Ice fishing necessities

maclennanchris · #1 11-09-2010, 09:45 AM

So never been Ice Fishing yet. Gonna giver a go his winter. Just wondering if some of you guys could help me with a list of necessities, tackle, bait, rod, saftey, auger,tents so on and so forth.....what have been your good and bad experiances....thanks again boys.

5Weight · #2 11-09-2010, 10:45 AM

Hmmmm... this is one of those topics that could list anywhere from just a few simple items, to a list that's pages and pages long. It's one of those things that depends on budget and the types of fishing you will be doing, and the different species of fish you will be targeting. I usually get out about 10 times each winter and have targeted lake trout, perch, walleye, pike, and stocked trout lakes. Here's my list of gear and go-to lures. Lots of this is not necessary, but it makes things more convenient (like a large sled), and the colder days more enjoyable (like the tent and heater). Hope it helps:

- hand auger (with sharp blades!). If I did more ice fishing and had a bigger vehicle, I'd probably invest in a power auger. It allows for drilling more holes and moving around to help find the fish. If using a hand auger consider the size of the hole. The larger the hole, the more effort to drill.
- 4 person tent. Sure beats freezing in the wind!
- heater for tent
- sled to pull out gear. Make sure you get one big enough to put everything in so you don't have to carry anything out from shore.
- folding chairs
- short ice-fishing rods. Again, not necessary, but helps with fishing inside a tent. I transfer my spinning reels from long rods to ice-fishing rods. Some people fish by hand, some use long rods, and some do their own thing. To each their own with this one
- tip ups. I find it handy to jig with one rod, and set up a second hole with a tip up, especially when fishing a pike lake. That being said, I'll also often jig two holes side-by-side to try different presentations
- good winter boots. Best thing you can invest in, in my opinion. Cold feet is not fun and can cut days short. Proper winter clothing gear as well of course
- tackle depends on the fish and bait depends on the regulations. Here's my favourites:
Lake Trout - tube jigs and buzz bombs (tip with a piece of smelt)
Pike - tip up with full smelt or bigger bait, or flashy spoon jigged and baited with the same
Walleye - tee tot style jig, sweedish pimple, jigging rapala, buzz bomb, spoon (tipped with piece of minnow/smelt)
Perch - similar lures to walleye, but smaller - small sweedish pimple, jigging rapala, tiny jig, tiny spoon (tipped with maggot, meal worm, minnow head, or such)
Stocked Trout - similar to perch (same bait but can also use power bait, corn, marshmallows)

I'm sure others will add to the list, but this could be a start for you...

Cheers,

5W

FishBrain · #3 11-09-2010, 10:46 AM

Where you from? I am sure there are a number of us on here that would take you out.
For me, I make sure I have my tent (sub-Zero 4 man), Just got a heater this year so that will help out big time!!!
I bring:
Tent
Heater
4 rods
munchies, drink
smelts and other bait
tackle (glow jigs seem to work best for me)
sled
hand auger
TP
Shovel (if lots of snow)
scoop
Winter gear
thats all I can think of at this time

freeones · #4 11-09-2010, 11:08 AM

Everything listed so far will get you out fishing, but if you actually want to catch fish, then the biggest necessity is a flasher of some kind. I would not go ice fishing without one.

You have to be able to find the right depths and find the fish, otherwise you're just sitting out in the cold (or hanging out in a warm tent I guess) with all kinds of useless, but really expensive gear.

aulrich · #5 11-09-2010, 11:24 AM

As a pure, bare bones set up.

- Hand ice auger no bigger than 8" if you can get away with a 6" do so lots easier to dig a hole.

- Ice strainer
- Shovel

- Good cold weather gear, I fished alot of years without a tent, last year I used my hunting tent and on brutal days it made a difference, on really brutal days it was next to useless. A tent is the first piece of "advanced" kit I would look at but you can get by. Mind you if you already like fishing it's a safe bet you will like ice fishing and a tent takes the elements mostly out as a factor in the enjoyment.

