Hello all.
This winter, I am looking at getting more into ice fishing. I first went last year, and that got me hooked. My in-laws had a shack on the St. Lawrence river where I spent most of a week. However, we only visit them once or twice over the course of the hard water season, and I want to get out myself on some on the lakes around here (Hamilton, Ontario).
That said, I need to get the proper gear. So what would you recommend? I need something light and compact - needs be pulled by one guy on the ice, and fit in the back on a Hyundai Elantra. It also needs to be cheap. I won't set any upper budget, but when recommending gear keep in mind that I would be leaning towards more 'cost-effective' gear.
Here's what I have:
Light Rod and reelassortment of small lures and jigging baitsthat's all folks
Yes, I know I need an ice auger - I am looking at a 6" Strikemaster Mora hand-powered auger from Bass Pro Shop for ~$40
I appreciate any suggestions!
Ok, well, the discussion here and on the Chat has me convinced that a flasher is a good thing. However, due to the cost involved, that may be a 'year two' investment.
So far, I am looking at:
augersled of some sort to haul stuff in5 gallon white bucket for fish and sittingan ice suit
What should I be looking at for good portable heat? Preferably, something that lets me cook perch on it too!
So far, I am looking at:
augersled of some sort to haul stuff in5 gallon white bucket for fish and sittingan ice suit
What should I be looking at for good portable heat? Preferably, something that lets me cook perch on it too!
HAAHAHAHAHAHA I think he is getting the fever guys!!!
Beware Brian V you are standing on the edge of a very slippery slope here. The next question after "What should I be looking at for good portable heat?" will be, there is no sense in heating the outdoors all winter I might as well buy a cheap portable shack... then it will be, what fun is a portable shack if I can't fish with a friend I might as well get a larger portable...
We have all been where you are, before we became the fanatics that we are today. I suggest you follow your line of thinking and take it one year at a time and balance out your larger purchases (flasher, portable shack, power auger, snowmobile/ATV) from year to year.
I think that you are right to include in your list for this winter:
augersled of some sort to haul stuff in5 gallon white bucket for fish and sittingan ice suit
I think also Master Angler had a good suggestion to pick up a tip up or two to round out your fish catching equipment. Also an ice scoop is essential equipment, if you start slushing out your holes by hand your hands will take an awful licking by the end of a day and if you ice fish regularly they will get chapped badly. For $2.99 going through evan 3 or 4 of those plastic cheapies a year is worth it.
Probably your winter suit will be more important than a heater or a portable shack for this winter but remember your comfort is going to be the make or break for a lot of days ice fishing so, if you are not comfortable you will not have fun or you will simply go home early.
Tight Lines Brian