Any good warm clothes layered will get you started. A good pair of waterproof insulated boots is a must! As for gear, start simple until you know if a couple rods designed for the fish you're after, and a few lures. ear fish! If you have a fish finder on a boat, most can be adapted to ice with a little MacGyver action and save $ on the flasher. But if you get serious, I'd get a flasher. Last thing is a gear sled. You can but a kids sled at any store and use it. Just drill a hole in the front and run a rope thru it. Now all your gear goes in there and no carrying anything. A camp chair, auger, bucket, gear, it'll all fit in there. If you love it, then look into a power auger, shanty, buddy heater, and top of the line rods. But wait til your hooked to get all that! Which should be by your second trip!
