new to ice fishing

[fisherman616]

I'm new to ice fishing and was just wondering some of the basics of what is the best bait or lures, how deep to fish, etc.
I've been out and used wax worms for bluegil, crappie, and perch and haven't had a whole lot of luck and what I did catch didnt have much size, so I was just wondering if someone would be willing to give some tips.
Thanks!

[fisherman616]

also any suggestions on lakes to fish in the grand rapids area

[FatRap]

Go to any lake on a cold Saturday afternoon and look where everyone is fishing and ask them for help.  A good ice fisherman may not give you every trick in the book but should get you going in the right direction.

[MOOSE810]

luck thats all u need

[Bgreen02]

you need the basics of auger, ice scoop, jigging pole and hooks. usually you can buy a beginner kit of these things minus the auger. hooks are generally the colored tear drop hooks. As bait goes it depends on what your fishing and what the fish in the lake eat. bluegills seem to like the wax worms and perch and crappie the minnows but it depends on their eating habits too. basically just experiment with different kinds.

[Redbone]

Haveing the essentials is key (auger/poles).  But even the best electronics still wont put you on fish.  Pick a lake or two and do some research.  Good luck.

[mud_n_fun]

I myself have never had a bad experience on the ice talking to other fisherman on how they're doing and the depth they're fishing. I also have never plopped down right by them either. But I have welcomed others to fish by me. Talk to the guys on the ice and let them know your new to our sport. you'll be surprised. There is a certain comradery on the ice among fisherman even if you have never met a guy before you might end up fish the whole day with him. That's just what ice fishing is.

[flagguy83]

JUST FISH FISH FISH. YOU WILL TEACH YOURSELF. TRY ALL DEPTHS UNTIL YOU CATCH FISH. MOVE AROUND IF YOUR NOT CATCHING ANYTHING. DON'T WAIT FOR THEM TO COME TO YOU. THAT IS MY OPINION