Gotta tip?

[crv423]

Anyone have a tip for the guy or gal just gittn into ice fishing? One thing I always do, no matter what I'm after is to tie a small barrel swivel 12 to 18" above my lure or snap, it doesn't matter what lure you have on the end of your line a fish will not hit a spinning lure.

[OldSailor]

Anyone have a tip for the guy or gal just gittn into ice fishing? One thing I always do, no matter what I'm after is to tie a small barrel swivel 12 to 18" above my lure or snap, it doesn't matter what lure you have on the end of your line a fish will not hit a spinning lure.

  X2  Make that a stainless steel ball bearing swivel. They come in dull black also..  My $.02 worth...

[perchguy]

I use swivels they seem to help.

[pig puncher]

 DON'T EAT YELLOW SNOW! couldn't resist it. starting out, spend the most money on the warmest boots you can afford. the best tackle at the best time on the best honey hole on the lake won't be as much fun if you're not comfortable.

[davek]

My tip would be read up on Ice safety. Then to prepare themself for that infectious disease that wont allow you to drive by bait and tackle stores this time of year without stopping and usually spending money much to the significant others dismay. This will more than likely affect them for the rest of their life much as it does the rest of us.

[fishintechnician]

Go with someone who knows what they are doing.

There can be an extreme learning curve for ice fishing as opposed to soft water. The experienced person can teach tips and tricks,keep them entertained and also keep them safe

[Matthew Fiedler]

thanks for the swivel idea, i like it.

[OldSailor]

Go with someone who knows what they are doing.

There can be an extreme learning curve for ice fishing as opposed to soft water. The experienced person can teach tips and tricks,keep them entertained and also keep them safe

Not only that, but there is the safety aspect to it also. It's much better to fish with someone. If he's bigger, let him go first!! LOL....

[davidhoheisel]

is that why they alway's send me first?

[HardWater Junkie]

yes. It happens to me alot also. lol

[pig puncher]

the early bird gets the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.

[slabslayer]

We have derailed on this one now!  But never fish in an abandoned hole with filleted out fish beside it.  It's a decoy for dead holes. 
Seriously though, it's always important to carry a spud bar so you can check the ice out in front of you as you walk out.  If you go thru in 2 hits, it's not safe.
Also, if you run out of bait, you can go to the weeds growing on the shore that have the round balls in the stems.  It looks like a growth in the stem, but actually there are small white worms in there that can be dynamite.  Sometimes they will outproduce waxies or maggots.
For what it's all worth, just my opinion.

[lowellhturner]

ALWAYS have a rope WITH you at ALL TIMES. If someone does fall in having to run to your vehicle and drive home to get it ISN`T going to do them alot of GOOD. Also, assuming anyone does "go in'; after getting them out get them to a vehicle strip them down and IMMEDIATELY get them to medical attention ! Hypothermia can be a delayed condition ! DON`T just let them "shake it off"- immersion in cold water often causes delayed heart attacks. And if by chance it`s YOU that takes the "dunking" DON`T argue- go get checked out ! Hypothermia is NO JOKE...

[futurestrader]

Buy a Frabill sit-and-fish five gallon bucket and cut about 4 holes in the top of the lid that are about 2 inches in diameter.  You can then load your rods and gear in there without the rods getting all tangled up while hauling out or back on the ice.  When you hit the honey hole snap off the lid take the rods out and snap the lid back on and you have your seat.  Then you can drill holes in the side of the bucket and attach more gear with zip ties to keep everything together in one single spot.  Smaller and lighter is better when hauling gear therefore kids 4 inch scissors work just as well as 8 inch ones.  Finally buy small lure boxes that you can fit in your pockets and line the bottom with foam, hook in your favorite lures so you can see them when you need to adjust the size or weight.  Start with small lures and then work to bigger ones if they are hitting hard.  A dead jigging lure or small action works well on panfish but they will not hit a spinning around lure so make sure your line is straight with little memory.  The new tungsten jigs hold more weight over lead and get down there in a hurry and have better results.  They run about $2-$3 each and are not cheap but the results are great.  If you can only pick one lure go with an ice ant for those are solid producers on panfish. 

[ratherbefishing]

1. Dry clothes in the car or sled if you have room.
2. Ice awls (Picks) are a small, cheap and important piece of equipment.
3. Go with an experienced angler.
4. Buy a Vexilar.