Since your here...

[COinMass]

I'm new to the forum and this will be my 1st ice season in Mass.  Coming from the Boston area and willing to drive for good ice. Grew up ice fishing Colorado so the ice conditions here have me a little spooked.  Anybody have any tips on safety etc I'd appreciate it.  Going solo most times.   I've been reading a lot of posts appreciate all of you providing the info it's been helpful.  Is there a section that speaks to ice conditions anywhere?
Happy to trade info with anyone, hopefully post some pictures this season and get some fish in the freezer, it was a tough deer season lot's of tag soup at my house!
Thanks for sharing and happy to be here,

[stripernut]

Welcome! Always remember a pick/spud is your friend and don't leave home without it. Hope to see you at one of the gatherings we often have!

[pmaloney86]

Bibs with floatation and spud/chisel.  Forgot my spud on the ice last night and although I didn't want to walk back out and get it at 11PM I did bc its the most important piece of equipment.  The ice picks around your neck arent a bad addition either.  Theres a conditions thread that no one likes to seem to use but theres a few reports up.  PM me if you have question on ice in the lower 413 and parts of the berkshires.  I'll be heading to NY until some of the bigger lakes lock up.

[sab]

Live in Boston Area? - Because of this weather, head north my friend head north, follow RT95 and split-up after you cross the MA boarder to Lake {Winny) Winnipesaukee area lakes (NH) or Lake Sebago area lakes (ME).  Takes two hours.  Search for boat ramps, look for shacks, and best of all, you'll be up there this summer.

My sister who lives on a pond near Sebago says the ice is very poor.  Check out  the Ice Shanty forum for ME/NH

[rmoody79]

dont fall in, ice here varies and is ever a sure thing

[Reginald Bonz III]

Ice reports are helpful but always check for yourself..check as you go and then check again..have fun and welcome to the east coast

[COinMass]

Thanks everyone for the welcome and appreciate the info!
Hope to be posting some pictures here soon!
CO

[W8t B8t]

If your just looking for ponds that are fun to fish
Lots of flags nothing big
Try central mass
Rt 2 west out around Gardner
Lots of small ponds some with trout most have bass pickerel
Perch and we have ice

[rdhammah]

what city are you in? That info may help if you're looking for a buddy from time to time. This is an unusually bad season for ice. We're all usually on the ice by last week of Dec or first week of Jan. early and late ice, I always spud my way around. ice will change from 4" to 2" within a few yards. Hand spikes should not be optional.