10-29-2005, 07:27 PM
Ok, there have been a few posts on ice fishing lately. And, since I've just unpacked my few ice fishing things(or almost complete lack thereof) from storage, I can see I need to address the upcoming hard water activities a little more seriously now that the weather is turning.
Let me confess here at first that I am not an avid hard water angler. I am a hack - at best. In the past I have only gotten out a couple of times a year and I am one of those "poor fools" that sits out in the weather on a bucket for the few fish I can catch. This year, I would like to do a little more ice fishing than what I have done in the past, and perhaps, even enjoy a little more success.
The reason for this thread is to get some input from those here that are hard water specialists - I know you are out there folks.
Currently my equipment is probably quite inadaquate for good success. My gear is this:
Rods: Silver eagle med action 30 inch spin rod.
South Bend light action 24 inch spinning rod.
Oddly, the light action seems much heavier than the medium.
Reels: I use my standard spinning reels spooled with regular Trilene XT in 4 or 6 lb. I have tried my casting and line counter reels, but, they are always spooled with much heavier lines from the soft water fishing I do earlier in the year.
Tackle: A box of iceflies and small(16th and 32nd oz.) jigs with plastics and a couple of Kastmasters and a Swedish Pimple or two and a couple of double hook jigs in rainbow and perch patterns. I usually tip those with what ever bait that is left over from soft water fishing - like minnows or perch meat. I have used meal worms and wax worms when I plan in advance and pick them up at one of the tackle shops.
Electronics: I have a fishing buddy that gets iced up but works ok when I keep it cleaned off. I also have a Humminbird matrix 37 that is currently mounted for my water craft that I have not tried on the ice yet.
Accessories: A metal ice scooper to keep the hole clear of ice. Ice pick for chipping away at the ice. I have usually borrowed someone's hand auger to make a hole.
Habitat: I use my skiing gear - I have lots of that and can keep warm and dry in any weather. I also sit on the bucket that I haul my stuff in - it is fairly uncomfortable and I generally end up standing around the hole instead of sitting.
I am hoping you all can give me some ideas on what you have been using in the way of equipment.
My questions are these:
What rods and reels are recommended for the ice ? Do you use spinning or casting rods/reels ? Does it matter ?
What fishing line do you use ?
What kind/size of auger(most likely the hand type) and what brand would you recommend ?
What kind of light/cheap wind break/sled/hut/tent work well ? I would have to haul it without a snow machine or ATV.
Do you use tip-ups and why ? If so, what kind ?
What kind of electronics would be recommended specifically for the ice ?
Thank you in advance for any help you can offer.
[signature]
Let me confess here at first that I am not an avid hard water angler. I am a hack - at best. In the past I have only gotten out a couple of times a year and I am one of those "poor fools" that sits out in the weather on a bucket for the few fish I can catch. This year, I would like to do a little more ice fishing than what I have done in the past, and perhaps, even enjoy a little more success.
The reason for this thread is to get some input from those here that are hard water specialists - I know you are out there folks.
Currently my equipment is probably quite inadaquate for good success. My gear is this:
Rods: Silver eagle med action 30 inch spin rod.
South Bend light action 24 inch spinning rod.
Oddly, the light action seems much heavier than the medium.
Reels: I use my standard spinning reels spooled with regular Trilene XT in 4 or 6 lb. I have tried my casting and line counter reels, but, they are always spooled with much heavier lines from the soft water fishing I do earlier in the year.
Tackle: A box of iceflies and small(16th and 32nd oz.) jigs with plastics and a couple of Kastmasters and a Swedish Pimple or two and a couple of double hook jigs in rainbow and perch patterns. I usually tip those with what ever bait that is left over from soft water fishing - like minnows or perch meat. I have used meal worms and wax worms when I plan in advance and pick them up at one of the tackle shops.
Electronics: I have a fishing buddy that gets iced up but works ok when I keep it cleaned off. I also have a Humminbird matrix 37 that is currently mounted for my water craft that I have not tried on the ice yet.
Accessories: A metal ice scooper to keep the hole clear of ice. Ice pick for chipping away at the ice. I have usually borrowed someone's hand auger to make a hole.
Habitat: I use my skiing gear - I have lots of that and can keep warm and dry in any weather. I also sit on the bucket that I haul my stuff in - it is fairly uncomfortable and I generally end up standing around the hole instead of sitting.
I am hoping you all can give me some ideas on what you have been using in the way of equipment.
My questions are these:
What rods and reels are recommended for the ice ? Do you use spinning or casting rods/reels ? Does it matter ?
What fishing line do you use ?
What kind/size of auger(most likely the hand type) and what brand would you recommend ?
What kind of light/cheap wind break/sled/hut/tent work well ? I would have to haul it without a snow machine or ATV.
Do you use tip-ups and why ? If so, what kind ?
What kind of electronics would be recommended specifically for the ice ?
Thank you in advance for any help you can offer.
[signature]