Ice Fishing

[oster]

Gearing up for the upcoming ice fishing season, Thought I'd start a thread on tips, locations... general discussion.

Pretty big into fly fishing but will only be my second season of ice fishing, so to start it off, looking for suggestions on what fish finders you guys use?

Cheers

[SJW]

I have an underwater cam for a fish finder. Makes it fun.

[syscal]

I bought the Deeper sonar a couple years ago.

[ThePenIsMightier]

Nothing beats ice fishin in Queebec.

Why don't you go snowshoe into the Bell Centre to watch back-to-back sold-out Simple Plan shows, then go eat some Montreal smoked meat, you bagel-munching, rope pissers!





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s03e04

[killramos]

What’s it take to get involved in Ice Fishing? I wouldn’t know the first thing, most of my fishing is off the west coast.

I hear it’s popular at my lake place in the winter (Travers) and wondered about giving it a shot. Might take some material time off through December so sounds like fun?

[ExtraSlow]

Ya get yourself warm boots, a bucket of KFC, a case of strong beer (cooler optional), a comfortable chair, and a tent or hut to keep the wind off.

As far as I know that's all you require. I'm sure some fancy dudes need more, but that's good enough for me.

[killramos]

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Ya get yourself warm boots, a bucket of KFC, a case of strong beer (cooler optional), a comfortable chair, and a tent or hut to keep the wind off.

As far as I know that's all you require. I'm sure some fancy dudes need more, but that's good enough for me.

I see no downside here. Catching fish entirely optional.

[ExtraSlow]

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I see no downside here. Catching fish entirely optional.

They don't call it "catching"

[syscal]

I'm dying for this season.

Been going the past couple years. We have tent, sleds, heater, snowshoes (lower K forced this one), and whatever else...and a hand auger.

Ugh, huge mistake. The tent was upgraded on warranty to one nearly double the price, no complaints there and shout out to Cabela's for having amazing customer service.

Anyway, you drill a few holes by hand in 3' of ice...and you settle on a spot when you get tired. Sonar or not, it's more or less a forced decision. Not great for catching, but the beers are cold.

Keeping my eyes out for a decent used powered auger this year. Problem is they are either super expensive, old, or the plastic doesn't hold up in our dry/cold weather. I'm going for a 10" diameter.

[SJW]

I’ve got all the gear except sonar. Get a shack.

[dimi]

Start with the basics, see if you like the sport first.
Hand auger ($120 – the blue Swedish one is amazing). You don’t need a power auger as long as the blades are sharp, and it’s a good way to warm up if you’re getting cold. Ice Fishing rod ($40-50 – spend $20 extra and get a decent one). Line/Lures/Bait etc. ($50-100 ish depending on where you fish). Licence is $30. All in all, you can get it done for close to $250.

Overdress and layer heavily. It’s going to be colder than you think and you’ll be standing around for hours. Especially critical are good gloves, due to taking them off to handle fish/bait hooks etc. Bring a comfortable chair. I usually use ifishalberta for ice thickness reports early in the winter. Make sure you have at least a good 6”- 8” before getting on the ice, if in doubt drill more holes.

As far as places to go, my go to is spray lakes. Close to town, beautiful mountain views, and they stock that lake heavily so you should be able to get a few lake trout (limit of 3, albeit most tend to be 10”-16”).
Good luck.

[killramos]

I like to fish spray in the summer just for the fun of it. Good to know.

[cam_wmh]

Have you guys ever done one of those all inclusive ice fishing weekends? I’m interested, without buying all that specific gear. A year,y trip would be fun I imagine.

[tonytiger55]

What kinds of fish do you guys end up catching?

[syscal]

In the prairies it's pike, pike, and more pike...and then a walleye before more pike.

Trout in the mountains.

I haven't hit anything else in the times I've gone, but I'm more of an opportunistic fisher - meaning I go when I have time, vs going at the best time.

[oster]

Built a power box for all my ice fishing accessories ��

[ExtraSlow]

Good thinking, that'll run your KFC warmer nicely.

[oster]

haha that's perfect .. chum the water with a little chicken too

edit: 300 F..??? i need one

[ExtraSlow]

Last time I went ice fishing I actually caught something. Really slowed down the chicken eating.
If it's a sunny day you can watch the chicken bones slowly sink down and the fish rise up to nibble. Real David Attenborough shit right there.

[ExtraSlow]

Anyone looking to be fancier than me, Cabela's and bass pro have a bunch of ice fishing stuff for sale this week. Huts, fish finders, rods, augers outerwear etc.