17 replies to this topic

[MikeOGNR]

Hey guys so my cycle goes like this. Bass fish from late march to September, The hunt deer with bow up until the 15th of December then I have nothing to do outdoors wise so I think I am gonna pick up ice fishing as another hobby since it is very popular here in NH. Any tips or guides for me being a new guy at the sport anything is good.

Thanks
-Mike

[clayton86]

Dress warm










I recently started ice fishing I didn't get out last season due to we never had a winter to freeze the lakes over really before I left for Kuwait. I love it now that I got out and caught some fish doing it getting the hang of it. My biggest suggestion would be find some one who already knows some spots and tricks and go with them at first. There's nothing worse then sitting on the ice freezing your ass off and not even getting a nibble

[Lund Explorer]

Ice fishing is fun and you can enjoy the sport for just a few dollars or going hog wild for every toy possible.

For the shore bound angler, its the time of year that you can actually fish those waters you were staring at all summer.

The MUST HAVE stuff includes warm boots and clothing that not only insulates but also cuts the wind. Top of the head, tips of the fingers and toes are all where you'll freeze out first if you aren't prepared. For fishing, you can get away with a couple of simple spinning rod combos, a TipUp or two, a hand powered ice auger, and a bucket to carry your bait, tackle, and fish in. One last must have is a set of ice spikes to help you get out if you ever unlucky enough to fall through. It happens!

The toys include; Flashers like the Vexilar, Cameras like the Aqua-Vu, GPS Units, Gas powered augers, portable ice shanties, propane heaters, and the 4WD Quad to haul it all onto the lake! The very first toy should be a flasher unit as they can be indispensible at times.

[NoBassPro]

The MUST HAVE stuff includes warm boots and clothing that not only insulates but also cuts the wind. Top of the head, tips of the fingers and toes are all where you'll freeze out first if you aren't prepared.

I have never found a way to keep my fingers from freezing if I'm catching fish. I can never unhook them without taking the gloves off, and so they always end up cold and wet.
But anyway, Lund Explorer pretty well hit on everything you need I believe. Good luck, fish taste much better caught through the ice imo.

[Lund Explorer]

I have never found a way to keep my fingers from freezing if I'm catching fish. I can never unhook them without taking the gloves off, and so they always end up cold and wet.
But anyway, Lund Explorer pretty well hit on everything you need I believe. Good luck, fish taste much better caught through the ice imo.

Sounds like you are fishing outside. Two things to consider. 1) Bring along a few towels to keep your hands dry and taking a few short breaks with your hands in a pair of mittens or a heated muff can help. 2) Try pinching off the barbs on some of your teardrops. I just bounce the fish onto the ice and many times the fish comes off on its own.

Okay, three ideas. Pick yourself up one of those fold over ice shelters and a small space heater. That's what I've got.

[ww2farmer]

I ice fish quite a bit. Lund Explorer has the basics down for you. In addition to his suggestions, I would recomend a small heater that runs off the 1lb propane tanks. I have a small one that when in my one man flip over portable shanty I keep sitting on the ice right between my knees, it keeps me plenty warm, especialy my hands. I can not fish with gloves on, so it's one of my most indespensable items. Get one that is wind proof too, that way if it's nice out and you want to sit outside, or flip the shanty open you can still keep your hands warm without a little breeze blowing it out.

[NoBassPro]

Sounds like you are fishing outside. T
Okay, three ideas. Pick yourself up one of those fold over ice shelters and a small space heater. That's what I've got.

Yea, most of the ice fishing done down here is on channels. We usually drill several holes and bounce between them to stay on the fish, even a portable shanty didn't seem practical. You can catch fish all winter out of an area the size of a football field or so, but can't hardly get more than two or three fish out of a hole at a time. Now that my boys getting old enough to go I probably will get one.

[MikeOGNR]

I think ill start off with a sled a hand auger a jig rod couple tip ups bait hooks weights cooler chairs thermos ohh and cant forget the number 1 BEEEEEERRRRRR preferably budweiser haha

[RyneB]

If the ice is over a 8 inches, i suggest a power auger. When i hand augered i would work my arse off and start to sweat, and it would make for a long day. If it is something you plan to do a lot of. Get the following to make like a lot easier.

-gas powered auger
-portable shanty with a sled (you can usually get good deals on them after ice out, or check ebay)
- Mr Buddy portable propane heater (the single greatest thing i purchased for the ice)
You can get all this for around $600 if you shop around.

[Lund Explorer]

I think ill start off with a sled a hand auger a jig rod couple tip ups bait hooks weights cooler chairs thermos ohh and cant forget the number 1 BEEEEEERRRRRR preferably budweiser haha

Schnapps - - - Peppermint Schnapps!

[Bass Dude]

GAS POWERED AUGER!!!!!!!!! Once you drill a couple holes with a hand auger you will sell your first born for a gas powered one.

Trust me...you will be drilling A LOT of holes!!


Also, a clam or some kind of shelter...the worst part of ice fishing is that brutal wind chill. Anything to keep the wind off of you is worth the $$$.

[beast]

Unfortunately my lakes are covered in ice for 4 months every year so I have come to love ice fishing. As others have said, proper clothing is very important. A portable shanty is nice, but it isn't a necessity. I actually use my hunting blind instead of a shanty and it works just fine. I just bought a flasher a few years ago and it makes a world of difference. You can find a basic one for under $200 if you look around on Ebay. The same spots you fish in the summer will hold fish but deep structure is probably the best thing to look for. Channels and bays are also great areas.

[MikeOGNR]

What about points about 15 yards Off shore just dig a couple holes along the drop and put the tip ups there and also what do you use for bait??

[Lund Explorer]

What about points about 15 yards Off shore just dig a couple holes along the drop and put the tip ups there and also what do you use for bait??

The species that you go after with those tip ups will determine where to set them. Northern Pike could be in shallow weed beds during first ice but will follow natural prey such as bluegills which tend to move deeper later in the winter. I usually fish Walleye in deeper water near the areas that we also target for perch. The deepest fish are Lake Trout which we target in water depths of 90' - 120'.

For any of these fish, tip ups are baited with some type of live minnow. Grey, Blue, or Golden Shiners are popular as well as smaller Suckers. Some states allow you to use goldfish, but not here in Michigan. I usually use Sucker minnows for Pike unless its going to be sunny out that day, and then I'll use a shiner minnow that puts out more flash. Walleye/Lake Trout usually calls for smaller Blues. Your local bait shop should be able to help you out with what is working in your area.

[MikeOGNR]

I am probably going to fish for bass so would it particularly be the same idea fish structure??