Ice Fishing Gear

[FishFinder]

Ive never really ice fished before so i want some tips on what to buy and what to stay away from.

Ill proably target perch/sunfish for the begging then move on to rainbows in stocked lakes.

Thanks!

[irishfield]

Pair of ice picks. Worn around your neck at all times or cord attached to the front of your jacket/suit and stored in an easy access pocket.

[Guest mistyriver1]

Here's a quick checklist of some of the things you'll need to get you started:

 

- Rod/ Reel combo - I would go with a light based on what you indicated you were targetting

- Line - I would get 4 or 6 pound ice line

- Hand auger - You could probably get away with a 6" but I would got with an 8" personally (Normark's are good)

- Ladel - to scoop the ice away from your hole.

- Minnowbucket / seat - they come with styrofoam insulation and serve as a seat.

- Spreaders- to use if you are fishing with minnows.

- JiggingRaps/ Jigs- a few to get you started

- Toboggan- to put your stuff on when you walk out on the ice.

- Icecleats- are handy for traction to attach to your boots.

 

If you find yourself really getting into it, you might want to look at a portable ice hut. Makes a big difference. As Wayne said, ice picks for safety.

 

I've probably forgot a thing or two but that should get you started. Good luck.

[LeXXington]

Do -NOT- buy the cheap plastic ladel for clearing ice. Save yourself a couple bucks and get a good one to start the plastic ones break far to easy

[FishFinder]

Cool thanks for the response, another question..

I have heard salted minnows produce just as well, Is that true? and how do i go about salting them, i know they work well on the niagara but then again the rivers currents give them a life like action.

 

Thanks

[PatB]

As irishfield said also a whistle tied to your survial suit and a safety rope.

[PERCHER]

Maybe even a floater suit.

[irishfield]

BTW...the picks are only $9.99 at CTC. You can also buy a safety kit for $13.99. It's a set of picks, whistle and foot cleats.

[Rich]

If you're after panfish, get a Frabill Panfish Popper rod. That rod has paid for itself soooo many times!