Just Getting Started

[DanM57]

I am thinking this will be my year to try ice fishing for the first time. Since I have limited budget I want to be sure I spend it wisely. I would appreciate any suggestions for what I need to be sure to get. Not only the what, like an auger, but the type and size. I am guessing I will probably be fishing for pan-fish (and whatever else might bite). Thanks for the input. DanM

[Mpower]

What type of budget do you have in mind? It can be spendy if you are starting from scratch. Aside from the basics, a couple jig sticks, tackle, and a bucket (you could probably get all of that for ~$200), you'd need a shelter, auger, and a flasher. (auger really being the only absolute necessity.)

If you have never been ice fishing at all, I'd personally recommend taking a day or two trip to a resport. Something on Mille Lacs or even better LOW. Rent one of their shelters, this would be a good way to get started and see how serious you want to get with it after that. My guess is you'll want to get very serious!! My first three winters of ice fishing i only had tackle and a flasher and just rented houses out of a resort on LOW.

Sorry for not answering with specifics!

Good Luck!

[W.W.]

Do you have a friend or relative that ice fishes; perhaps they would take you out to get you started ??????

Maybe try the trade a trip section here on WC ????

I'm a little too far away or I'd offer you a trip............(Western Iowa)

W.W. in Iowa

[Clamp-It]

Plan on spending $70 - $100 on boots, $50-$100 on ski pants, $30 -$60 on mitts, then associated thermal underwear, wool / synthetic blend socks to ensure you are warm, 'cause if you get cold, you won't be able to enjoy it.

[thump55]

Ice fishing is like going over Niagara Falls in a barrel: You don't need to spend a lot of money on equipment, but you'll enjoy the experience more if you do.

Seriously though, a 6" hand auger, some jig rods and tackle, and a few handwarmers is enough to get you out there. The first "big ticket" item I'd look for is a flasher. Nothing will help you catch fish more than a flasher. Nothing.

[Checkmate]

10-4 I agree. Checkmate

[teamlund]

i would leave the auger at home before I would head out there without a flasher. Better off trying to find an old hole and use a flasher than to drill your own holes and fish them without a flasher.

[slipperybob]

Basics for me...which can easily run up to $1000 up front.

sled: to haul gear
shelter: get out of the wind and heat retention
flasher: modern angler ice fishing tool
auger: sometimes you have to do the act of drilling a hole to really call it ice fishing
heat/light: Propane or fuel lantern

other things...
headlamp: hands free is good thing
shovel/snow plow: you might want to bank your shelter
spud bar/chisel: Sometimes you need to chip the banked frozen slush
heater: for those colder days, you need more than the heat from the propane lantern

and the list will go on from there...

[Mpower]

I think an auger would help you catch more fish then a flasher...every fish I've ever caught in the winter has been below the ice!:)

[teamlund]

I think an auger would help you catch more fish then a flasher...every fish I've ever caught in the winter has been below the ice!:)

ha ha I assume that you get what I mean..Just trying to signify the importance of a flasher:smokin:

[Mpower]

Yes, i knew what you meant and I agree! I was just being sarcastic!
Personally, i wouldn't leave my house without either of the two.

[seeds]

I started with a single panfish rod and a hatchet to open old holes. Auger came soon after that....More jigs,and more jigs...Ice scoop...

No need to invest in a bunch of fancy new clothes,Goodwill can supply wool sweaters,and bibs are around $50 at the local Farm and Barn...

Don't go out when it's really cold and windy. Heck,there's "icefishermen" who have never gone when the weather's not 25*F,sunny and calm.

Mittens and light gloves. Chemical hand warmers.

With a panny rod and spring bobber,a bare minimum of ice jigs,a bucket to sit on and a hole in the ice in a popular shallow bay.....you'll be on your way to spending a ton of money over the next few years on all the stuff you "need" but don't,really.

Time on the ice will tell you what else to buy next.

Talk to the old retired guys. Some are cranky and don't want to talk,others will talk your ear off. Watch the cranky ones,listen to the chatty ones. Don't buy anything without really thinking about it - otherwise you'll end up with a basement full'a crap like I have.

[walleyeeeee]

I started with a single panfish rod and a hatchet to open old holes. Auger came soon after that....More jigs,and more jigs...Ice scoop...

No need to invest in a bunch of fancy new clothes,Goodwill can supply wool sweaters,and bibs are around $50 at the local Farm and Barn...

Don't go out when it's really cold and windy. Heck,there's "icefishermen" who have never gone when the weather's not 25*F,sunny and calm.

Mittens and light gloves. Chemical hand warmers.

With a panny rod and spring bobber,a bare minimum of ice jigs,a bucket to sit on and a hole in the ice in a popular shallow bay.....you'll be on your way to spending a ton of money over the next few years on all the stuff you "need" but don't,really.

