Basic Equipment, Pt. 2
Original Post:
http://www.blogsmonroe.com/fishing/?p=166
With the safety and clothing items discussed, what is next for the angler just starting out in ice fishing? Really this all depends on the amount of money that can be spent without going bankrupt. My advice for the young guy starting out is going to be different than that given to someone older who can afford more. In the 7 years in which I have really progressed from the typical bucket fisherman, to someone who fishes competition, everything becomes more specialized. Before 2001, I was that guy in the Carharts, with a small sled, couple of rods, hand auger, lead depthfinders limited supply of jigs, bucket and a lot of love for the outdoors and the whole winter experience.
My best advice to the new kid starting out, at least for the first year is this. Pick one species of fish to pursue this year, and build from there. At the most pick two, but don’t say bluegill and crappie, make it drastically different types of fish. Say bluegill and walleye, or gills and pike. Most of the bluegill equipment can be used for perch and crappie, and some walleye equipment can be used for pike as well.
Equip yourself for fair weather fishing, break yourself in slowly, decide if you really enjoy the sport. If you have as much fun as I think you will, go out and get big stuff next year. If you can get a deal on something used the first year, do it. I have already sold one flasher this year, and debating on selling a second. Some guys trade in rods every year, you might find a deal that way.
Ok starting out, this is it on the cheap, but good quality recommendations:
Get a sled, Shappell makes a fine line up and wont break the bank: $35.00
Bucket & Lid: Ask at Wendy’s, Mc Donalds type places for an empty pickle bucket: $0.00
Hand auger: Strikemaster Lazer cost is $75, or there abouts, and 6″ is a good start.
Tip-Up, good for pike and walleye, with tip up line, about $15.00
Spud: $20 bucks or less
Cleats: a must for early ice or bare surfaces, $15,00
Spikes: $10.00
2 or 3 rods: $30 to 75.00
2 or 3 reels: $40 to 90 bucks
Line: 2, 4 and 8 lb, about $25.00
Lures for gills and predator fish (walleye and pike): decent selection $50.00
Ok, adding all that up comes to: $315 or $410
It might seem like a chunk of change, but nothing compared to a play station and sitting on your butt inside the house all winter.
Ok, to clarify one thing before I take the beagles out for a lil’ training. Rods and reels can be bought together as a combo, but I have NOT seen a combo reel yet worth its salt. You really are better off getting a rod and reel separately, and having that better quality vs. something breaking down on you while fishing.
Second thing on the line, I prefer using mono on some of the rods where really small jigs are needed. Heavier lures can be fished for crappie, perch, walleye and pike effectively with braided lines. Fireline is a good option, but I prefer the 5, 8 and 15 lb Power Pro that comes in Moss Green, Hi-Vis Yellow, White, and Ice Blue for the bigger critters. It holds up to the fish, and also the conditions that are common place in ice fishing. Specially jagged edges at the bottom of your hole in the ice.
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