10-16-2007, 11:44 PM
You have definitely come to the right place for advice! This is where I got my start with ice fishing. I love it now! What area are you in? Maybe there's a few other BFTers that can help you out in your area.
I've had a number of different ice fishing rods that I've used over the past 3 yrs. I tell ya what, my favorites have been a little more on the expensive side (30-50 bucks with reels) but they are definitely more sensitive. You can feel the bite almost every time with them. If you're fishing for walleye, crappies, and panfish, that'll make a huge difference in the number of fish you catch!
Not sure if your area allows it or not, but for starters, I'd see if your local bait shop also rents a flasher such as Vexilar or Marcum. They'll help you determine whether or not you're in an area that actually has fish. This will save you a lot of frustration when you're out your first time. Not having one with you is like fishing blind. I got lucky my first time out and found a bunch of panfish. But the next 4 times out, nothing, no matter how much research I did before going out there. I wasted hours drilling holes where I thought the fish should be. The flasher sure would have saved me a bunch of time and energy!
[signature]
I've had a number of different ice fishing rods that I've used over the past 3 yrs. I tell ya what, my favorites have been a little more on the expensive side (30-50 bucks with reels) but they are definitely more sensitive. You can feel the bite almost every time with them. If you're fishing for walleye, crappies, and panfish, that'll make a huge difference in the number of fish you catch!
Not sure if your area allows it or not, but for starters, I'd see if your local bait shop also rents a flasher such as Vexilar or Marcum. They'll help you determine whether or not you're in an area that actually has fish. This will save you a lot of frustration when you're out your first time. Not having one with you is like fishing blind. I got lucky my first time out and found a bunch of panfish. But the next 4 times out, nothing, no matter how much research I did before going out there. I wasted hours drilling holes where I thought the fish should be. The flasher sure would have saved me a bunch of time and energy!
[signature]