Comments for Ice Fishing

Comment on Making Line Stay on a Ice Fishing Tip Up? by Fisher_King

Fisher_King — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 19:09:48 +0000

Hopefully your using a Dacron line?

Mono/Braid won’t stay on the spool.

This is how it should be rigged:

Dacron line to barrel swivel then a 3FT leader of Braided or Mono ice line.

Hope this helps? Good luck!

Comment on I need a Thermal Tip Up that would fit a 10 inch hole for ice fishing. Any Ideas? by Fisher_King

Fisher_King — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 20:42:38 +0000

Like Bobber suggested Frabill makes a 10″ sized thermal tip-up. Here it is- http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?type=product&cmCat=Related_IPL_124659&id=0010848190410a

If you need the tip-up to be a bit wider why not bolt/screw a couple 2 X 2’s to the underside?

Hope this helps ya? (Thumbs up to Bobber)

Comment on I need a Thermal Tip Up that would fit a 10 inch hole for ice fishing. Any Ideas? by BOBBER

BOBBER — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 19:45:19 +0000

I believe frabill has what you are looking for.

Comment on Where are some good ice fishing places? by BOBBER

BOBBER — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 19:13:38 +0000

You could try rainy lake or lake of the woods.

Comment on what do i need to get started with ice fishing? by Nick

Nick — Sun, 30 May 2010 21:23:02 +0000

SIMPLEST ANSWER!!!!!

You need some basics to get started:

You need and auger either gas (which costs a good amount of money) or a hand powered auger(my preference) works just fine(. (You normally want a 6′ to 8′ inch diameter auger)

An ice fishing rod (Jiging rod) check out these few:
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?type=product&cmCat=Related_IPL_119031&id=0017110117002a
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http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=MainCatcat20166-cat20196&id=0029916119031a&navCount=2&podId=0029916&parentId=cat20196&masterpathid=&navAction=push&catalogCode=UK&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat601233&hasJS=true
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http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?type=product&cmCat=Related_IPL_119031&id=0065618123659a
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You also will need a set of jigs, (jiging the the main way to ice fish) I prefer sets such as these:

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?id=0010852116086a&navCount=7&podId=0010852&parentId=cat601249&masterpathid=&navAction=jump&cmCat=MainCatcat20166-cat601249_TGP&catalogCode=2UG&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat601249&hasJS=true
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http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?id=0075101124645a&navCount=11&podId=0075101&parentId=cat601249&masterpathid=&navAction=jump&cmCat=MainCatcat20166-cat601249&catalogCode=2UG&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat601249&hasJS=true
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You can also use tip-ups. which work great if you want to sit there and jig then leave live bait fish on a tip-up:

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0073913123759a&type=product&cmCat=SEARCH_all&returnPage=search-results1.jsp&Ntt=tip+ups&Ntk=Products&sort=all&_D%3AhasJS=+&N=0&_D%3Asort=+&Nty=1&hasJS=true&_DARGS=%2Fcabelas%2Fen%2Fcommon%2Fsearch%2Fsearch-box.jsp.form1&_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1
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I highly recomend getting a good ice resistant/ freeze resistant line

For jiging with jigs adding a maggot or wax worm to the end is a must for me!!
I recomend 1″ to 2″ inch baitfish such as rosies (little pink fish) for tip ups
An ice scoop for clearing your hole is a good idea it is not an absoulute must but without it you will be very wet and cold
If you have never been ice fishing before i recomend you first try to see if you can go with someone who has…..the ice can be very decieving sometimes

SHORTENED ICE FISHING SHOPPING LIST:
1.) JIGING ROD
2.) TIP UP
3.) ICE/FREEZE RESISTANT LINE
4.) SET OF JIGS (NORTHLAND TACKLE IS A GREAT COMPANY)
5.) ICE AUGER
6.) MAGGOTS/ROSIES
7.) ICE SCOOP

Comment on what do i need to get started with ice fishing? by Fisher_King

Fisher_King — Sun, 30 May 2010 21:00:35 +0000

Here is a list of “Must haves” and “Needs”-

MUST HAVES-

1. Hand-powered or Gas Powered Auger-

a. Hand-powered Auger- A “muscle powered” auger is good for ice as deep as 1-2 FT. After 2 FT drilling a hole using a hand auger gets VERY inconvenient (and tiresome). (Remember, the larger the diameter hole you want to drill, the harder IT IS TO DRILL- so opt for the 7″)- http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=netcon&id=0051038114491a&navCount=8&podId=0051038&parentId=cat603938&masterpathid=&navAction=push&catalogCode=UK&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat603938&hasJS=true

b. Gas-powered Auger- A MUCH more convenient way to drill through the ice. However, MUCH more expensive- http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=netcon-cat603938&id=0073894120454a&navCount=6&podId=0073894120454&parentId=cat603938&masterpathid=&navAction=push&catalogCode=UK&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat601233&cmCat=netcon&cm_ven=netcon&cm_cat=Yahoo&cm_pla=gas%20powered%20auger%20jiffy&cm_ite=netcon&rid=2146251080&hasJS=true

2. A couple “Tip-ups” OR Ice fishing combo’s-

a. Tip-ups- The quickest and easiest way to ice fish is by using a Tip-up. Although not as “fun” as fishing with a rod, Tip-ups catch fish. – http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?type=product&cmCat=Related_IPL_190410&id=0029153119003a

b. Ice rod Combo’s- Ice rods work best in “warmer” conditions and inside Ice houses. They also allow you a better fight- http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0017110117002a&type=product&cmCat=SEARCH_all&returnPage=search-results1.jsp&Ntk=Product_liberal&sort=all&Go.y=15&_D%3AhasJS=+&Nty=1&hasJS=true&No=18&Ntt=ice+rod&N=0&_D%3Asort=+&_DARGS=%2Fcabelas%2Fen%2Fcommon%2Fsearch%2Fsearch-box.jsp.form1&Go.x=22&_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1

