newbie gear question

[troutstix]

Hello all,
I am looking at getting geared up for the upcoming ice fishing season. Here is the catch: I have $500.00 to start with. I need shack, auger, and flasher. I thought about getting a Nils hand auger, but I am having troubles deciding on flasher or shack. I don't know if I should spend the money on a flasher or nice shack first. I know that I need the auger first, but would it be better to get an auger/shack or auger/flasher? I would really like a 2 person flip over (fish trap guide- I have to pull by hand), so all three look out of the question at this point. Any help would be appreciated!

[Northlander]

Get the shack first. Unless you have a friend with one already or one you can borrow. You can fish without a flasher but its tuff to fish without a shelter most of the time. Look around for used or reconditioned gear.

[cubbies11]

First things first get a good auger.
Next electronics.
Third your shack.

I would recommend a Lazer hand auger. $65
Next look for a vexilar, ask around many people are upgrading to the FL-18 and you can get a good deal on a used FL-8. If you buy one used it will be like $250 or so.
There are also many used shacks out there, I would recommend being able to see it before you buy it. Also you can save a little money if you just buy a pop up and not a flip over.I have the Eskimo Traveler and that cost me like $150. It pops up in like a minute and is very light for pulling. So if I did the math right find some sales and you will have no problem getting everything needed. Hopes this helps.

Cubbies

[SpikeRoberts]

STRIKEMASTER LASER 6" ICE FISHING AUGER, $52.95 (hsolist)
The FL-8SLT Value Pack Reconditioned - $239.00 (vexilar direct)
Clam 2000 $199.99(any retailer)
Total $ 491.94

I know the clam isn’t the flip over style but if you take good care of it, you could get a good resale price out of it and upgrade next season.

[Wables]

How about a Frabil Ultra-lite instead of the Clam 2000 in the above post? They list for $145, so that would leave you some extra dough for a couple rods and some jigs, or maybe a small heater.

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Wables

[Try Too Fish]

I would recommend if you are going to do a lot of after dark fishing to go with the shack first.Day fishing is mostly tolerable but after the sun sets heat is good!
both would be on my list of priorities but I hate being so cold you can't enjoy the fishing!

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Try Too Fish
Forced Too Work!!

[Dan Wood]

Welcome to FishingMinnesota troutstix!

Some great advice from everyone. I guess if I had to budget those three, I'd look for some good used deals as much as possible. There are a ton of FL-8's that you can buy used (or if you can't find a used unit I'd look at the MarCum LX-1).

I'd say an auger should be on the top of your list. I'd go with the shack second. I highly recommend the flip top style shacks. I would recommend looking for a used Otter shack on this site to fit into your budget. You can get into a MarCum LX-1 for a pretty reasonable price new and those are great units that you will be happy with for a long time. Good luck and let us know how it goes!

[Guest]

I'll differ from the above pattern of very good advice and take a bit of a different angle.

I say start with good cold weather clothing and boots, if your not already set. If your miserable and cold no amount of new toys will make the day any better. When your comfortable you perform better and catch more fish.

Next a good hand auger, Lazier, Jiffy, Mora, whatever. You can always use the hand auger. Then watch for an opportunity to get a used or new power auger reasonably.

A used or reconditioned electronics unit can be found for well under $300. You get a 1 year full warranty from Vexilar on all refurbished units. That is as close to new as your going to get to new, at a substantial discount.

If you budget can still take a new hut, the Frabill Ultra-lite is a bargain and will serve you well as a shelter. The Solo is a better deal in my view as you get so much more comfort built into a 1 man unit with heaver construction that will last.

I can't stress this enough. Make sure you have your personal clothing/boot needs are up to snuff first.

My full body Gore Tex head to foot system serves me as a shack with feet most of the ice season, even in -30. I seldom fish in a shack if I can stand the open air. Something new to look at if your thinking performance wear is the GORE-TEX MT050 Extreme Weather Coverall.

They run $300 in regular sizes, a bit more for XX and XXX sixes. But watch the bargain cave at your local Cabela's, you may snag a return for far less? This will serve you as rain gear in cold weather and on the ice it is super sweet!

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BACKWATER GUIDING
701-281-2300
[email protected]
><,sUMo,>

[Steve Foss]

Got a used Strikemaster XL 3000 10-inch auger for $150. Runs like a champ.

Got a used Fish Trap II for $130. Works great.

Used Vex FL8 and FL8-SLT are all over the place for $150 or $175.

And you're in under $500 (saving $600 or more off buying new) and all rigged up with the BIG THREE. Take the money left over and buy a heater.

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"Worry less, fish more."
Steve Foss
[email protected]

[irvingdog]

Watch the Classifieds on this site...

These links go back less than 2 weeks.

Locator

Auger

Shack

Look a little deeper, and you've got a heater, and possibly a few buddies to join you........
Good luck!

[Poutmaster]

Good advice from all. I think you can realisticly fit all things into your budget. You won't be able to go top of the line with any of them, but these 3 are all important to a good time on the ice. From that point on you can upgrade as the funds or opportunities arise. Once you have the gear, you'll be able to determine what your priorities are. There are also little extras to always supplement with (heater, lanter, ect) But you hit the big 3 on the head. I'd definately go with the 6" hand auger to strech that budget. Same goes with a used FL8.

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Love them 'Pout!

[This message has been edited by Poutmaster (edited 11-23-2003).]

[Jarrod32]

While the flasher is sweet to have, and it will help you catch fish, you can get by without it...

You can't fish without a hole in the ice (auger is 1st priority) and a shack will make your experience much more enjoyable. You need a decent shack.

The other posts provide some good advice...you should lurk around the 'for sale' forums, and if you are willing to do some work, a good hand auger will suffice and you can get all the gear.

[Guest]

Troutstix:
1. Welcome to the forums and Great advice from all. But if you ask me,Ed is the one on target here.
You can actually catch fish without all of the fancy gadgets and shelters, our fore fathers did for years.
If you are not warm you can't have fun in this sport. I really prefer bib's/parka, so I can remove some on warmer days and it don't pull on the crotch so much. Anything in the gortex line is good, I personally use Carhartt (Artic lined) exclusively with great luck. another thing you should look for is something that don't get you "too" warm sweat and then cold later. As far as elecrtonics? Pawn shops are a good place to look and you can put a "wanted" ad in the paper, there is someone always ready to sell it next week at a rummage sale. Concentrate on your equipment such as tackle (tacklectiy.com) heater Mr. Cooker (You can heat with a cooker but you cant cook too well with a heater) A fish locator, is something I would worry about when im all ready to fish.
A shack is the way to go unless you fish alone a lot I prefer the heat and the room, and weight is much less (Frabill XL Twin $210.00 35 lbs.) I do plan to ugrade to a flip if I can find one to fit in the cruiser. Boots are also a must I have never had bad luck with any of the LaCrosse boots.
Good gloves that are not too bulky and a good hat/hood if you fish outdoors.
Remember
1.Comfort
2.Technique
3. Gadgets
4.Fun
Good luck, I hope this helps more than puts you to sleep.

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Fish On! This is
what it's all about baby!