Lessons learned from my ice season

[Ihawkangler]

Hopefully have a couple weeks left, but while hauling my sled across the lake yesterday, I thought back to the start of the season and the lessons learned.

1)  For add on spring bobbers, the Clam's are the best.  Frabill and Rapala way too light.  Maybe they sell heavier action ones, but the Lite and Ultra Lite can only support a ratfinkee , nothing heavier.

2)  Buying a light one man sled was a good purchase.  Got tired of struggling with 80 pound two man and purchased a Shappell (made in USA) FX-100 that weighs 28 pounds.  Even with my gear in it, I can lift it easily in and out of truck.  Not as much room, but easier on my back.

3)  Some ice line is better than others.  Why is it that I always keep the boxes of the stuff that kinks and never keep them for the line with no memory that lasts all season?  After 3 years, I should have this figured out by now. 

4)  Taking newbies out always results in me not having a Vexilar to use and my gear getting all jacked up. 


Feel free to add yours. 

[Unclegillhunter]

1.  Don't take newbies out if you want to use your Vexilar, and not get your gear jacked up.
2. Take every chance you get to go out! You might not get that many!
Keep it safe! JDL

[SlimeyJim]

1) Never let your friends touch your GPS  they will delete all of your spots
2) If its a slow day of fishing DO NOT fall asleep  you might get a bite
3) Always remember your ice anchors on a windy day
4) Watch your step

[SlimeyJim]

1) Never let your friends touch your GPS  they will delete all of your spots
2) If its a slow day of fishing DO NOT fall asleep  you might get a bite
3) Always remember your ice anchors on a windy day
4) Watch your step

 
5) Always go to the bathroom before you get on the ice

[Mr.Seaguar]

When you have ancient decrepit gear and your wife says don't buy all new stuff, buy it anyway. She will get over it in a few days.

[SlimeyJim]

Hahaha      thats good

[Plan B]

After 30 yrs of icefishing I still get the feeling I forgot something when I leave the house. My quick checklist
Auger
Vex
Bait
Boots and cleats
good to go

[redshackdistrict]

What about poles? they are very important to have with u when u go ice fishing

[Larrycindyus]

When you have ancient decrepit gear and your wife says don't buy all new stuff, buy it anyway. She will get over it in a few days.

That's correct. It's easier to ask for forgiveness than permission

[teamhardcorefishing_cc]

Don't forget snacks. You don't need a lunch break. Just keep on fishing. 

[fishermantim]

When you have ancient decrepit gear and your wife says don't buy all new stuff, buy it anyway. She will get over it in a few days.

Tell her that you only got new gear because you got rid of your old gear (even though we all know you didn't)! 

[Mr.Seaguar]

Tell her that you only got new gear because you got rid of your old gear (even though we all know you didn't)! 

I am gonna sell what I can. I would be embarrassed for people to see that stuff.

[Ice_Fly_Guy]

I learned to move my butt after a few minutes with no action.  I've done a lot more hole hopping this year and it's paid off big.

[Joboo2334]

Experimenting with a new lure or technique can really pay off.

[oxdeleon]

1.  Should of been there yesterday

[dekalbnick]

If you hear about a hot spot just go and look for the next one, he who finds the fish will catch the most fish!  Once a "hot Spot" news hits trust me the person that found it has worked it over for a few days or a week and has pulled the biggest and most fish out already!  Find you "own" hot spot and it will amaze you on how good it can be.  I'm not saying don't go to a lake because it has a hot bite, I just saying not to head right to shanty town when you get there.

Also, fishing during the week 9 times out of 10 is way better especially on the IGL that get a lot of weekend pressure.

[Ihawkangler]

Good stuff.  Glad I am not the only prone to these things.

[jo7grr]

Keep your phone in a zipped pocket. This is a great thread.

[Ihawkangler]

How did I forget to mention that?  I lost my phone down an ice hole first time out this year. Zipper pocket got caught in material, so phone fell out as I was trying to get 4 inch bluegill unwrapped from the transducer cord.  Dropped, bounced and fell slow motion right before my eyes.  At least it could have been a big crappie, but a 4 inch bluegill added insult to injury.

[SlimeyJim]

I had the same problem but i fell and dropped my hand held GPS it slid into the hole. Didnt even catch anything that day

[IceAddict87]

If you want a power auger, buy a power auger. I lost my 6" lazer hand auger because I am cheap and thought a nimrod drill adaptor would work just fine with my 18v Mikita drill. Never got around to making some sort of safety device to prevent the auger from going down the hole. Lesson learned power auger is at the top of my list for next year. An 8" hand auger isn't much fun with 12" of ice.

[Ihawkangler]

I feel your pain.  Tried the Nimrod conversion piece last year and after two near drops of my auger, bought a cheap frisbee as a safeguard.  Went with the Clam kit this year, but mainly use my Strikemaster Lazer 2 cycle.  As much as I like the lightweight cordless drill auger in early ice, it is too much of a hassle for thick ice and cold temps. 

My first year ice fishing (I knew nothing) I borrowed a Mora hand auger from a friend who also knew nothing about ice fishing.  Headed out to a local pond with my 5.00 schoolie rod and tried to drill holes.  After 20 minutes, I was dripping with sweat and had barely dented the ice.  I stopped to watch others (including a woman) effortlessly drill holes, so I tried again, and again, and again.  Finally I gave up and found some holes with thin layers of ice and punched through.  As I was walking off the ice a guy came out of his hut and asked to see my auger.  He said he saw me struggling and wanted to take a look....no blades. 

[matzilla]

I use the lid from a cookie tin on mine....works great!

I hit backwaters hard this year...learned a lot of tricks to jigging some stubborn crappies.
Learned a ton of stuff on my Helix 5.
Sight fishing early ice is the best way to get back in the saddle after open water fishing

[frosteeone]

Never run out of beer when your on a hot bite!!!

[Ihawkangler]

Man, after reflecting on all my issues, trying to remember what got me hooked.  Oh well.  I know there is an issue when I am sad to see spring arrive.

[snokyguy]

1. don't bang your power auger on the ice to knock ice off of it, by the end of the season you are using a hand auger because you can't order a new assembly for your strikemaster. hand drilling 16" of ice with a 8" hand auger sucks.
2. don't forget the wet wipes.. the ONE time you need em.. they are a mile away in the vehicle. snow works, but it's not fun.
3. gotta start remembering to clean out old beer cans before I get out, makes me look bad when the DNR guys stops by to check licenses and there's 2 dozen smashed cans in the bottom of the shack and you literally just opened your first one of the day of a 6 pack you are sharing with a friend.
4. your buddy will always be on a hotter hole 2' away from your hole while hanging out in the shack. lol

[SlimeyJim]

Isn't that the truth

[Ihawkangler]

Lots of truth there.  I may add a sign for my two man that says "no open beer inside sled".  Seems logical to put beer on ice or snow.   My friend prefers the sled which always leads to frozen pbr, which later melts and makes my hut smell like Bourbon Street.

Also true about hot bite two feet away.  Went yesterday and caught 10 before my friend caught 1.  Got up to check other holes and he moved in and returned the favor.   Dropped the camera down and found 1 big rock, which apparently made the difference.