i really want to pick up ice fishing. i already have ice fishing poles and jigs. anyone know where to get cheap tilts/the thing with the flag/. with the line already on it? thank you.
"Give a Man a Fish, Feed Him For a Day. Teach a Man to Fish, Feed Him For a Lifetime"

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Probably going to need an auger also, John. I suggest you buy an auger based upon the depth of ice you will be drilling through. If it's less than 12", a hand auger (Swede Bore) will do. Anything thicker, you might want to consider a 2hp gas auger. The width of hole required will depend on what species you are fishing. 6" hole will work for panfish, 8" hole for walleyes & the like, and 10" for lake trout, northerns, etc. Remember though the wider the hole, the more energy needed to drill it. Good luck.

Hi John, Welcome to the world of ice fishing. You may also want to look at less expensive places such as Walmart, Target, etc. Used equipment may also be available in your area. Ice fishing can get a bit pricy, so you may want to try it before you sink a lot into it. What part of the country are you looking to fish? A lot of our members would be glad to help get you started.
Give a man a fish, feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and feed him (and his family) for a lifetime.

What DrBubba said. Give us more of an idea on the where, when & what you're fishing for...and we'll provide more

Lots of good advice on where to find tip-ups however I've never seen any that come with line on them. I use a black line, I think it's dacron, been awhile since I respooled. Range anywhere from 15 to 30lb test. Depends on what yer fishing for. If you have a big spool you can put a backing on it with some less expensive line. Don't forget to add a button to use as a depth marker. Good Luck and stay warm!!!!
The Muskies are coming Hooray Hooray!!!!

Hey John, i dont know if you have a Dicks sporting goods store in your area but i was at one last night close to where i live and they have tip-ups on clearance with line already on them, and there not the cheap looking ones either. Im not sure if that was something all Dicks sporting goods stores are doing or if it was just this one alone but i suggest giving it a shot. As for an auger i agree with walleyewayne any ice under 12" go with the hand augers and anything more go with the 2hp if theres anything else you need to know ill try and help you out.

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where u at john? one important thing to remember. SAFETY!!!! i always drill a hole a few feet off the bank to test the ice. and get yourself the best flasher you can afford. i have a vex fl20 and it is the cats a**. give yourself an edge out there. i love all those high tech redneck toys

i am fishing in northeast connecticut and will be fishing for pike, pickeral, and panfish
"Give a Man a Fish, Feed Him For a Day. Teach a Man to Fish, Feed Him For a Lifetime"

i am in n.w. ohio.  i love the panfish. perch, crappie.we try to get to michigan at least once a season.  my girlfriend likes the clear water and sightfishing.  since i got  the vex i dont mind stained water as much. which is what we have primarily around here.

i am also new to ice fishing.  i live by appleton wi.  I have tip ups rods and some lures not much I would like to fish for walleye and perch any help would be greatly app.

rum

john and rumbee, these guys all have said alot in just a few words. river says it right about geting someone from yer area that knows the lakes and how to read the ice-- for safty reasons-- just remember thou that when yer on the fish you can get alot of fish in a short time or ya could sit all day and not get a bite on the ice. i don't know yer guys areas but i can help with some basics and i know there are alot of guys on here that can do the same. if yer fishing in shallow water-- look for weed edges that are still green, check out the breaks and humps. try and find springs and marrow pockets-- you'll find lots of bug lfe in these areas along with the warmest water. if yer fishing deep water look for the shelfs and fast breaks. also if ya can find a dip on a shelf or flat, you can bet it's either a spring or a marrow pocket, even in very deep water. now the big question is are ya going to fish live bait, cut bait or are ya going to jig with lures?

probably using jibs or cut bait thanks for all the help

Send me your address and I will mail you the one that I dont use .

John, Quaddick is great and so is Patchaug if ya want the biggns.(pike). Like others have said go out with someone who has been. It is more than just drilling a hole and dropping in your line. Tackle shops in the area usually have good deals on tilts.Bob's Place if your familiar. Ice fishing is the best fishing!!!
Lifetime Member,Angler's Legacy Ambassador,Take a kid fishn'

At Gander Mountain I've seen this new thing that's like a tip up but not quite. Its a hallow spool reel with a bell in the middle that you can screw onto a stake. When the fish takes the bait, you will hear bells ring instead of keep having to check for a flag up.

I have seen them at both Gander Mountain, and I believe Dicks (formerly Gallians) - sporting goods stores, but I know Gander Mountain has them as well as a better stock of  fishing gear, including ice augers.
                                                                         -Nate H
                                                                           - Fishers, IN

hey there, you can get tip ups just about anywhere. Most small shops will carry them as well as even walmart and the big guys like cabelas, gander etc.