[MattK]

Originally Posted by Delawareriver

Ill start with the bare basics before you even worry about tackle. Get yourself a jet sled so you can haul all your gear out on the ice. A pair of ice picks should be around your neck anytime while on the ice, they are basically a handle with nails in them, if you go through the ice don't panic, try to get horizontal to spread out your weight then you stab the ice picks into the ice and pull yourself out once you are out belly craw away keeping your weight spread out, remember the best way to try to get out is the behind you as that Ice supported you before you went in, you have no idea what the ice in front of you will support. Number two is a life jacket or a pair of icefishing bibs/coat that float. Life jacket is cheap if on a tight budget. a good pair of bibs and coat will cost you but will keep you warm and comfortable. Most have plenty of pockets to keep small tackle boxes, hot hands, and also most have padded knees that are water proof which is nice as you find yourself kneeling next to holes while fishing quite a bit. 3rd piece of equipment you must have Is a spud bar, always spud your way around the ice especially the first time you walk a certain way, ice does not form uniformly, underwater current, weeds, rocks, springs, geese, snow on the ice etc can make ice go from 12" to 1" and sometimes impossible to see the difference. Good rule of thumb is 3 or more good whacks to go through is safe, 2 whacks don't go any farther, 1 whack slowly get low and spread out your weight. Remember just because you see other guys out there does not mean the ice is safe and in reality no ice is completely safe. Never take any one else's word on thickness, check yourself. 3" of clear black ice most guys consider fishable, 5-6" of white ice if it's below freezing, and 8-12" of white ice is needed on those late winter days with the ice gets soft. To recap 3 must have pieces of equipment is ice picks, floatation device, and spud bar. A rope isn't a bad idea either in case you see someone else is in trouble you can throw the rope to them without becoming a victim yourself. When you respond to what you are looking to catch I can help you with tackle

Thanks for the advice, i have life jackets so I'm good there, and I'm pretty good with ice safety from playing hours and hours of pond hockey. I'd never go out without a buddy. Hadnt thought about the ice picks so ill pick them up.