10-29-2005, 11:38 PM
Fishhound,
You are describing the exact setup I have been using for years with regards to poles, line, lures, and fish finder. What you have already will work fine. I would recommend picking up a Jet Sled to haul your gear around. It will also act as a wind break that you can sit inside of when the wind picks up. Granted its not a ice shelter but it will work in a bind. One thing to consider when ice fishing is to mobility. If the fish aren't interested after 15-20 minutes of trying, then pickup and move to a new location. The more gear you have the less likely you will be to move to a new location. Sometimes less is more while ice fishing! I use a 6" auger and only had one occassion in which the fish wouldn't fit through the hole. Unless you are targeting larger fish (i.e. Macs, Pike, Muskie), a 6" auger should suit your needs. Also, tip-ups are pretty useless in Utah b/c of the one pole limit. One thing I like to do when the ice is fairly thick (excess of 24") is to use an ice spud/chisel to reopen previously drilled holes and check the depth and for the presence/lack of fish. It will save you from some unneccessary drilling. Hopefully this helps and good luck this ice season!
midge
You are describing the exact setup I have been using for years with regards to poles, line, lures, and fish finder. What you have already will work fine. I would recommend picking up a Jet Sled to haul your gear around. It will also act as a wind break that you can sit inside of when the wind picks up. Granted its not a ice shelter but it will work in a bind. One thing to consider when ice fishing is to mobility. If the fish aren't interested after 15-20 minutes of trying, then pickup and move to a new location. The more gear you have the less likely you will be to move to a new location. Sometimes less is more while ice fishing! I use a 6" auger and only had one occassion in which the fish wouldn't fit through the hole. Unless you are targeting larger fish (i.e. Macs, Pike, Muskie), a 6" auger should suit your needs. Also, tip-ups are pretty useless in Utah b/c of the one pole limit. One thing I like to do when the ice is fairly thick (excess of 24") is to use an ice spud/chisel to reopen previously drilled holes and check the depth and for the presence/lack of fish. It will save you from some unneccessary drilling. Hopefully this helps and good luck this ice season!
midge