New ice fisher

[cnk0014]

Hello everyone, long time lurker first time poster here. I have fished the open water my whole life but just recently bought some ice gear. I just moved right by Lake Hopatcong and since I'm new to ice fishing I wouldn't go by myself. Not too many of my friends ice fish so is there anyone out there that fishes LH or anywhere nearby that wouldn't mind a tag along? Any other advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

[MattK]

Welcome aboard, im in the same boat as you for ice fishing, just got all the gear but haven't gone before. My free time is only on the weekends but hit me up if you want to try.

[GetANet]

Not much safe ice out there except a couple spots so don't take chances and i hear rumor there is probably going to be a Ice meet and greet coming up IF we get some good ice! Still plenty of time left to get some good ice so be ready when it comes you gotta get out!

[cnk0014]

Definitely not going out anytime soon, just trying gather some info for when the time comes. I would be interested in that meet and greet if it does happen.

[AndyS]

Hand ice pics, you see the guys wearing them, 150 ft. of rope, hand warmers.

[togzilla]

Great website for NJ ice reports and info on techniques, tackle and safety tips on ice fishing.
http://www.iceshanty.com/ice_fishing/index.php?board=15.0

[Esox Luciano]

Great website for NJ ice reports and info on techniques, tackle and safety tips on ice fishing.
http://www.iceshanty.com/ice_fishing/index.php?board=15.0
...and also good if you'd like to say something regarding a member here but don't necessarily want it to get back to them😉😉😏. Thought we aren't promoting these sites.?

Couple holes dug out near the beach at Budd today but only about 2" to work with. Better to wait till this next freeze to come if you're not heading out with a vet. Better safe than sorry.

[cnk0014]

Yeah I think I'll wait for more than 2" lol.

[Mikec17]

If you guys need someone experienced to teach you, I'm in I mostly fish lake hopatcong but I do a little on Budd lake I usually wait for 5inches, I live about a half hr away but I'm available 7days a week due to working nights, I've been ice fishing for about 10 years and won a bunch of contests and tournaments so I'd be more then happy to show everything I know, I have a gas auger too and tons of gear if u don't have everything, so if interested either message me or text/call Mike 2015231346

[FASTEDDIE29]

Welcome aboard dude! I'm definitely looking forward to having a M-N-G on Hopatcong or Spruce Run or one of the other big lakes in NJ! Hopefully Mother Nature is kind enough to give us some safe ice at one of those venues. Stay tuned!!!!:D

[MattK]

Quick gear question...i picked up a cleat from ramsey outdoor for my boots that was supposed to be one size fits all...its not even close to fitting..what do you guys use? Would my korkers work on ice?

[NJSquatch]

I have been using a pair of stabilicers for the past few seasons and like the performance.

https://www.stabilgear.com/shop/outdoor-recreation/stabilicers-lite/

[acabtp]

Quick gear question...i picked up a cleat from ramsey outdoor for my boots that was supposed to be one size fits all...its not even close to fitting..what do you guys use? Would my korkers work on ice?

tried many kinds. kahtoola microspikes are the best by far.

[ScowardNJ]

Quick gear question...i picked up a cleat from ramsey outdoor for my boots that was supposed to be one size fits all...its not even close to fitting..what do you guys use? Would my korkers work on ice?

If your korkers are the strap on type they will certainly work, but as I'm sure you already know, you will feel the added weight that comes along with them.

[Chrisper4694]

I have been using a pair of stabilicers for the past few seasons and like the performance.

https://www.stabilgear.com/shop/outdoor-recreation/stabilicers-lite/

i have the same ones, for the price, they're hard to beat. you can pay much more for better ones but these do the job no doubt. once you get snow on the ice you probably won't even need the cleats anymore.

[briansnat]

Quick gear question...i picked up a cleat from ramsey outdoor for my boots that was supposed to be one size fits all...its not even close to fitting..what do you guys use? Would my korkers work on ice?

Kahtoola Micro spikes or Hillsound Trail Crampons are the best things you can wear. Extremely easy to put on and take off. No straps or buckles to deal with. They stay put on your feet and last for years (Going on about seven years on my Kahtoolas). I use them for winter hiking and ice fishing. The best $50 you can spend for ice fishing. I'm sure you can find them at Ramsey Outdoors (you would find them in the hiking section) or Campmor If not, then at then at Amazon. Not cheap, but they do the job extremely well. Most of the other ones I've tried. Stablicers, Korkers, cheap cleats, Yak Trax etc. and others tend to shift on your feet and sometimes fall off. The nice thing is that the Hillsounds and Kahtoolas can fit over your shoes, hiking boots and heavy ice fishing boots. I even put mine on to get the mail when the driveway is iced over.

http://hillsound.com/hillsound-product/trail-crampon/

http://kahtoola.com/product/microspikes/