Ice Fishing Novice

[Dirkinabox]

I'd like to get into some ice fishing this year. I live in Utah County and fish all the time when the water has waves. I have no idea where to even start. None of my fishing buddies ice fish. What do I need and about how much would be my start up costs. I'm thinking I'll probably mostly fish Deer Creek, Utah Lake and Strawberry.
[signature]

[CoyoteSpinner]

If you check KSL classifieds you can probably score a used setup of basic gear.

Auger to get through the ice
something to sit on
scoop
good boots, warm clothes

bucket or sled to carry gear
a tent can be nice in ruff weather

you can always add on as you get into it.

[a_bow_nut]

I'm busy this weekend but the next couple we could meet up and give it a try to see if you like it. No guarantee of chatching just fishin.

I have enough equipment for both of us to use other than clothes, then you are on your own. LOL
[signature]

[fishnate]

My two cents -- Bare minimum needs to get started:


[indent]Good winter clothing: pack boots rated at least -40 deg, bibs or coveralls and heavy coat, water proof gloves, think snowmobile gear. You aren't moving much so you need warmer than ski type gear. $150 - $400+ if you don't already have some.

Get a 6" lazar hand auger $85 - $95 (Worth every dime IMO). Much easier to drill than the standard blue Mora type ($35 - $40 not worth didly IMO). No need for a larger auger for most of Wasatch Front fish. If for some reason you decide ice fishing aint your thing you can easily sell it.

Ice scoop to clear ice chips from hole, $3 - $5.

Something to sit on - bucket or camp chair, free on side of road - $25

You will need some type of vertical presentation lure. You can use marabou, curlytail or tube jigs if you have them. Go to the Northland Tackle, Lindy, Custom Jigs n Spins, Maniac Custom Lures websites and look at their selection of ice gear. You can buy online or get most of this stuff locally. Spend at least $30 to start. Tip them with some sort of bait -- night crawlers, wax worms, meal worms, spikes etc, etc, etc. $2
[/indent]
Optional purchases:


[indent]You can get by with 5.5' or 6' rods to start with but shorter rods are a little easier to manage fish in a 6" hole. I really like the Berkley ice rods, good quality and not too exspensive $10 - $15. You need tip sensitivity as fish often bite very light in winter so don't get too stiff of a rod. Quality reels. There's a lot of junky plasitc reels they try to sell. There's some small Mitchell, Quantum and Shimano reels for decent prices at Walmart for $20 - $35. Load with 2-6 lb line.

Sled and buckets to carry gear. $40 - $70

Shelter/tent $150 - $400+

Heater I guess they're handy, I've never used one in 30 yrs of doing this. $30 - $150

Sonar $100 - $500+ Very handy to know if fish are around and to see how they are reacting to your presentation.
[/indent]
Find someone who knows what they are doing to take you on your first outing and even when you go shopping. You'll avoid lots of mistakes that way. They can help you find fish and give advice that can't be given online. There's undoubtedly more you could get but ice fishing aint too complex. Good luck and have fun with it. Oh and don't fish too close to me unless you're in my group[:p]
[signature]

[Dirkinabox]

Thanks for the help everyone. Looks like I need to buy some clothes that are a bit warmer. I'm busy the next few weekends but I'll take you up on the offer to go learn from people who have done it. I'll keep you posted
[signature]

[CoyoteSpinner]

Here's a [url "http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=218&ad=23657689&cat=233&lpid=1&search=ice"]basic setup[/url] on KSL $100 smackers

[DKStroutfitter]

There are 2 on the ice clinics that will be held on January 26th.
One at Strawberry Reservoir and one at Mantua Reservoir.
Both places will have people available to help beginners to learn the basic tips for ice fishing.

Be sure to have good boots that will keep your feet dry and warm. This is the most important piece of equipment that you can have for ice fishing.
[signature]

[macscabin]

PM me and maybe we can do a lilttle fishing. I am alwayd glad to teach somebody how I fish. Maybe you can show me something new.
[signature]