What I learned this year...

[irishwalleye]

Since I was a newbie at the entire HardWater thing this time last year I am still in the process of learning easier/better ways to make sure I enjoy myself on the ice.

1) Flashers really do work through the ice. You have no idea how many holes I drilled on a daily basis just to verify depth. Now I make sure I have an empty squirt bottle among my stuff to wet down the ice and use the flasher. (yes I know many of you knew this, and the instructions said this would work, but I never really tried it)

2) Placing my flasher ontop of a bucket or anything else seems to increase my battery life out on the water. I do not know why this works or if it will work for everyone, but all I know is that my battery drains a heck of a lot slower when off the ice then it does on it.

3) Always have duct/electrical tape with you. fix a rod. fix a hose. fix a hole. saved my butt plenty of times this winter.

4) Its a whole lot more fun to teach someone to fish then it is to catch fish. Take a newbie with you whenever you can.

Take Care and Good Luck

[Coach1310]

All good points Irish. It is good to see you are learning this fabulous sports as well as enjoying yourself. Also, kudos to you for finding the enjoyment in teaching others. Ice Fishing is such a great thing it would be a shame for us to not try and share it with others

[Sandmannd]

Very good post. Glad you are learning. I am as well. Still want to get into some eyes on the ice. My fav is taking others fishing, great enjoyment.

[BigWadeS]

I'm a newbie and enjoy going out with others and learning, gives you an idea as to what you really need vs. what you really, really, really, want....thanks again Shane for letting me tag along

[Coach1310]

Like Sandman said, we are all learning. That is what this site is all about. No dumb questions(although you might get some dumb answers ). Where else can you ask a question about an ice auger, wiring your house, about how to take a photo, where store sales are, where they are biting etc..etc.. Fishing Minnesota....what did we do before???

[Wanderer]

Uh, Coach,

The list is long Ask my honey....

But this sure beats the heck outta watching TV!

[NCLaker]

Great point Irishwalleye. I too started getting in to ice fishing begining of last hard water season and I love it. Only bad thing is that the wife has caught on to all the money I've been putting into it (ouch).

This site has been an invaluable resource. I also use it for the open water stuff.

[Sandmannd]

 Originally Posted By: BigWadeS

I'm a newbie and enjoy going out with others and learning, gives you an idea as to what you really need vs. what you really, really, really, want....thanks again Shane for letting me tag along

Any time my friend, you are always welcome in da canvas shack. We just have to kick kingfisher out fromt time to time heheheheh.

[Grant Pearson]

Sandmannd, when the 3 of us are out, I'm never in the canvas shack so what are you saying??? You know I'm always willing to out fish you, canvas or no canvas.

[Sandmannd]

Well, that's why a got a bigger house, so I don't have to listen to little missy whining.

[BigWadeS]

don't need a house when you use your arm anyway, right Kingfisher?

[Grant Pearson]

who says I whine? you're the one always complaining about the cold, or the fish not biting on your line, or whatever it is.