Ice fishing guide or area

[brymoore]

Two fishing tents too. Essentially a two man and a 6+ man. We used to fight the elements. Tents are nice to avoid wind and snow. Space heater will make fishing easier than shivering.

I bought Baffin boots a few years ago too. Light and something crazy like -120 rating.

 

[sigpros]

I became an ice fisherman because my sons wanted to do it. First outing we rented a hand crank auger and used our bass poles.

Fast forward too many years and we have a drill ran auger, fancy poles, box of lures and jaw jackers for maximum effort.View attachment 398358View attachment 398359

Boys are much older now.

Do you use one of those fancy cameras? Those look pretty cool to watch what is going on under the ice. And I am open to suggestions on rods. Funny thing is we have a hand crnk auger my son was going to use for under ice muskrat trapping but not much for ice here

 

[sigpros]

Beings that you are from Missouri, I will say that some of those smaller lakes in Northern Missouri offer tremendous crappie and bluegill ice fishing if the ice forms. South Central Iowa has many lakes that offer great ice fishing with a little more reliable ice. They probably do not have guide services, but I offer it in case you want to explore on your own.

I know a guy who goes to South Dakota every year. Goes out with a guide in a Sno Bear. Does perch a couple days, and walleyes a couple days.

Example of a Sno Bear:
View attachment 398357

Y getting the ice here is the hard part. We could definitely do a weekend in Iowa or South Dakota. just hoping to get some experience so we can get on some fish. I have been hooked on youtube ice fishing videos lately

 

[brymoore]

Do you use one of those fancy cameras? Those look pretty cool to watch what is going on under the ice. And I am open to suggestions on rods. Funny thing is we have a hand crnk auger my son was going to use for under ice muskrat trapping but not much for ice here

No, I have not used a LiveScope. I have a standard fish finder. It’s a Garmin. LiveScope is starting to get banned in some states.

My auger is a K-drill. I use my Dewalt cordless drill with two batteries to make holes. We don’t run out of battery life. One of our fishing strategies is to move often if we’re not getting action. It causes lots of drilling. I’m not sure it’s a better strategy than just waiting but we drill lots of holes. We’ll also drill holes for spots and use the fish finder before setting up shop. No fish spotted in a few minutes and we’ll start walking for the next spot.

We have caught a lot of fish with the cheap ice rods at the outdoor stores. We’ve bought a few Frostbite rods that work too.

 

[djacker]

Live scope is great for staying on the school, especially perch. Its 100% not needed, but i wouldn't ice fishing without some type of electronics. Spend the cash on a guid for a day or two, then do your own thing.

 

[rjthehunter]

As others have said there is no shortage of awesome ice fishing in MN. Get north of the St. Cloud area and you'll be open to thousands of opportunities. I know a few guys that run fleets of fish houses. New ice castles every couple of years. Rent them out for a night or a few and live on the ice! They put you on the spot too.

Its a great way to get outside during the winter months. Its also fun to do either by yourself, or with a group! The fish are wonderful out of the cold water. Winter would be a total bust if we couldn't ice fish!

 

[Wheatgrass]

I'd recommend bringing a good down-filled puffy coat and Sorel-style boots or other legit insulated winter boots. Ski jackets and other types of active-wear are not going to cut it if you have to spend any amount of time outside of a heated and insulated shelter on the ice. Don't try to get by with hiking boots either. Loose fitting mittens with wool liner or something specifically made for ice fishing is also important, as you may get your hands wet. That is my two cents worth.

 

[Bonasababy]

Just talked with a neighbor who was up to Lake of the woods recently with his kids and slayed the fish. No guide but they know how to fish. No fancy electronics that I know of.

Mille Lacs lake has really been kicking out nice Perch lately per news reports.

 

[Jamen]

Did this about 10 or so years back. Had an awsome trip.

The lake is definitely not what it was 10 years ago for perch. They are going to start stocking adult perch to help them rebound. I am hearing alot of grumble about it. Years of people coming in big groups taking their 20 perch each has finally showed its effect. The walleye are still plentiful up there! perch i would look elsewhere IMO.

 

[sigpros]

How do yellow perch compare to crappie for eating?

 

[Gellar]

How do yellow perch compare to crappie for eating?

They are terrible. If you go north of Iowa let me know and I will meet you to take the fillets. I don’t want you to taint your taste buds.

 

[Bonasababy]

How do yellow perch compare to crappie for eating?

Very good, some of the big ones aren't as good but through the ice in winter I've never had perch that couldn't compare well. Same family as the walleye.

 

[brymoore]

How do yellow perch compare to crappie for eating?

I go back and forth on which one is my favorite. Probably crappie by a thin margin.

I grew up fishing Lake Erie when the limit was 75 a person. We’d catch 5 gallon buckets full of perch. One of my favorite summer sandwiches is still fried perch in a bar at Put-in-Bay.