Hey everyone really bummed that the season is just about over. This winter I was thinking about trying out ice fishing. I have never done it before because I was always kind of turned off from the fact that there cold enough that they really don’t put up much of a fight.  I know that you really don’t need much to get started. But was just wondering if anyone out there could give me some pointers on tackle and anything else that I would need.

Thanks  and happy fishing

Hey Bassman, I love ice fishing, but I don't think I'm qualified to give advice. If no one bites here, try posting this in the ICE FISHING forum.
              

I can lend a bit of a hand from what I've heard on other forums and articles. Obviously, you'll need an auger, but for a beginner a hand auger or what's called a spud bar/ice chisel can be used to get through the ice. A skimmer would also be recommended to get the kind of "ice skin" off that forms in the holes you'll drill. Also, a pair of life preservers is an absolute must for if you go through the ice, I would never go without them. Then you just grab an ice combo, some small jigs and trailers and you're fishin! (Cleats would probably be helpful on your first outing, but not totally necessary)

I know you will more than likely want a fish finder or fish blinker and a ice rod. I Reccomend a sled to pull all your stuff across the ice, Ice treks for your shoes, Some ice fishing jig heads.

Hope this helped a little.

i started ice fishing a couple of years ago, never had so much fun in my life.  sitting in the middle of a frozen lake with sub zero temps and a 40 mph wind on a bucket with no lid, no clue of what i'm doin' catchin bait size fish, and lovin eveery minute of it.  I'm just thankful that a couple of other members invited me to go!  i wouild highly recommend going with a buddy, and some sort of shelter and a bucket (with a lid) to sit on.  i was able to pick up a flip up shelter last year from cabelas for $99.00 and it made a big difference in my comfort.  as far as poles and lures, i like it simple, one rod, and about a dozen ice jigs and a container of wax worms.  hope you enjoy the sport!

When you're fighting fish with a little short pole and pulling line through a hole in the ice, the fish do fight hard. LOL If you can keep warm, you will enjoy ice fishing a lot more. Obviously you have to start with an ice fishing pole and some ice jigs or other vertical jigging lures.

Equipment to begin with: An auger to get a hole in the ice. An ice skimmer to clear the hole of ice shavings. A shelter to block out the wind. A heater to keep warm and stay out there longer. A sled to pull all your equipement. A bucket for the fish and used as a seat. Sunglasses or ski goggles so you don't get snowblind. A lantern or light source for evening to nite fishing.

Electronics for getting serious ice fishing: Flasher/Fish Finder for the modern ice fisherman. Underwater cameras and GPS plotters for those electronic fishermen. Snowmobile or ATV for those who really want to get out there.

There's a list of safety equipment too: Throw ropes, ice cleats, spud bar/chisel, first aid kit, etc., ...

Thanks for all the feedback guys. Definitely going to give it a shot this year. Man I love these forums. as far as picking jig's any advice on color, weight, etc. It’s still early to go out on the ice, but ill post back here once I go and let you know how it goes.

Thanks and happy fishing

Just the thought of sitting out in below freezing temps is making my bones ache. Shelter or no shelter...too damn cold for me.

haha yeah we'll see how it goes

Ice jigs are typically smaller than your regular jigs. It's because it's winter time and the forage are also smaller morsels.

For bluegills, go with the smallest jigs you can tie on. Weights from 1/100th oz. to 1/32nd oz.
Crappies, get the next sized jigs in wieght. Weights from 1/64th oz to 1/8th oz.
Perch will take similar weights as crappies. Weights from 1/64th oz to 1/4th oz.
Walleyes, all depending on size of fishery. Weights from 1/32nd oz to 1 oz.
Pikes, they will bite small to large. Weights from 1/4th oz to 1 oz. or more.

As far as color goes, it's all up to individual preference. I go with glow reds and glow greens for night time fishing. I go with metal silver or gold for daytime fishing.

nice thank you bob ill be trying that