Time on the ice will tell you what else to buy next.

Talk to the old retired guys. Some are cranky and don't want to talk,others will talk your ear off. Watch the cranky ones,listen to the chatty ones. Don't buy anything without really thinking about it - otherwise you'll end up with a basement full'a crap like I have.

pretty much sums it up and most of all make it fun!!!

[hondo]

I am thinking this will be my year to try ice fishing for the first time. Since I have limited budget I want to be sure I spend it wisely. I would appreciate any suggestions for what I need to be sure to get. Not only the what, like an auger, but the type and size. I am guessing I will probably be fishing for pan-fish (and whatever else might bite). Thanks for the input. DanM

There's been lots of good advice here already, but the bottom line is this ........ if you're ice fishing in MN or WI you are going to need a power auger, a fish house, a heater, and a flasher ...... or else you're really going to need to pick the days you go, or get hooked up with some buddies that fish and have some of the equipment already.

This is where buying used is a great way to get started.

For augers, jiffy, strikemaster, and nils all make great products and they last for years and years. A used auger is probably going to cost $200-$300 depending on what you get. I'd rule out a hand auger and put the money towards a power auger ---- hand augers are fine with 12" or so of ice, but most of the time around here you'll be punching through WAY more ice than that. I don't think there's any need to go with an auger bigger than 8".

There's also lots of used flashers out there, and you should be able to save yourself $100 - $200 off the price of a new flasher. Both Vexilar and Marcum are in your area, and are great about taking care of their customers, so I wouldn't be too concerned about getting a used flasher. They both have great track records.

If you're fishing by yourself, a small 1-man flip-over portable fish house with a sled and a heater is pretty much a must-have around here. Even the smallest heater will heat a small house enough for you to be able to fish comfortably. And being able to keep the wind off your and your hands is key, as well as being able to keep your holes open. Again, you might be able to find a used one, or you might want to go with one of the new Clam or Frabill 1-man houses.

I think you should focus on those items first. You can easily get by with a few cheap ice rods and ice jigs, and your spinning reels from open water, if you are on a tight budget. But without the auger, house, heater and flasher you will really be limiting yourself.

Hope that helps and good luck.

[Clamp-It]

You may consider a tarpaulin (Tarp)..

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p273/Jedclampet/Ice%20Shelters/Feb17TarpMax2.jpg

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p273/Jedclampet/Ice%20Shelters/P1000222.jpg

[Backwater Eddy]

Lots of like minded and very good advise given already, and I'll toss in my hat too.

1 - Boots..do not skimp on them. If you spend any time at all in the winter outdoors, boots will be a very wise investment on or off the ice. My first choice would be the Cabela's Trans Alaskan III boots (none better on the ice), second choice would be top end Sorels. Think thick soles to insulate your feet from the ice below..it helps significantly.

2 - 2 rod combo's will get you rolling, a good panfish combo and a heavier med walleye combo. Check out the Frabill Bro Line, or the Jason Mitchell combo's both are very solid combos.

3 - Hand auger is always a useful tool and a logical start. I recommend a StrikeMaster Lazer 6" or a 7". They cut well, take care of the blades and they last. Do not open old holes with them, it is best to drill new each time or the blade will suffer for it. Take caution not to ding the blades on concrete or anything hard, and they will last a season before need to be replaced or sent in to sharpen.

4 - Shelter...Tons of options here. If you wish compact at a low investment with a lot of cross over utility, look at the new Hub Style shacks once. Very compact to pack in a sled and easy to set up, and warm. Sizes range from a very compact personal hub, to a 12 foot model. A 2 man is a good start, and will come in handy even if you latter choose to go larger or with a sled base style flip shack.

5 - Lures...Start simple, floats and hooks, some flash spoons in various sizes, maybe a panfish assortment that may catch your eye. Get the scoop on what is on in the waters your fishing, then pick and add at your leisure.

The tag along with a guide or ice buddy is a good way to start. See what you need, and what looks like will simplify your future plans. Try to stay light and compact. We always go too far and tote more than we need..I'm very guilty of it myself.

Sonar...Indispensable in my view on the ice. Vexilar would be my first and only choice honestly. Dependable and they take good care of there customers, a trustworthy and high performing product. Barrow one, rent one, buy one, just get a chance to use one and see if it is something you need. They are not just for ice fishing use. I run my Vex's year around and get lots of use from them. A good investment. If your a panfish guy, a FL-18, FL-20, or the new FL-22 is the way to go. The LP Mode and Zoom will pay off big for you.

Have fun, Hard Water Fishing is not too far off.

[REW]

If you live in the north country, you likely have warm clothes.
If you don't spend much time out of doors, you will need warm boots, warm coat, a warm hat with good ear covering, a pair of choppers with wool liners.

Then, the best thing to do is to go fishing with some friends who have some gear. Borrow their gear at first to get a feel of whether you want to invest the time and money for more fishing.

To start, all that you really need is a medium light rod, with either 4 or 6 lb line and you can use that for nearly any fish that you are likely to catch.

Have some hooks weight, a couple of bobbers and you can start there.

As you go further, you might want to pick up a few pan fish and a few walleye jigs, along with a couple of jigging lures.

Total costs would be less than about $30.

Then, just add as needed.

Certainly somewhere along the line, if you don't have it, you need a good depth finder, and a good auger. For hand, go with a 6 inch mora auger. For power, go with an 8 inch strikemaster laser auger.

If you want shelter, go with a one or two man flip over for instant setup and instant movement. Don't go with a pole type shelter that has to be set up taking time and taken down every time that you want to move.

To catch lots of fish, you need to stay mobile. You can't be mobile, if you can't instantly move.

Take care
REW

[T Mac]

#1... clothes that enable you to be comfortable.
This could dent yoiur budget a bunch!

[walleyedmike]

Here are a couple of options that you might want to keep in mind:
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Fishing/Ice-Fishing/Shelters-Sleds|/pc/104793480/c/104735880/sc/104561280/Eskimo174-Hand-Auger-Value-Pack/1136671.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Ffish ing-ice-fishing-shelters-sleds%2F_%2FN-1100505%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_104561280 (http://www.cabelas.com/product/Fishing/Ice-Fishing/Shelters-Sleds%7C/pc/104793480/c/104735880/sc/104561280/Eskimo174-Hand-Auger-Value-Pack/1136671.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Ffish ing-ice-fishing-shelters-sleds%2F_%2FN-1100505%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_104561280)
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Fishing/Ice-Fishing/Shelters-Sleds|/pc/104793480/c/104735880/sc/104561280/Eskimo174-Stingray-Value-Pack/1136675.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Ffish ing-ice-fishing-shelters-sleds%2F_%2FN-1100505%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_104561280 (http://www.cabelas.com/product/Fishing/Ice-Fishing/Shelters-Sleds%7C/pc/104793480/c/104735880/sc/104561280/Eskimo174-Stingray-Value-Pack/1136675.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Ffish ing-ice-fishing-shelters-sleds%2F_%2FN-1100505%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_104561280)

[Nykademus]

I have done some ice fishing as a child/teenager and we always went "bareback", meaning that we had a hand auger, a 5 gallon bucket to sit on, and warm clothes.

Truth be told, if we were not catching fish... I hated it. Its cold, slow fishing that way.

If you plan to start up, try to make yourself comfortable first. If you are cold, it will not be fun.

Look at craigslist for package deals (ice house, heater, auger). They will vary in price.. but a decent starting setup should run about 500.00 dollars (clam style house, gas auger, mr. buddy heater, flasher).

If you go "bareback" you can get into it for 100.00 dollars or so, but if you make the investment to be comfortable first it will be more enjoyable.

JMO

[Little buddy]

I am thinking this will be my year to try ice fishing for the first time. Since I have limited budget I want to be sure I spend it wisely. I would appreciate any suggestions for what I need to be sure to get. Not only the what, like an auger, but the type and size. I am guessing I will probably be fishing for pan-fish (and whatever else might bite). Thanks for the input. DanM Friends, friends, friends. Ice fishing is super pricy if you want to be comfortable. Shack, sled or four wheeler, power auger, poles, heater, and all the little things like chairs, strainers etc etc. I like to trade off with my buds and take them fishing on my new boat while they take me out ice fishing. Not sure of your situation but I say trade with someone until you can piecemeal all the gear you need over a time period. Good luck.

[stinkycat]

I am thinking this will be my year to try ice fishing for the first time. Since I have limited budget I want to be sure I spend it wisely. I would appreciate any suggestions for what I need to be sure to get. Not only the what, like an auger, but the type and size. I am guessing I will probably be fishing for pan-fish (and whatever else might bite). Thanks for the input. DanM


Best options IMHO

1) Find friends with the gear and tag along with warm cloths

2) Hire a guide for half a day that provides all the gear.

3) Rent a fish house at a resort with all or most the gear provided.

4) Deffinently look on Craigs list for use equipment

5) Buy all new and consider your self HOOKED!


***Two things that are the most important on the first outing... Being comfortable & Catching fish. Its just like taking a kid fishing for the first time:)

Have Fun!!!

[vteye]

My suggestion echoes the good info provided.
1 start with good clothes, boots, hat
2 try it out with friend and if you like buy equipment gradually
3 going solo, auger, then flasher, then shelter
4 Always go out early season with a pick. I like 3 inches of minimum black ice and prefer 5.