3. 5 Gallon bucket

4. Bait Bucket and minnow net

5. A collapsible camp chair- http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0064174418735a&type=product&cmCat=SEARCHFEAT_all&returnPage=search-results1.jsp&Ntt=chair&Ntk=Products&sort=all&Go.y=13&_D%3AhasJS=+&N=0&_D%3Asort=+&Nty=1&hasJS=true&_DARGS=%2Fcabelas%2Fen%2Fcommon%2Fsearch%2Fsearch-box.jsp.form1&Go.x=32&_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1

6. Ice Jigs/Corks/bobber stops/- various different tackle

7. Ice dipper- To clean out your holes- http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=MainCatcat20166-cat601250&id=0010851190573a&navCount=17&podId=0010851&parentId=cat601250&masterpathid=&navAction=push&catalogCode=2UG&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat601233&hasJS=true

That is the “bare minimum” you need to Ice Fish. Will you catch some fish? Maybe.

But with these other “Need” Items you will “close the gap” between successful and not so successful-

NEED

1. Vexilar Flasher- I had planned to put this in the MUST HAVE dept but decided against it. In my opinion, going Ice Fishing without (at least) a Flasher is a HUGE waste of time. Flashers help you identify good fishing depth & structure AND allow you to see schools of fish in “real time”

2. Portable Shelter- http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0035838120481a&type=product&cmCat=SEARCH_all&returnPage=search-results1.jsp&Ntt=portable+ice+shelter&Ntk=Product_liberal&sort=all&Go.y=5&_D%3AhasJS=+&N=0&_D%3Asort=+&Nty=1&hasJS=true&_DARGS=%2Fcabelas%2Fen%2Fcommon%2Fsearch%2Fsearch-box.jsp.form1&Go.x=19&_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1

3. Buddy Heater- http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0027876516559a&type=product&cmCat=SEARCH_all&returnPage=search-results1.jsp&Ntt=portable+ice+shelter&Ntk=Product_liberal&sort=all&Go.y=5&_D%3AhasJS=+&N=0&_D%3Asort=+&Nty=1&hasJS=true&_DARGS=%2Fcabelas%2Fen%2Fcommon%2Fsearch%2Fsearch-box.jsp.form1&Go.x=19&_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1

4. Underwater Camera- Bordering on a “luxury item” a camera can give you valuable info on the “mood” of the fish AND valuable structure info.- http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0043175019011a&type=product&cmCat=SEARCH_all&returnPage=search-results1.jsp&Ntt=underwater+camera&Ntk=Products&sort=all&Go.y=8&_D%3AhasJS=+&N=0&_D%3Asort=+&Nty=1&hasJS=true&_DARGS=%2Fcabelas%2Fen%2Fcommon%2Fsearch%2Fsearch-box.jsp.form1&Go.x=27&_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1

Hope this helps ya?

Comment on what do i need to get started with ice fishing? by Mike

Mike — Sun, 30 May 2010 20:11:50 +0000

You’re going to need to do a little homework first. If I were you, I’d go out on the lake and just watch what other people are using and doing. Listen and learn. Anglers are very friendly and will help you get started. After your outing, you’ll have a better idea about what you’ll need to catch fish. Take a notebook and write stuff down. Then take a trip to WalMart.

Good luck and have fun. Email me if you want specifics after your “virgin” trip. Ice fishing is so cool (pun intended) that I can hardly restrain myself! I just love this sport.

Comment on what do i need to get started with ice fishing? by BOBBER

BOBBER — Sun, 30 May 2010 19:46:08 +0000

After checking the ice is thick enough to support you and all your gear safely. I use a gas ice auger to drill the holes. I also use ice rods specially made for ice fishing with ultra light reels on them. I use a variety of jigs with ether wax worms or minnows. Rigged with a slip bobber. I also have a fish house to stay warm and dry in. Enjoy it is fun.

Comment on what do i need to get started with ice fishing? by azabujuban

azabujuban — Sun, 30 May 2010 18:58:54 +0000

if you need to test th eice as you move out on the surface, some sort of ice pick is handy. Once you have found your spot, some of the basic gear:
augur or spud to create your hole, or a chain saw if the ice is really thick.
A scoop to get ice fragments out of your hole
a shelter of some kind against the wind
a tip-up, which is the traditional fishing rig
LOTS of hand and foot warmers and warm clothes. There’s a great article on the url below.

Comment on Ice fishing Crappies on a small lake? by Bret C

Bret C — Sun, 16 May 2010 20:28:41 +0000

I generally try to find and type of structure in the deepest part of that type of lake. Any little hump or drop off can produce, as well as, an old creek channel. I generally start about 8″ off the bottom for crappie. Crappie tend to run higher in the water column, this time year, and it helps keep the smallish bluegill from messing with your bait.

As far as bait goes, I try to find the smallest minnows I can. I’ve had good success with a 1/32 or 1/64 hair jig tipped with beemoth(maggots, meal worms, etc.). I try to always fish three poles, since that is the legal limit, and will lightly jig two of the poles about every minute, just give it a few small bounces. Give each depth at least 20 minutes, then start moving up in 4-5″ increments, but only one pole at a time, once you find em, raise em all, or lower.

I like 4 lb test line, and as small a bobber as you can use.

I’m a go in the hole after em type, so I do wear a skin tight waterproof elbow glove. There’s nothing worse than having a major slab come along, when you only have a 6″ hole. They bump the sides and end up off the hook.