- Gear is speicies dependent, though the smaller the fish the more specialized gear you will need. Fish like pike/walleye/burb/lakers you can get away with sof****er gear. Lures for those would be the jigs out of your current box. maybe add some jigging spoons and your cool. A tipup would be a good addition to run in your second hole, when going for the bigger fish.

- Something to sit on

- Sled because you can't drive on to every lake.

Cal · #6 11-09-2010, 11:27 AM

Warm clothes, a spool of line, a small selection of hooks which would depend on what species you're after, and an ice strainer. I like to make a few sticks of of wood that are roughly around 12" long, 3/4"wide,and about 1/2" thick with a notch at each end, I wrap about 30' of line on each one length wise. Throw all this in 5 gallon pail and go find an abandon hole.

An auger is the next step, I'd get a 6" hand auger to start with. Thats all I used for years, even now that I have a power auger I still use the hand auger as a backup and any time I need to walk a fair distance.

If you fish for pike and walleye its nice to have a tipup or two, I swear that this year I will finaly post a picture of my super simple home made tipup design that I feel trumps all others.

Keep your broken fishing rod tips, its pretty easy to make a handle out of 1" dowel and use electrical tape to mount a reel.

Beyond that its all just extras.

nicemustang · #7 11-09-2010, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by freeones

Everything listed so far will get you out fishing, but if you actually want to catch fish, then the biggest necessity is a flasher of some kind. I would not go ice fishing without one.

You have to be able to find the right depths and find the fish, otherwise you're just sitting out in the cold (or hanging out in a warm tent I guess) with all kinds of useless, but really expensive gear.

LOL. Too funny. I've fished for 10 years with zero electronics in winter and always have done well. You must be a crappy fisherman if you can't catch fish without electronics. Ever since I have a camera and flasher I do catch more and have learned a tonne about fish yes, but to say to can't catch them without is ridiculous.

To the OP, examples of small spoons ofr trout and perch (mentioned above) are the forage minnow, macho minnow, buck shot rattle spoon, sweedish pimple, len thompsons in red/white or five of diamonds (red) in the 1"-1.25" size. And the new moxie minnows looks awesome. Also try the norland puppet minnow, better than a jigging rap IMO.

aulrich · #8 11-09-2010, 11:40 AM

Blue fox has some good stuff as well I really liked thier foxey jig last winter.

Sounders are nice but depth finding is not rocket science.

And some dental floss on your line and you have presentation depth control.

maclennanchris · #9 11-09-2010, 12:18 PM

great responses thanks...ill take this all in consideration. Anything saftey wise i should know??

freeones · #10 11-09-2010, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nicemustang

LOL. Too funny. I've fished for 10 years with zero electronics in winter and always have done well. You must be a crappy fisherman if you can't catch fish without electronics. Ever since I have a camera and flasher I do catch more and have learned a tonne about fish yes, but to say to can't catch them without is ridiculous.

Well I bow down to your infinite fishing knowledge and prowess. Clearly you are the superior fisherman!

I know you think you're quite the fisherman based on your posts here but if you're going to tell me that you can consistently catch fish ice fishing day in and day out without any kind of electronics, then you're either an even better fisherman than you think you are, you don't know what "doing well" ice fishing actually means, you only fish PCR, or you're completely full of it.

Anyone can head out on a lake with a bucket, an auger, and a rod and possibly catch a fish or two, maybe even several depending on the lake. Just let someone else with the gear do the work for you and fish the other fisherman or get lucky fishing summer memories. For other people, doing well ice fishing is sitting in their shack and catching a few fish in a day, or every second or third day. My mistake was not saying CONSISTENTLY catch fish. Consistently catching good numbers of fish involves a lot movement, drilling a ton of holes, and using electronics to locate the fish. It's a passive vs. an active approach, both will work, but one works a lot better for my money. I prefer to concentrate my fishing effort where I know the fish are, and a flasher lets me do that. All the tackle and gear in the world are useless if you're sitting over a hole with no fish under it, and when I go fishing, I actually like to catch fish. It's all relevent, but if you want to consistently "do well", and make your time spent ice fishing a lot more enjoyable, even an inexpensive flasher is invaluable.

