never been ice fishing before

catfishdude84 · **on:** December 26, 2012, 05:22:27 PM

Ok, so i am completely new to ice fishing. I know the ice isnt ready to be fished on yet, but hope to see it be ready soon. was considering checking on going sunday or monday, but idk if ice will be ready by then. Any tips or information would be most appreciated.

snowcone · **Reply #1 on:** December 26, 2012, 05:29:14 PM

i suggest you dont go by yourself

even for us ice vetrans we still go thru ....find a friend here near your favorite lake and make sure you understand more about the ice ...please ...its a great time and being out there is like being on another planet..there will be plenty of knowledge pour your way there is a great bunch of guys here .....good luck

catfishdude84 · **Reply #2 on:** December 26, 2012, 05:35:18 PM

Thanks, and i dont plan on going alone. Me and a friend will be going, and both of us are new to ice fishing. lol so yeah, any information on ice safety and what not will be much appreciated.

snowcone · **Reply #3 on:** December 26, 2012, 05:57:45 PM

good man. here are some basics. clear ice is strongest . 2 to 4 " of clear ice will hold a man very well..watch tyhe other guys when the lake freezes you will see many people ..if in doubt follow their path.. lakes freeze at different rates at different places..the edges are usually the most tricky at first and last freeze. currents cause thin spots . just to ease your mind at first step out a few yards watching reaction of area drill a hole and check depth . ask how the ice is where your at from other icers...snow causes ice too freeze badly , once there is a good base and you have been out you will get a feel for it.. carry safety gear/ hand spikes, rope, spude bar when needed. there are suits made for floatation....whats really odd is when its been cold for a bit and the ice is growing you will be sitting there and you will hear a snap and hear a crack sometimes run all the way accross the ice....scares the crap outa ya .....hope this helped ....c ya out there

Luvztaphish · **Reply #4 on:** December 26, 2012, 07:03:23 PM

Try to get together with someone on this sight . Just post where and when and a place to meet . Most likely you will get at least one response. We all have a very deep Passion for this sport and a need to pass the torch.

Ntoiceman36 · **Reply #5 on:** December 26, 2012, 07:29:58 PM

Welcome to ifo,where are you located,im from the canton area lots of possibilities close by for your ice quenching needs,look us up if your in our neck of the woods!

Luvztaphish · **Reply #6 on:** December 26, 2012, 08:07:31 PM

If you give ntoiceman36 some cashing tips ,he will show you how to pull them through the ice .

slabslayer · **Reply #7 on:** December 27, 2012, 02:37:18 AM

I'm in canton too and hoping to go Monday as well.

slabslayer · **Reply #8 on:** December 27, 2012, 02:39:02 AM

Review the ice safety thread and you'll learn a ton.

catfishdude84 · **Reply #9 on:** December 27, 2012, 06:04:54 AM

We are in the Marion area, and not really sure of where to go. I figure i will have to stick to ponds and small upground reserviors, cause i figure the larger bodies of water are probly not gonna be iced over enough to walk on yet. Could be willing to travel some though lol.

crv423 · **Reply #10 on:** December 27, 2012, 09:40:50 AM

delawre is a good crappie spot and alum is good multi species. if its catfish ur after i have seen guys catch them against howard rd thru the ice on tip ups.

futurestrader · **Reply #11 on:** December 27, 2012, 09:51:03 AM

Just keep asking questions and we are willing to help. Get a good pole and ice line and if you have the money get a Vexilar! Welcome to the fun and I will see you out on the ice sometime this year.

catfishdude84 · **Reply #12 on:** December 27, 2012, 10:42:14 AM

Well, to give everyone a basic bit about my ice fishing past....there is none lol. I dont know what equipment i need to buy as far as lures, rods, reels, line, anything to put on the feet to help with slipping. My friend said he is gonna buy a hand auger, i have a bunch of rope laying around, may need to invest in a spud bar from what iv been reading. As far as clothing, i am limited in what kinda clothes and coats i can buy, as i am a 300lb+ guy, but i already planned on layering lol.

futurestrader · **Reply #13 on:** December 27, 2012, 10:57:07 AM

ok we have some work to do how much money do you have to spend?

Banker · **Reply #14 on:** December 27, 2012, 11:42:54 AM

I will give you two extreme scenario plays: You make money and your family is cool with you spending it and you need to get by with as little start up cost as possible....we will start with the later:

Essentials: Some of this you already have, a brain (don't go alone for your first time out)....and if your not alone you won't need alot of the big ticket items that will be in my spend money scenario below.

Here is what you will need- to stay warm and catch fish
1.) Your feet will be the first to get cold and the last to warm up (to be honest once they get cold- there is no going back and the day gets real sucky quick) Solution: good insulated boots and wool socks (no cotton)
2.) While we on the topic of what to wear- wear layers (no cotton) make sure your base layer consists of your typical waffle long underwear (no need to go out and buy the under armor stuff for $100) Second layer should be a technical (water wicking) shirt like some of the technical fishing button ups out there. Third layer is all about insulation- make sure to have polyester blend and not cotton- four layer is for pockets, and protection from the outside elements (top and botto) a basic wind breaker can gt you through if you layer right in the foirst three layers- more expensive fishing suits in optin B below

Now you are warmso let's talk about catching fish: (this will be without electronics due to startup cost)
1.) Some people try to go at ice fishing without a hand auger- you have to be certain that you are fishing with people that are okay with you fishing their holes- (typically people are polar opposites on that) During early and late ice you can simply kick in holes from the day before but that won't garantee you any fish so I would say having a hand auger is th on the list of essentials for catching fish. DO NOT BUY CHEAP -get a strikemaster Laser- it is worth the extra $20 TRUST me.
2.) You can buy a rod and reel for big bucks but really in man made lakes that average oly 5-10 feet- you can hanf line fish in hand over hand so why drop big money on a fancy reel and rod. Plus with the way rods are made today versus 15 years ago the $20 rod reel combo online is fine for the fish you are after (landed a 10lb cat on a Clam bluegill popper)
3.) Get some McCoy Ice Line as the brand name stuff isn't good.
4.) Don't go crazy over $5 jigs online. by the time you get every size and color of the one they are hitting on the trend will change- wait till you have to get bait and see if the local bait shop has any hand made jigs for sale - these are usually inexpensive and tailored for the fish in the lake they service. Plus they can direct you as to which ones to use and where.

Because it is fun to do pie in the sky stuff I will let someon else cover the $ scenario as it will contain some of things on our wish list as well

Lucky for you living in Ohio you don't need half the stuff other icers need (see power auger) to get out and nejoy this sport.

See ya on the ice!

never been ice fishing before

catfishdude84

never been ice fishing before

snowcone

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catfishdude84

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snowcone

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Luvztaphish

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Ntoiceman36

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Luvztaphish

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slabslayer

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slabslayer

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catfishdude84

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crv423

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futurestrader

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catfishdude84

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futurestrader

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Banker

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