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Holes can be made easily through even a foot of ice, and after the kids chopping 3, 4, or 5 holes apiece, they should sleep pretty well later!
Need to keep the kids warm or they will hate it, goes for adults too! So make sure the kids have decent gear, also extra gloves, they will get wet! Keep an eye on craiglist, it's not uncommon to see someone selling a bunch of gear.
Go to Marden's in Ellsworth or Brewer and they will have some stuff inexpensive soon. No need investing a bunch of monies either. I'm sure someone on here may offer your family a trip out to see what it is like. If they like it check out craigslist as well. Kids don't care what kind of trap it is, if there is a flag in the air and a fish on the other end. If you were down our way I would give you a few cheapy traps to try it, or come out with us. Kids and ice fishing is a lot of work, but 2x as much fun. Happy Holidays to you and your family.
Would you have any interest in making the offer to the local Boy Scout troop(s)? Our troop tried to make it out last year but it apparently didn't materialize. I was hoping they would try it again.
I am considering going with max traps from http://www.maxtraps.com/index.php/products
Some really great suggestions on this thread. I'd highly recommend taking up the offer to fish with some experienced people since this will be your family's first time ice fishing. They'll show you the ropes and put you on some fish which will greatly reduce the learning curve and frustration that often accompanies any new venture. I have three kids of my own ranging in age from 15 to 7. They all love to ice fish so I thought I'd offer a few tips I've learned over the years when fishing with them:1. As several posters mentioned before, warm kids = happy kids. If they are cold, they will be miserable so definitely make sure you keep them warm. Many fisherman will use a portable propane heater on the ice but a fire is a fun way to stay warm (where permitted). Be sure to bring some hot dogs and smores to go with the fire. You can also purchase some of those cheap hand warmer packs to stick inside gloves and boots. 2. If it is going to be bitterly cold or windy, you may want to pick another day. If your kids' first introduction to ice fishing turns into an arctic torture, it's likely to be their last. Cloudy days tend to be warmer and high bluebird skies tend to be colder. Windy days in particular make for tough fishing conditions so if you have the option to fish on a day that will be more favorable, you may want to delay your trip so that your younger ones are not icicles. 3. Although catching fish may be the academic purpose of ice fishing, the real purpose is fun. If you focus on the overall experience rather than just catching fish, your time will be more enjoyable. Some days you can catch fish non-stop and other days a lake can be a virtual lifeless desert. When you have little ones out on the ice, make sure there is always something to do other than just waiting for a flag to pop or a fish to hit on a jigging rod. When I hit the ice with my kids, I will sometime bring ice skates, a football or even a Frisbee. We've even made snowmen and conducted sled races on the ice to pass time on slow days. Anything to keep them entertained, active and laughing will make the trip more enjoyable - especially when the fish aren't hungry. 4. Bring a grill and make it a party/picnic. Most people love a good picnic. Having a picnic on the ice just makes it more fun. Sausages, hot dogs and burgers are a staple of most ice outings but I've also cooked pancakes and French toast as well. I'll often cook up a pot of chili or soup at home and then re-heat it on the ice. Again, make it a party.5. Bring friends. Each year, I allow each of my kids to invite a friend to one of our outings each year. If they can share an unusual adventure with a friend, they seem to enjoy the experience even more. 6. Take lots of pictures.7. Be sure to share your adventures with the rest of the IS community when you return. I hope some day your family knows how cool you are MDI!