Ice fishing,never been

[rgsanders]

What would a starter kit consist of to get started in ice fishing?
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[klam]

Basic = ice auger and scoop then use similar tackle that you would in the other seasons. Fish places you would normally fish.
Warm water proof winter clothing. Sun screen.

Above basic + sled, ice poles, ice flies, fish finder, shelter, heater, ATV or Snowmobile.

Add some family and friends and enjoy.
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[rgsanders]

Thanks for the info, maybe after the holidays I'll give it a try.
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[Jedidiah]

Ice safety set with picks, if nothing else. Anything can be made dangerous with enough lack of preparation.
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[SkunkedAgain]

If you're up north come out with me before you spend the cash and see if you like it. Just have warm clothes and boots so you don't get too cold. Let me know and I'll get ya set up for a trial run. Later J
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[remo_5_0]

[quote SkunkedAgain]If you're up north come out with me before you spend the cash and see if you like it. Just have warm clothes and boots so you don't get too cold. Let me know and I'll get ya set up for a trial run. Later J[/quote]

Good offer...this is what I would do.

I started ice fishing two years ago and now I'm hooked (pun intended). I started with a sled, auger, poles and a chair. Easy to get started, enjoy.
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[KOKANEE]

I've seen a few adds on KSL for everything you need tent, auger, tackle poles, people getting out of ice fishing and selling all there gear, might check it out a save few bucks.
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[SkunkedAgain]

Don't know why it's so addicting, but I love it as well... Even the little guys are fun to catch through the ice, especially if you can see them and watch as they take your offering... Later J
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[remo_5_0]

Ya, amazing how far down the water you can see in your tent, I watch the cutts' at the Berry taken my jig all the time.
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[SkunkedAgain]

Something about that makes me a kid again, trying to hook them as they swoop in to steal the bait... fun times... J
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[fishnate]

Bare minimum in my opinion

Ice auger or an ice chisel to make a hole or take your chances in finding an open hole or borrow one from someone on the ice. Some will be happy drill a hole or two, some won't.

Ice scoop to remove ice chips from the hole. Here again you might be able to borrow one on the ice.

Rod/reel combo spooled with 4 to 6 lb line, unless you're fishing for bigger trout. You can use a 5.5' or 6' rod but shorter ice rods work better to control the fish in a 6" or 8" hole.

Ice lures. If you have them, you can use 1.5" to 2" tubes or marabou jigs, small .75" to 1.5" spoons (1/8 oz to 1/4 oz). I would suggest going to a sport store with real fishermen/women working there and ask them for some good ice lures (spoons, tear drop jigs, other jigs).

Bait. Buy some wax worms or night crawlers to tip the lures with. Only use a small .5" to 1" piece of crawler. You can also use sucker meat or minnows to, just keep the pieces small in proportion to your lure.

5 or 6 gallon bucket to carry your gear out and your gear, fish and TRASH back out. Way too much trash left on the ice [mad]

OPTIONAL A sled to carry your gear across the ice. A kiddie sled will work in a pinch but they tip easily. There are better ones with wide bases and high sides made for this purpose.

Warm clothing. You sit or stand a lot so ski clothes aren't so great. A heavy water/wind proof coat, coveralls and gloves are best. Some good fingerless glove are nice in warmer weather. Take a good stocking cap and at least 400 gram insulated/water proof boots.

Sunglasses

Something to sit on. Your bucket can be used for this or a good camp chair.

Ice picks for safety. These things can get you out of the water if you happen to go through. You can't rely on others being out on the ice to assure safety! Last weekend I was out on Pelican Lake with 3" to 4" of good ice. There were about 18 to 20 others out there, but yet a dog and one other guy still managed to find some thin spots and went through! Don't go out alone!!!!!!!

There's an endless supply of stuff and junk you can add to it later (fish finders, tents, heaters, fish baskets, under water cameras, tip ups, jaw jackers, etc, etc, etc.)
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[rgsanders]

Thanks to everyone for your input, I really appreciate it.
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