Cal · #11 11-09-2010, 01:37 PM

I've never used electronics to fish either open or hardwater. On most days I enjoy success comparable to those useing electronics. I agree that electronics can help you be more consistantly but to say they are a neccessity is a gross overstatement. Also they only help you when used properly, I see alot of people that seem to simply use them because apparently they enjoy watching electronic blips more than the tip of their rod, which may be why they usualy dont outfish me.

nicemustang · #12 11-09-2010, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by freeones

Well I bow down to your infinite fishing knowledge and prowess. Clearly you are the superior fisherman!

I know you think you're quite the fisherman based on your posts here but if you're going to tell me that you can consistently catch fish ice fishing day in and day out without any kind of electronics, then you're either an even better fisherman than you think you are, you don't know what "doing well" ice fishing actually means, you only fish PCR, or you're completely full of it.

Anyone can head out on a lake with a bucket, an auger, and a rod and possibly catch a fish or two, maybe even several depending on the lake. Just let someone else with the gear do the work for you and fish the other fisherman or get lucky fishing summer memories. For other people, doing well ice fishing is sitting in their shack and catching a few fish in a day, or every second or third day. My mistake was not saying CONSISTENTLY catch fish. Consistently catching good numbers of fish involves a lot movement, drilling a ton of holes, and using electronics to locate the fish. It's a passive vs. an active approach, both will work, but one works a lot better for my money. I prefer to concentrate my fishing effort where I know the fish are, and a flasher lets me do that. All the tackle and gear in the world are useless if you're sitting over a hole with no fish under it, and when I go fishing, I actually like to catch fish. It's all relevent, but if you want to consistently "do well", and make your time spent ice fishing a lot more enjoyable, even an inexpensive flasher is invaluable.

Thank you. You should purchase a set of knee pads so you can get used to kneeing down and bowing to my infinite wisdom. Like I said, I, along with many others, have fished without electronics for years. When I say I do well, I mean that. You have never been fishing with me, so before you go make ing accusations i invite you to step it up big dog. I have fished with 56 people on this forum before and I'm sure many could vouch that I am the real deal buddy. Do you think I drilll one hole and sit there and wait? Why do you need electronics to move from hole to hole? No. If you know what triggers a fish to bite moving from hole to hole you don't need the electronics, especially fishing in 10 or under FOW which is often what I do. I also have kept an active fish log that I will be sharing at the end of the year that tells the tale of consistantly. I don't go fishing for 1 or 2 fish. Only been to PCR twice in the past 5 years. So that theory is out the window as well.

In fact, I don't think you are actually a true "fisherman". Your the type of guy that relies on electronics and gadgets or you can't catch fish. Fisherman are people who go out, enjoys the outdoors, fresh air, company, a few laughs and the skilled ones can catch fish without any help of the fancy lures or electronics.

FishBrain · #13 11-09-2010, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nicemustang

Thank you. You should purchase a set of knee pads so you can get used to kneeing down and bowing to my infinite wisdom.

HAHAHAHA, now thats funny.
I have fished with mustang a couple times, and yes I agree with him, he is the real deal, or REEL deal. lol
Even when I got to pick the spot, he caught fish!!
Mustang, cant wait till hard water, get a group together for some lakers!!!!

nicemustang · #14 11-09-2010, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FishBrain

HAHAHAHA, now thats funny.
Mustang, cant wait till hard water, get a group together for some lakers!!!!

Totally man. I have some new secrets and tricks I learned this year that I think we're going to be able to get into a biggun finally. Can't wait.

iliketrout · #15 11-09-2010, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nicemustang

Totally man. I have some new secrets and tricks I learned this year that I think we're going to be able to get into a biggun finally. Can't wait.

Can't wait for the first Spray Lake trip either! MMM, fish fry on the ice!

FishBrain · #16 11-09-2010, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nicemustang

Totally man. I have some new secrets and tricks I learned this year that I think we're going to be able to get into a biggun finally. Can't wait.

Yeah there is a biggun that broke my line last year!!! looking for him!

Quote:

Originally Posted by iliketrout

Can't wait for the first Spray Lake trip either! MMM, fish fry on the ice!

