Why Ice fishing?

[bmill]

1. It allows you to enjoy your favorite past time 3-4 more months every year.

2. You can access water that you could never launch your 2025 pro v on.

3. Speaking of $35,000+ pro-v's, rangers, alumacrafts, etc., you can be the "big dog" of ice fishing for about $1500.

Ice House: $400 Clam Guide
Auger: $370 Stikemaster
Vexilar: $370 FL-18
Heater: $80 Mr Buddy
Gear: $150 Rods / Tackle etc.

4. For less than the price of a T-8 kicker, you can be set up for many seasons of ice fishing....it's a blast.

p.s. I love softwater walleye fishing, just want those of you who haven't tried the ice to give it some thought. If you haven't tried it, you're missing some of the best fishing of the year.

[dewyg]

I fish about 75-100 days on the ice and love every minute of it. I build a new ice shack every year correcting the mistakes of the previous years model. When I take people out for the first time they cannot believe how much fun it is. Dare I say it out loud but............ I like it more than soft water fishing.

[Dacotah Eye]

I have been ice fishing for over fifty years and it has never been old or boring to me. I used to use a Lowrance "green box" and the new flashers are fun to use, but back then just being able to see a fish come up off of the bottom was a thrill. A lot of people said they had never thought of such a thing. I went from a jigging rod with one line guide on it and pegs to wrap the line around to making my own ice rods from old fresh water rods. The ones we fish with now are a big improvement. Fishing out of a portable as compared to sitting on a bucket in the wind has helped me stay with it also. Have ya ever wondered what the not so distant future holds for ice fishing???:cheers:

[stebrichs]

About 5 years ago my brother went out and bought all the ice fishing toys. Auger,house,Vex. I have ice fished all my life but up till then have not really caught that much. I fished with my bro. up in Minnesota on a lake by Whitebear, can't remember the lake, but we caught so many fish that day it was great,crappies,gills,northern,and walleye were all caught that day. I have been hooked on ice fishing since that day. I used to hate winter with a passion, but now bring on the ice. Winter gets over with way to soon now. If there is anyone has never gone ice fishing, go with someone who has all the gear and give it a try. I have many friends at work who went with me for their first time and are now avid ice fishermen. It also is a great way to get rid of cabin fever. Good luck on the ice when we get some. Todd H.

[Private Eyes]

Its so peacefull and relaxed, I dont know of anything that can clear my mind like a day spent on the ice. Also ice fishing is done only with passion, I know Im not next to a half hearter!

[castlerocky]

BMILL this castlerocky if you want get together on CASTLE ROCK OR PETENWELL contact me at jeff.schultz@subzero.com

[Toby1]

What better way than spending time on the water hard or soft. I find it alot more interesting than anything on TV . Let some cool crisp air into your lungs a little auger smoke , a few tip ups or tip downs,alot more fun than the honey do list at the house. Todd

[Indiana Lou]

I think ice fishing opens a lake up in its entirety especially if you don't own a boat. Often times access is limited and to me shore fishing can be boring. Plus as someone stated the peacefulness is hard to compare. Lou

[Box]

Todd,

I am at that point. This year, or maybe later when the cost drops on ice fishing stuff, I am going to gear up. I just started hating winter, and this is the perfect way to start doing somethig fun.

BTW - I live 1/2 mile from White Bear Lake, so getting there is a 5 minute gig for me. You might be thinking Bald Eagle Lake, which is a nearby (1 mile) lake, or Peltier or Centerville, or forest Lake, all of which is very close and very popular ice (and sumer) fishing lakes.

The guys here are helping me decide on the ice shack, and price will dictate the auger probably. I want to be set up so that I leave everythig in my truck, and just go whenever I want or a neighbor is available :)

We neighbors have talked about building a perm shack for White Bear, but haven't done it yet. I think the portable would be more useful and fun, to go where the fish are.

Anyway, I have skated on lakes more than fished, but now am going to get to ice fishing :) I kinda chucked when Scott added the ice fishing forum, but am totally happy he did now! I will be a winter convert ;)

-Box

[NWBuck]

And a great way to spend time with your kids. My 7 year old son has become something of an expert at reading the Vex, and is already asking me if there's enough ice to go fishing. Not quite son...not quite.

NWBuck

[Hard Core]

Because the Yuppies cant do it, its to hardcore!!:rotflmao: