Ice Fishing Gear

What gear do I need for ice fishing?

The lake that I will be fishing on usually gets at least two feet and most of the time three feet of ice. What tips for fishing can you give me?

I am a resident MN ice fisherman.

Here is a list of what you MUST have to catch fish with any consistancy:

1.) Auger- Either Gas powered or a hand-auger. (By the way, drilling through 2-3 FT of ice with a hand auger is not that BAD! I’m 40+ yrs old, and by no means a “muscle man”, and it takes me about 5-8 minutes MAX to drill a hole through 2-3 FT of ice with a hand auger.

The problem with hand augers?
It is very tiring to drill consecutive holes (one after the other) with a hand auger in 2-3 FT ice.

If you have a couple friends along, SHARE the chore of punching holes and then you can drill as many holes as you want!

I’ve always owned a hand auger and it works just fine. I can drill 5 holes in 3 Ft of ice, by myself, with no issues, (after 5 I get tired). Just make sure your “blades” are sharp and have a second set along , just in case.

Otherwise, either rent (To rent?-$50-$100 a day) or buy (Buy?- $350-$500) a gas auger. Understand, a typical hand auger will cost about $40-$150. I suggest a “Lazer” HA.

2.) A Vexilar FL-8/FL-12 or Marcum LX-5 fish locator- Although I HAVE been fishing many times without my flasher/finder, I’ve noticed I catch 5 times more fish WITH IT than without it. Not only does a flasher-type finder give you important depth readings, it helps you while using jigs, AND gives you constant updates on whether there is fish in your area. (In my opinion), if you don’t have a flasher don’t EVEN GO; it’s not worth it!

3.) A heat source- Carry a heat source with you! I’ve (litterally) almost froze my BUTT off while ice-fishing when I’ve been without my shelter. (“Fat” freezes quicker than muscle & guess where most people store FAT? In their butt & tummy!) If you don’t have an ice shack or portable ice shelter at LEAST buy a portable heat source! The “Mr Heater” line of heaters are very easy to get lit and can be used in any shelters due to a “low O2″ cut-off sensor. ($90-$159)

4.) A shelter- You don’t NEED a shelter, BUT, it makes “life” about 200% better, (esp on days when it’s VERY cold and windy!). A portable shelter can be anywhere from $200-$500. Having a shelter provides you with an area to stay warm & out of the wind. (In my opinion), if you plan on seriously catching some fish you NEED a shelter.

5.) Other than your Ice Rods, a “camp” chair, bait-bucket (or 2), various Ice Jigs, Hooks & Bobbers, Flashlight, camp gas-stove (for “on the spot” fish frys!), ETC your SET!

You COULD add an underwater camera, (Aqua Vu), GPS, ice cleats, Etc, but those are not “must haves”, (at least not when your first starting out!).

Go to http://www.iceshanty.com for further info.

Hope this helps ya? Pray for Ice! (lol)

ICE FISHING GEAR

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