Getting started ice fishing, what to get?

[fishinaddict]

I started ice fishing last year and just sat on a bucket. I loved it and want to get a shelter and stuff this year. Heres my list of what I want. How does it look. input on my choices. Remember, I have to keep it cheap cause im in HS and only make $50 a week. P.S. im figuring high on the prices.

Shelter: HT Polar Deluxe. $130

Registration: $20

Auger: HT Polar $30

Rod: Buzz Stick $30

Tackle: Panfish Jigs $20

Misc: Cleats and Scoop $10

Heater: $50

Total: $290

Tell me if im missing anything

[danwilliams]

JMO....I'd skip the camera..cheap or used flasher'd be nice. You can be successful without however.You're gonna want some heat I think.

[schweady]

Looks good. Save that much again for next year and add a flasher. Good luck.

[TeddyBoy]

In my opinion, I would get a flasher instead of a camera. I have and enjoy both but I won't go fishing without my flasher and often leave the camera at home. You will need a heater and possibly some lighting if you decide to fish at night.

Good luck!

[MASON38]

I would skip the buzz stick, I'm sure you can do a better job of jigging, plus you'll be lucky if you get a whole season out of the rod.

Dont forget a spud for checking the ice as you go, and you'll want a set of ice picks just in case you fall through.

good luck to you!

[CCAdams]

If you fish alone, I would get a one man flip over. They are cheaper, I saw one for 100bucks, and they can haul all of your gear.

[alwaysfishin]

I had a Polar Deluxe fish house and would not recommend it. If it is even a little bit windy, and it is most of the winter the thing will basically lay flat. The anchors hold it in place but do not keep it standing. If you want something that packs up nice look at an eskimo quickfish, they seem much more rigid.

[SKEETER-B]

Glad to see another persson getting into the hardwater adiction, I would suggest a lazermag hand auger they cut the best for very little money. Good luck this year on the hard water. I used a haand auger for many years until I had to drill through 20" of ice, thats enough of that. hope someday we can see that much ice again. My JIFFY 10" is ready. C'mon.

[metrojoe]

You must of edited out the camera, but I agree with the above posts, go for a flasher first. It wouldn't hurt to keep you eyes open for a used Fish Trap also.

It won't be long before you've aquired so much dump you don't know where to put it all. Welcome to the addiction.

[Sandmannd]

Another place to get started on a budget is too look at craig's list. I was able to get a gas auger for $100. Lots of portables on there as well. You can find great deals on here, this is just another option.

[pb700]

i have a frend that lives in esterville iowa that has a used 2 man flip over clam 100 or best offer e mail me if interested [email protected]

[Random guy]

Cheap throw away camera and ziploc bag for it. Your gonna catch a trophy or two you will a picture of.

[fishinaddict]

Quote:

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Another place to get started on a budget is too look at craig's list. I was able to get a gas auger for $100. Lots of portables on there as well. You can find great deals on here, this is just another option.

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what the heck is craigs list

[Sandmannd]

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what the heck is craigs list

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Great HSOforum. I'm a big fan of garage sales, this is almost better. You don't have to do the leg work.

[Captain B.R.K]

I'd go with a Mora hand auger to start out with and save on your troubles. If you look around you could get one of these for $40.00.

I know you can find a decent combo to get you started for under $30 at your local sporting good stores. Start looking now and they may even have Christmas sales on combos. So you save some money there to upgrade to a Mora auger.

I didn't see anything in your post about a camera or flasher?! However I guarentee if you have a flasher, you will enjoy the time on the ice much more than drilling a hole and wondering if any fish are there waiting to bite. I did this one year. My buddy got a flasher that year and the next year I pulled the trigger for a flasher!

Your bill is going to be a bit higher than you have listed, but would be well worth the investment. Take a look at Marcum's LX-2 ice or VX-1 Three color Sonor ice unit.

Remember, Christmas is right around the corner!

[alwaysfishin]

Just remember the only thing you NEED is an auger to drill holes, and a rod and reel and some tackle to catch them. Buy stuff that is of quality and you know is going to last for the long run. If you know you are going to like ice fishing make yearly progressions. Say shelter one year, flasher the next, gps camera or whatever comes out down the road. I've made the mistake of buying a shelter one year because i wanted it and it fit the budget at the time, only to wish i spent the extra $150 for something worth a hoot. Had i just waited another year I could've bought the one i wanted after putting more into fishing fund. I doubt there are many FM'ers that bought a $500 portable, LX-5 flasher, VS460 camera, GPS, , Strike Lite auger, ATV, and a bunch of custom rods in their first year. It takes a few years to get all the cool toys in your arsenal. Remember some people practically give away used stuff.