Priority of Ice Fishing Stuff on limited budget?

[jayy]

It sounds like you are off to a good start.  I would advise you to buy good quality equipment from here on out. The first tipups i bought never get used anymore. They were replaced with heritage lakers.  The cheap jig rods didnt last long either. As said above this is a great time to be shopping.  Cabelas has st croix premeir rods for $18 and laker tipups for about $21.     Stuff is onsale at kittery trading post too.

[kpd145]

Ok this week I am going to buy a bait bucket and aerator! What is a good quality aerator and bait bucket? I am on a limited budge like all of us but also want quality that will last a long time. I would rather buy used of quality than new and have it not hold up!
Thanks
Everyone

I would get a small cooler and use that. The bait is insulated, the lid closes tight so no water will spill when traveling and you can use it for other things as long as you wash it out.

Aerator will run you 10-20 dollars.

[NYSporty]

Yes a bucket that don't spill or freeze is key also fatheads and Rosie's don't need air just cold without ice on top shiners need air and 38+ deg water and air.

[hardwater diehard]

Plano bait bucket http://www.basspro.com/Plano-722-Bait-Bucket/product/89317/   and Frabill aerator http://frabill.com/bait-care-management/portable-aeration/1422.html    ...while transporting your bait I place the bait bucket in a 5 gallon bucket less spills and easy to clean up from splashing around .

[CA1492]

I found a foam insert for a 5 gal bucket at Home Depot.  I added a screw on lid - Leaktite-.  I had the bucket so it cost me  about 8 bucks to make a spill proof bait bucket.