Any ice fisherman on the site?

[Indyfisher]

Just wondering what kind of set ups everyone is using for different types of fishing. I've only went three seasons in my life. I use round reels and line counter reels so I can put bait at the flasher depth. I always prep and test reels by putting them in the freezer overnight to make sure they will perform in the cold. Just looking to see if there are guys with more experience for pointers.

[Bill B]

My only experience with ice is the kind I put in my bourbon.....   Bill

[Indyfisher]

  That's hilarious. I've done that tip.

[Dominick]

Same here Bill.  Went to el Pescador's house for a shot of bourbon and to watch the super moon rise.  Both the bourbon and the moon were spectacular.  Jim Beam Black label.  Wayne knows how to live.  Dominick

[Tightlines667]

I have alot of ice fishing experience... crappies, walleye, sauger, perch, northernd, muzkies, and whitefish.  I used small rods, and ultralite spinners with cold water line... and also tip ups.  Also did some spearfishing (BTW check out the spearfishing show on Netflix if you get a chance).

John

[Indyfisher]

Thanks John will check that out.

[Indyfisher]

John I wanted to know your personal preference on tip ups. Which brands and styles did you prefer?

[Tightlines667]

I wasn't all the picky.. used old school wood ones, up to the newer models that cover the holes entirely.  I think I liked the frabill models.. if memory serves me correctly.  I have been in Hawaii fir quite some years now, but do miss the ice fishing game from time-to-time.

John

[Indyfisher]

I only own 3 tip ups. Two HT and an old Beaver Dam. The newer HT's seemed cheaply made with plastic spools and liked to get stiff when reeling in. The old beaver dam is like a Penn or ambassadeur reel, tough as they come and built simple. I'm interested in looking into the ones that cover the hole. I get annoyed de-slushing.

[FatTuna]

I do some ice fishing. The last few years, I've really been getting more into it.

I got most of my gear on craigslist. I bought two fenwick ice rods and paired them with Penn battle 1000 and 2000 sized spinners. They have some light powerpro line. I also got a few ice rods in a trade from a guy. They are custom built. Haven't tested them out yet.

I use a big buddy propane heater. Eskimo ice shelter, jet sled, and a drill auger. Got all of that stuff on craigslist in trades or on Ebay.

I have three old school wooden tip ups. I rebuilt them all. Spooled up some 30lb dacron and but some mono heads on top.

This year I want to try a jaw jacker setup. I might try and build my own. Seems like a simple design. I'm thinking some PVC pipe and some downrigger clips. 

[Keta]

I have done it in the past but the ice hasn't been strong enough for me.  I am somewhat gun shy about walking on ice after breaking through twice when I was trapping.

[mo65]

Same here Bill.  Went to el Pescador's house for a shot of bourbon and to watch the super moon rise.  Both the bourbon and the moon were spectacular.  Jim Beam Black label.  Wayne knows how to live.  Dominick

   Hey Dominick...that Jim Beam Black is my favorite bourbon. Try Elijah Craig...it's mighty fine too.

   Every year they try to drag me out on the ice, but I'm 6'6" and 300lbs., I ain't built for walkin' on no ice!

   Thanks for a little ice fishin' speak Indyfisher...hoping later you can post some catches...and good luck out on the ice!

[Indyfisher]

Thinner ice = more bourbon  The way the weather has been they might not make a big enough bottle to even try.

[El Pescador]

Same here Bill.  Went to el Pescador's house for a shot of bourbon and to watch the super moon rise.  Both the bourbon and the moon were spectacular.  Jim Beam Black label.  Wayne knows how to live.  Dominick

A SHOT Sir??

It was more of a SLUG!

Always enjoyable having a festive drink with a dear friend or family member!

I did one ice fishing trip to Mille Lacs Lake near Brainard, MN in Feb. 2012.  I'll post photos this weekend, Damn Interesting Weekend to say the least.

Wayne

[Indyfisher]

I hear Mille Lacs is an awesome place Wayne. Would love to make a trip there.