You know it buddy!

Braun · #17 11-09-2010, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nicemustang

Thank you. You should purchase a set of knee pads so you can get used to kneeing down and bowing to my infinite wisdom.

:sHa_sarcastic lol:

hmmm, i guess that would be another valid use of knee pads......

As number 56, Mustang could probably pull a fish out of the puddle in the parking lot of the boat launch before most people pull one out of the lake...... well that might be a little bit of an exaggeration but i sure as hell wouldn'tbe shocked if it actually happened.

can't wait till ice up

freeones · #18 11-09-2010, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nicemustang

Thank you. You should purchase a set of knee pads so you can get used to kneeing down and bowing to my infinite wisdom. Like I said, I, along with many others, have fished without electronics for years. When I say I do well, I mean that. You have never been fishing with me, so before you go make ing accusations i invite you to step it up big dog. I have fished with 56 people on this forum before and I'm sure many could vouch that I am the real deal buddy. Do you think I drilll one hole and sit there and wait? Why do you need electronics to move from hole to hole? No. If you know what triggers a fish to bite moving from hole to hole you don't need the electronics, especially fishing in 10 or under FOW which is often what I do. I also have kept an active fish log that I will be sharing at the end of the year that tells the tale of consistantly. I don't go fishing for 1 or 2 fish. Only been to PCR twice in the past 5 years. So that theory is out the window as well.

In fact, I don't think you are actually a true "fisherman". Your the type of guy that relies on electronics and gadgets or you can't catch fish. Fisherman are people who go out, enjoys the outdoors, fresh air, company, a few laughs and the skilled ones can catch fish without any help of the fancy lures or electronics.

You've now managed to get your panties entirely in a bunch over someone suggesting that a flasher is a very valuable piece of ice fishing gear. Really? Why the intitial attack? Why so defensive now? Interesting...

I'm actually suprised this reply wasn't even more over the top given your obvious desire to be the resident big shot on the AO fishing forum. Coming to an internet forum to insult others and brag about your fishing prowess or challenging others to some kind of a fishing "duel' isn't likely to impress many people, though I do see you've built up a bit of cult following. They're pretty loyal too, because as comebacks and wit go, that was pretty pathetic, and they still jumped on board to support you. Good for you.

I suppose this is where I'm supposed to tell you how wrong yuo are and brag about what an awesome fisherman I am and conclude with some kumabaya type "back to nature" statement that proves what an outdoorsmen and true fisherman I am. Sorry to disappoint. I made a point about the value of a flasher, nothing more, nothing less.

If you knew half the people that drift in and out of this forum and never post due to stuff like this, you'd probably be amazed. I'm not real sure why I bother.

P.S. Looking forward to that fishing log, a guy can always learn something new when it comes to fishing.

npauls · #19 11-09-2010, 05:10 PM

I am down for a trip with some of you guys to spray also. Never fished for lakers through the ice and want to hammer a pig.

As for ice fishing gear:

I started out with a 6" hand auger, 2 cheap rod and reel combos, some small spoons and jigs, some different gulp baits, and some real baits like worms, minnows, maggots, and waxies.

I have caught a ton of fish through the ice without any electronics at all and I am pretty sure I could still catch a ton if I gave up all the fancy stuff.

another good thing to get is a printed binder sized copy of bath. maps of the lake you are fishing. I have printed off any that I think I may fish in southern alberta and keep them in plastic binder pages in a binder in my ice hut tote. Gives you a huge advantage if you don't know the lake and have no electronics.

Nate

Cal · #20 11-09-2010, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by freeones

You've now managed to get your panties entirely in a bunch over someone suggesting that a flasher is a very valuable piece of ice fishing gear. Really? Why the intitial attack? Why so defensive now? Interesting...

I'm actually suprised this reply wasn't even more over the top given your obvious desire to be the resident big shot on the AO fishing forum. Coming to an internet forum to insult others and brag about your fishing prowess or challenging others to some kind of a fishing "duel' isn't likely to impress many people, though I do see you've built up a bit of cult following. They're pretty loyal too, because as comebacks and wit go, that was pretty pathetic, and they still jumped on board to support you. Good for you.

I suppose this is where I'm supposed to tell you how wrong yuo are and brag about what an awesome fisherman I am and conclude with some kumabaya type "back to nature" statement that proves what an outdoorsmen and true fisherman I am. Sorry to disappoint. I made a point about the value of a flasher, nothing more, nothing less.

If you knew half the people that drift in and out of this forum and never post due to stuff like this, you'd probably be amazed. I'm not real sure why I bother.

P.S. Looking forward to that fishing log, a guy can always learn something new when it comes to fishing.

Excelent response to a not so excelent post. To be fair you both made some remarks that were in poor taste but putting an end to it was a class act. I think Mustang is a decent guy but he is can get a little WWF when chalenged one of these days we'll take him to the vet and get him fixed

Now can we sing Kumbya?

Bolete · #21 11-09-2010, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maclennanchris

So never been Ice Fishing yet. Gonna giver a go his winter. Just wondering if some of you guys could help me with a list of necessities, tackle, bait, rod, saftey, auger,tents so on and so forth.....what have been your good and bad experiances....thanks again boys.

Tim Horton's coffee, cigars, lunch, toilet paper.
Maybe even an auger if you are feeling abitious.

hockey1099 · #22 11-09-2010, 06:51 PM

the last thing you need when ice fishing is a flasher. If you plan on fishing in
15fow or less you can see just fine with your own eyes. Things you do need:

Power auger. Unless you want to sit in one spot invest in one
Tent: Unless you want to freeze invest in one
Heater: see above
Ice fishing rods: Get several all with different lines and actions. I can go after anthing from a 6" perch to a 40lb pike. The marmish is really cool for small fish
Tackle: Pike rigs are a must for Big pike and big walleye. After that get a tonne of small hooks for perch, white fish and stocked trout. Your summer jigging tackle will work fine in winter for walleye and pike.
seating: I like camping chairs but also have buckets with padded lids.
You need 2 ice scoops as your gonna lose one.

The above are my essentials after that id and i have invested in the following:

1. tip ups. I didnt catch one fish on them last year. If your in a tent, it often takes to long to get to the tip up. But im going to make it work this year

2.Flasher or Portable fish finder and a Camera: All are only useful if you fish in water deeper than 15' otherwise you can just look down the hole.

JSMPP · #23 11-09-2010, 06:54 PM

Go simple, An auger thats sharp and has the blades angled right is #1 then the i would start with either a hook with some bait, a float and some good line and just pull some trout up by hand, or a cheap tip up, some tip up line and put a big smelt on it and pull them up by hand. the only time i really use an ice fishing rod is going for walleye. Tents, rods, rapalas, flashers and cameras all come later.

huntsfurfish · #24 11-09-2010, 06:59 PM

Other essentials should be some ice picks, a throw rope like those used for boating safety. Fish with a buddy (and not walk out side by side). Flashlite (waterproof). ice screws to anchor your equipment when its windy.
Fish with a buddy
Fish with a buddy
Fish with a buddy.
Watch video of how to get yourself out of the water.
Check ice thickness as you go out.

Have fun and be safe!

OOps, forgot ice cleats-prevents slipping hazard

WayneChristie · #25 11-09-2010, 07:22 PM

Go with lots of friends, some great things happen on the slippery ice. Make sure you take a camera too to record the goings-on. after a long cold day of icefishing, nothing warms as well as cheers you up quite as much as watching one of your fishing buddy's open the truck door, step out and immediately disappear when both of his feet go out from under him, right "I like Trout"?

Cal · #26 11-09-2010, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WayneChristie

Go with lots of friends, some great things happen on the slippery ice. Make sure you take a camera too to record the goings-on. after a long cold day of icefishing, nothing warms as well as cheers you up quite as much as watching one of your fishing buddy's open the truck door, step out and immediately disappear when both of his feet go out from under him, right "I like Trout"?

