Fat Boy,
A great big thanks to you and Glen for taking the time to provide ice fishing instruction at Blairs Valley last Saturday. I had a fantastic time. I have been fishing for 40 years but that was my second time on the ice. I was really impressed with the electronics and am seriously considering buying one. I am trying to choose between an Aqua View and a Velixar. I am "hooked" now. I really enjoy fishing in the cold so I hope to get out a few more times. Thanks again, it was great.
Boyd Church 
You're quite welcome! Nice fishin' w/ya Boyd. I recommend getting the flasher first, either a Vexilar FL18, Marcum LX 5 or one of the new Lowrance flasher style units. I'm not familar with the Lowrance and I'm sure that they are very good, but do some research on this site to see what our members say. But I can tell you that the Vex and Marcum are both good units, and these two in particular have a zoom feature. Again, do research on here and make up your mind based on what you find out. The important thing, as you've noticed, is that electronics do help.
The camera is a neat feature, but IMO that investment, although worth the money, is not as necessary as the flasher and should be used to supplement later on once you learn to use your flasher unit. The flasher will help you find fish, etc.
Tommy, I'm sure we'll cross paths one day on the ice
