2012 Ice fishing

[lionpshark]

This will be my first Ice fishing season experience. I will go out this season with some experienced forum members and I hope to learn a lot but most of all I hope to catch so decent or large fish!

[canoejon]

Start getting your gear together. Warm Boots! I got some Sorel Glaciers on Ebay last year; what an improvement over my old Mickeys, even if they did last almost twenty seasons. If I didn't already have stuff, I'd spring for one of the Arctic Armor suits. Just slip it over your street clothes and you're good to go. And it floats! I've bought a lot of stuff on Ebay: tip ups rods, jigs augers...

I love it. I can't wait. Either going myself or being social with a bunch of guys, grilling them as they come up as well as other stuff.

[Nick]

i got a new lakehouse, and unlike the other one that was on a cove of the lake, this one is right on the main part of the lake so i can wake up and walk out and ice fish. i too will be going for some fish.

[GenaVorn]

                      Manny  ,
  Like canoejon said start to get your gear together .One is most important shoes and then everything else.
I love ice fishing and already have "itch" for the first ice , so always welcome to join me.
 Canoejon , I read Lot's of your  post from last year and earlier on ice fishing.Would love to join you for ice trout fishing , if you don't mind to share your knowledge  on this topic

 Gena V 

[canoejon]

I'd be happy to. The trout are trickier to catch in the winter. But all the fish taste best through the ice for two reasons. There's less stuff growing in the lakes so they're not as weedy. It's the only way I eat a bass these days (obviously not in NYS). And handling them is a snap in the cold; everything is fresh.

[mike.com]

lionpshark where u plan to ice fish at ?

[Trout Stalker]

Manny,

You need 5 tip ups and at least one jigging rod. I have an old flasher that you can use. Warm boots and clothes is a must also. I also have an extra auger for you to use. If that soon to be married ass budget will not allow tip ups or jigging rods, I have plenty of those also. Minimal monetary investment. Maximum effort!!! I've been ice fishing for 30+ plus years and have tons of crap that is perfectly usable!

[lionpshark]

lionpshark where u plan to ice fish at ?

I plan on going ice fishing with some of my friends on this forum and I will go where they tell me to meet them. So that said I am not sure but I really look forward to it! TS is one of my friends I'm going with and he likes to bust my chops about my getting married budget.lol
TS I got 5 tip ups coming some that Biggamee help me get. And I have some warm boots but and I will work on the rest with you.

[JulesArcher]

There are some great heated boots out there.  Some nice Sorels are good for most days, but on the coldest ones, these babies are great!

http://www.columbia.com/mens/men,default,sc.html?prefn1=collection&prefv1=Omni-Heat%20Electric

I've ice fished my whole life up in the U.P. but never around here.  I have to plan a trip back to the midwest to retrieve my gear so I can go out around here!

[Trout Stalker]

Jules,

Unless you spend a lot of time in the ADK's, I don't see the need for heated boots here. I guess it can't hurt having them, but I have been out at 20 below with the wind and no issues. Hands and face are another story!

[Chris]

I'm planning to buy flasher and was wondering do you guys have any recommendations for me.  Thanks a lot.

[canoejon]

I don't think you need heated boots. Even my old Mickey Mouse boots that I mentioned lasted me over 15 years were warm enough that I only needed regular cotton socks with them. And whenever I was sloppy and went through over the boot, the water just warmed up to body temperature in no time at all. the only problem is they're a little clunkier and heavier than most. Walking can be a drag. I love the Sorel Glaciers I got last year. They're actually too warm sometimes!

I also recommend an extra pair of gloves be wrapped up in a plastic bag in your sled.

Now I'm going nuts thinking about the ice. Even though it's still the middle of blackfishing, you guys got me started. It's a cool way to check out waters you don't have a boat on.

[Trout Stalker]

I'm planning to buy flasher and was wondering do you guys have any recommendations for me.  Thanks a lot.

Love my vexilar fl20! Marcum is good also. Would not ice fish without it myself.

[Chris]

Thanks TS.   Vexilar 20 was my preference and I think that's the one I will get.

[Trout Stalker]

Thanks TS.   Vexilar 20 was my preference and I think that's the one I will get.

My buddy loves his Marcum, so don't jump before looking at both. I can guarantee you will not be disapointed with the Vexilar though.