With the right crowd even a fishless day can be fun. Maggot races and setting off you buddys tipups while their snoozingcan liven things up. Once had a buddy who had a few too many fall asleep, kick over his heater, and nearly burn his tent down.

nicemustang · #27 11-09-2010, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by freeones

You've now managed to get your panties entirely in a bunch over someone suggesting that a flasher is a very valuable piece of ice fishing gear. Really? Why the intitial attack? Why so defensive now? Interesting...

I'm actually suprised this reply wasn't even more over the top given your obvious desire to be the resident big shot on the AO fishing forum. Coming to an internet forum to insult others and brag about your fishing prowess or challenging others to some kind of a fishing "duel' isn't likely to impress many people, though I do see you've built up a bit of cult following. They're pretty loyal too, because as comebacks and wit go, that was pretty pathetic, and they still jumped on board to support you. Good for you.

I suppose this is where I'm supposed to tell you how wrong yuo are and brag about what an awesome fisherman I am and conclude with some kumabaya type "back to nature" statement that proves what an outdoorsmen and true fisherman I am. Sorry to disappoint. I made a point about the value of a flasher, nothing more, nothing less.

If you knew half the people that drift in and out of this forum and never post due to stuff like this, you'd probably be amazed. I'm not real sure why I bother.

P.S. Looking forward to that fishing log, a guy can always learn something new when it comes to fishing.

Ha-ha. Yeah a bit out of line i suppose eh? Sometimes a guy gets his knickers in knot for no reason. Sorry to the orignal poster for de-railing the thread, again (not something i usually do).

Although, why would I care about people drifting in and out of the forum? According to most, there is too many people on here sharing too many secrets that is ruining the fisheries. So why do you post on here? (just a question, not trying to stir up anything)

iliketrout · #28 11-09-2010, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WayneChristie

Go with lots of friends, some great things happen on the slippery ice. Make sure you take a camera too to record the goings-on. after a long cold day of icefishing, nothing warms as well as cheers you up quite as much as watching one of your fishing buddy's open the truck door, step out and immediately disappear when both of his feet go out from under him, right "I like Trout"?

I completely forgot about that (conveniently)! That was pretty funny, has anyone mentioned that a good set of cleats for a wind-swept lake is a good idea??

Countdown is on Wayne! Should we have a pool for forum members for the biggest pike pulled out of Clear??

freeones · #29 11-10-2010, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nicemustang

Ha-ha. Yeah a bit out of line i suppose eh? Sometimes a guy gets his knickers in knot for no reason. Sorry to the orignal poster for de-railing the thread, again (not something i usually do).

Although, why would I care about people drifting in and out of the forum? According to most, there is too many people on here sharing too many secrets that is ruining the fisheries. So why do you post on here? (just a question, not trying to stir up anything)

There are some VERY good fisherman, guys who consistently win money in AB and SK that come to this site now and then. In talking to them, they can't be bothered to post for the most part because of the atmosphere here on most days. It's a shark tank. These are guys that could teach all of us a thing or two about fishing, and have probably forgotten more about fishing than I know. That's unfortunate. At the same time, maybe it's a good thing lol.

I don't post often. I just try and share my experience every now and then when I think someone could use some help or a little different point of view.

As far as the flasher goes, to each his own. If people here do well without them, then more power to them. I rarely fish in depths of less than 10', so that wasn't really a consideration when I posted. To my mind, a flasher is even more valuable to the novice fisherman, the guy who doesn't know exactly how to find the fish, work his bait, or fish the whole water column. For that person, a flasher is the single best tool they can have to flatten out the learning curve and improve their success on the ice, and that makes ice fishing more enjoyable. Not only that, but when you compare all the costs of ice fishing gear or even going out for a day, a decent quality flasher is actually pretty cheap.

That said, there's plenty of times when I head out with some smokies, some beverages and good company, hang out in the shack, and could really care less if I catch anything, and those are often some of the best days. You certainly don't need a flasher to do that. That's when you need a camera!

Kim473 · #30 11-10-2010, 09:27 AM

I agree with nicemustang! I'v fished with no electronics for over 20 years and have done very well. I do have them now but you dont need them. You have to be willing to drill lots of holes tho, so a power auger is my best purchase.