Ice Fishing Tips for First Timers.........

[gwl2oneida]

No need to go crazy with gear like Dale stated. Start with yak tracks, bait bucket, and a 5 gallon bucket. In that bucket you can fit a jigging rod and 2 or 3 tip ups. Chances are you'll be out with guys that have augers and shelters. You can easily start out for less than $100.00 in gear. After the addiction sets in then you can go nuts.

[GetANet]

Good tip Seth. ANOTHER CHEAPY!!!! Ice creepers, buy a small section of chain similar to the kind that comes on swing sets and a pair of shoe laces or thin rope also. You probably have some laying around the house. Cut a 6 inch section and fold it in half then place under your boot just in front of the heel and then fasten to your boot with the shoestring or rope. Cheap and effective!!!
Until you decide you want to do it all the time and then buy some nice creepers!

Also a good tip for you expereinced guys in case you break a creeper in a pinch!!! Keep it in your truck or glove box!!!

[NJSquatch]

I would recommend getting a pair of ice picks just in case the unthinkable happens and you go through the ice. <$10 is definitely worth your life

[NJSquatch]

Also check out the NJ Ice Shanty Board for information

http://www.iceshanty.com/ice_fishing/index.php#c17

[bunker dunker]

"never assume "would be my tip to 1st timers.this gose with the ice thickness,gear,bait and what ever else you are bringing.double check that you have all that you will need,it takes 2 minutes and could not only make your trip a good one but could save your life.

[briansnat]

I made a ice fishing sled using a pair of old skis, a little plywood and a milk crate. ( Seen at the beginning of this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vac0G1TOovE )

It served me well over the years, but had one flaw. It was narrow and if the snow on the ice was deep, one ski would fall into my footprints the sled would tip over. It was only an issue in deep snow. Anyway I bought a Jet Sled Jr. It was only around $30 and gave my old sled to someone on IceShanty. If I were ever to make another one I'd make it wider which would solve the tipping issue in deep snow.

[rjw6375]

cabelas makes an ice sled that is about half the price of a jet sled when you can find it in the bargain cave. I have two and have used them for ice fishing a duck hunting for a few years now. Definitely recommend it when they go on sale.

[NJSquatch]

also know the laws...a big one that came up on Ice Shanty was having your address on your tip-ups...some guys have gotten tickets for not having addresses on them...easiest way is to put a mailing return label with some clear tape..


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http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/pdf/2...hcode14-15.pdf

7:25-6.14 Ice fishing
(a) Except as provided in N.J.A.C. 7:25-6.3, ice fishing shall be permitted whenever ice is present.

(b) A person, while fishing through the ice, may use not more than five devices for the taking of
fish. Devices may consist of any combination of ice supported tip-ups, fishing rods, or hand lines.
Each device may have only one single line attached.

1. Ice supported tip-ups or hand lines may have only one single pointed hook attached;

2. The line from a fishing rod may have attached either one single pointed hook; or an artificial
lure with not more than three single hooks and one burr of three hooks. On artificial
lures, single hooks may not measure more than 1/2 inch from point to shaft, and hooks on
burrs may not exceed ½ inch from point to point.

(c) Natural and artificial bait may be used with any ice fishing device.

(d) All devices that are not hand-held must be clearly marked with the name and address of the
user and shall not be left unattended.

(e) All established creel, season, and size limits apply.