Rookie Question

[BigWadeS]

Hello,

I am planning on attempting to start ice fishing this year. I guess my biggest question is rod & lure help. I have received for presents a tip up and also what I believe to be a jigging rod. I am planning on trying metro lakes for any species. I guess any information you can give a "newbie" would be greatly appreciated. Also, as far as ice houses go, what is a general cost of a cheaper more inexpensive model?

Thank you

[Dan Thiem]

Be warned Big Wade, it's a very addictive activity. The best part is a guy really don't need much more than 20 bucks to get started. Find a lake where you see some people out fishing, head out with a cheap combo unit and a couple jigs and make friends. Then you'll see how the equipment works and decide what you like and what you don't.

It sure would be helpful to visit one of the FM ice fishing gatherings taking place around your area.

[BigWadeS]

thought about that, just don't know what kind of equipment a guy would need at one of those

[Dan Thiem]

Let's see.....warm boots, hat, and mittens and that's about it. The ones I've been to everyone has an abundance of poles, augers, heaters you name it. Last year at the Backwater Brawl the college girls were there and they caught fish. But they had plenty of "help".

[BigWadeS]

yeah I bet they did, I will have to look at those and see which one I can make then

[love to hunt]

You can get a ok flip over shelter at Wal Mart for around $200-300 bucks. You can get a one man flip over for less then that, it will at least get you started. You can also get your heater there too as well as most anything else you need.

Now granted the quality at Wally World is not like that of Cabellas but like I said it will get you started.

If you ever venture up Brainerd way let me know as I have a pretty perminant spot on the big lake and usually have some fish to show for it and the beer is always cold.

[BigWadeS]

sounds good, I was thinking about on a decent day just sitting on a chair or bucket but I want to get a shelter for those not so good days. I have a sunflower heater for my propane tank so I have a couple things..I will definitly let you know if I get up to the brainard area, I would definitly be able to help to the supply of cold beer

[The Crumpler]

Although most folks you meet on the ice will be helpful, a slam-dunk way to learn tips, tactics and understand the whole process better is to hire a guide for half a day. You will probably find a smaller "learning curve" and become a more productive fisherman sooner. And lets face it, production often equals fun. If you don't look too hard, I am sure you can find a guide here on this forum . . .

As far as shelters go, new ones will go for a few hundred to several thousand, depending. You may find a decent used one in the For Sale forum as lots of guys upgrade their gear after a few years.

Although I haven't attended one, the ICE Event gatherings do seem like the perfect spot for a newbie.

Good Luck.

[jigging-matt]

Another nice starter shack is the Cabelas Suitcase shack. You can usually pick them up for around $99 and just add your own lumber. Once you get started you won't be able to stop. When I moved to Minnesota 11 years ago, A neighbor got me started. Just had a hand full of jig poles, a small tackle box and a bucket. Probably less than $20. Now their is a 4 Wheeler, Clam Voyeager, Vexilar, about 8 rods and reels and countless tackle. And am still always looking for more stuff. Wife just shakes her head.

[Sandmannd]

Hey Big Wade, I've ice fished a few years when a lived in ND, that was 15 yrs ago though. I just started getting into it last year and learning as I go. I have a two man portable and power auger. I live in St. Paul. If you wanna hook up this winter I would be more than happy to have you join me.

[BigWadeS]

Hey Sandman, shoot me an email, that would be great. I have seen some of your posts in other forums as well. [YouNeedAuthorization] at (contact us please) yaho (Contact Us Please) that would be fun to hook up and meet not just another fm'er but a Nodak as well.

[hawgTime]

$20 dollars to get started...and another $2000 to keep going --> Vex, Aqua-vu, GPS, Yukon, Auger, Heater, Rods, Reels, Tip-ups, Strike Sensors, Headlamp, Rod bag, bait, gas...BUT LOVE IT....have fun........hT

[Sandmannd]

Hi BigWade, sent you an email a couple of days ago. Not sure if you got it or not. Try sending one to me at [email protected]

[BigWadeS]

sounds like most of my hobies, not too bad the first year or two, but boy once you start getting into something and start seeing results then I can try to attempt to justify to the "boss" the need for new toys...

[BigWadeS]

you got mail

[chris63]

Hello Big W.,Maybe try bringing the "Boss"with but then you my be getting to outfit both of you? laterc63