Ice fishing Starter kit

[JamesJet]

All the above info is great.

A sled really helps. Not saying a home made condo is needed but simply a sled. Most plastic kids sleds will do, but I have found there are better optons like a "calf sled" or cement tub with ropes. And dont forget the food. When not fishing the kids (and you) should be eating. Some sort of grill/fire pail is great for marshmellows and hot dogs on a stick, but coleman stove and or simply thermos with hot soup in it is OK too if traveling light.

Wax worms and jigging pole. I buy my wax worms at Pet Smart but if you are getting Minnows anyways then you can get them at the B&T. Little ice jigs work very well and I love catching bluegills and crappie all day, teh kids will too.

ICE PICKS. These go around your neck and essentially are spikes in case you fall in. I never have, but these will make it much easier to pull out if it ever were to happen.

CAMERA. I have a ton of great family phots from growing up out on the ice and cabnt wait till my sons are old enough.

[numbskull]

Ice Picks for sure. I've been through the ice and getting out is near impossible. You owe it to your son to be wearing them.

[JohnR]

Cool info - thanks!

Originally Posted by numbskull

Ice Picks for sure. I've been through the ice and getting out is near impossible. You owe it to your son to be wearing them.

TDF showed me how he had them as a Scout project, 8" or so dowels 1" thick IIRC with nails coming out the end, joined by rope.

Don't need it until you really need it type of thing.

[The Dad Fisherman]

Originally Posted by JamesJet

A sled really helps. Not saying a home made condo is needed but simply a sled.

I'm appalled....what are you trying to say

[Rockfish9]

Originally Posted by The Dad Fisherman

I'm appalled....what are you trying to say

I used to lean towards the condo with enough gear inside to survive for a month....the older I get the lighter I like to travel...

Ice fishing can be as complicated or simple as you make it... the first pictue is of my old sled ( now retired for a lighter model) the second picture is of one of our week end outings... it shows the variaty of items that can be used to carry gear as well as a potable shelter ( nice to have when kids ar involved)

[JackK]

While I'm by no means an expert, I'm surprised no one has mentioned that common sense is the most important thing in ice fishing. Be POSITIVE that the ice is 100% safe to go out on. Stay off of thin & pack ice! If by some chance you hear some serious cracking, lay flat to spread your weight. We always keep a long section of rope with a weight on one end to throw to someone if they get trapped on a thin patch. Had to use it once last year on the cape... My friend was OK, but definitely a scary situation.

Craigslist is a great place to go for traps... I got 5 for $20 last year. For some nice ones (a little pricier, but good) check out Indian Hill Ice Traps. Always good to support the local guy.

I've heard that a mealworm/salmon egg combo is great for trout.

Other than that, the info listed is all great. I'm really looking forward to it this year... I hear the Cape Ann area has some great ponds for ice trout.

[JamesJet]

Originally Posted by The Dad Fisherman

I'm appalled....what are you trying to say

Hey - Mine is a condo too - its just not needed off the bat. Heck my buddies weighs a good 100lbs since he brings logs for the fire bucket. Depending on snow conditions sometimes the sled is better and is smoother.I'll try and post pictures of my sled at some point.

Drop me a PM once the ice sets up - a NS Ice fishing get together would be a good time.

[JohnR]

Originally Posted by RoyL

John if guys want to get out with me during the winter just let me know. Id be more then happy to try and put the kids on some large fish. I fishing is great and a lot of fun.

Might give you a shout

Originally Posted by JamesJet

Drop me a PM once the ice sets up - a NS Ice fishing get together would be a good time.

Check out TABBIT on the top thread here