved a ton of money.

Good Luck.

[Dances with Walleye]

Quote:

---

I'd agree with everyone who says power auger. If you don't have to hand auger holes when it's slow I think you will be more likely to move (a thus find fish) during slow times. I'm not a "Clam guy" but I think the "link" clams would be a great idea for you. You can expand by adding new shelters when you need to and stay light when the crum crunchers aren't with. If you are really interested in a clam 1060 let me know I know where there is one that was not used at all last year. not mine.

---

Well he and I are going to meet this week some time to go over a few things... I'm sure if I mention it, he'll ask... What kind of price is your friend looking to sell the 1060 for?

And what kind of condition is it in?

Thanks

I'm sure he's going to be thorough, and take his time... but it's nice to bring all the cards to the table.

[MASON38]

Ok, so for the meantime, it could be you, your bud, and at the most two kids, and sometimes you two and the killer kid in training . In some ways thats awesome, my gf has nightmares about me ice fishing, and I'm still trying to get her to let me take Brian (the youngest @ 11) out onto the ice.

About to be engaged? Did you just let the cat out of the bag? Congrats!!! Oh, and get your toys while you can, or you ll be taking up poker too .

Ok, revised ideas...I used to work at one of the big retailers, so I was used to trying to get the most bang for the budget.

Because of the kids, I would still get the CLAM 1060 due to the comfort level and the crazy amount of room for 4 people and the amount of open ice you still have for the cams and flashers, you sit on the floor, and the cabin fits over 3ft of ice. If you guys want to run and gun with the flashers, you can still leave the kids in comfort, find some fish, and bring the shack to the new spot.

Ok, so, because of the basics covered....here ya go

$ 500 CLAM 1060: (sounds like one of the guys might have a

deal)

300 Camera, kids can sit on the same side and share

200 Reconditioned Lazer Mag is a great deal if it has a

warranty, have run mine for 6 yrs without a hitch.

300 MarCum LX-3

_____

$1300

Save where you can, get some goodies where you can. If you can save a 100 or so bucks off the 1060 on the one mentioned above, then look into a Garmin Etrex Camo GPS, simple to use, save your waypoints, and get back to the spots where you catch fish. Yr by yr, add a few goodies...etc.

[Dances with Walleye]

Quote:

---

Ok, so for the meantime, it could be you, your bud, and at the most two kids, and sometimes you two and the killer kid in training

. In some ways thats awesome, my gf has nightmares about me ice fishing, and I'm still trying to get her to let me take Brian (the youngest @ 11) out onto the ice.

About to be engaged? Did you just let the cat out of the bag? Congrats!!! Oh, and get your toys while you can, or you ll be taking up poker too

.

Ok, revised ideas...I used to work at one of the big retailers, so I was used to trying to get the most bang for the budget.

Because of the kids, I would still get the CLAM 1060 due to the comfort level and the crazy amount of room for 4 people and the amount of open ice you still have for the cams and flashers, you sit on the floor, and the cabin fits over 3ft of ice. If you guys want to run and gun with the flashers, you can still leave the kids in comfort, find some fish, and bring the shack to the new spot.

Ok, so, because of the basics covered....here ya go

$ 500 CLAM 1060: (sounds like one of the guys might have a

deal)

300 Camera, kids can sit on the same side and share

200 Reconditioned Lazer Mag is a great deal if it has a

warranty, have run mine for 6 yrs without a hitch.

300 MarCum LX-3

_____

$1300

Save where you can, get some goodies where you can. If you can save a 100 or so bucks off the 1060 on the one mentioned above, then look into a Garmin Etrex Camo GPS, simple to use, save your waypoints, and get back to the spots where you catch fish. Yr by yr, add a few goodies...etc.

---

Cool... Thanks...

Yeah I'm already ahead of the plan toys wise... I bought my new boat this spring...

I quit smoking last year, and my boat payment is almost exactly what I was paying each month in cigarettes!

It's gonna be hard to put her away for the winter.

As for the soon to be fiance...

Ooof... I've spent the last 3 nights sleeping on the couch as she's sick, snoring, sneezing etc, and trying some holistic dump that doesn't work...

And boy let me tell you, at 6'6" 265, sleeping on a 6 foot long couch, is a nightmare... I envy sardines, for their spacious can...

I'm actually thinking about setting up my tent in the yard tonight!

LOL!

[katofishingguy]

Dance's with walleye where ya from I saw a strikemaster lazer mag express used one year for 250.00 in montoicello area let me know i'll pass the info along to ya [email protected]

[LaZyDayZ]

I will be posting in the for sale item area an Otter 2 with seats and heater package once the link is enabled.

Maybe it will fit his needs.

Wont go into details here as it is not the appropriate place, just wanted you to have the heads up.

I made payment to FM a few minutes ago so should have it online today.