Divin in the ice as they say..

[Macker]

Just bought an Ice Shanty, the Clam 2000 for 160 at G- mountain, Fish all summer but never really got into ice fishing because of the location to my cottage and mainly the Cold. Going out for the frist time this weekend in Branch County. Any tips of things to DO and NOT do? been readin articles and such. Just wondering. Ussally all over the waterfowl and deer forums thought i would give this one a shot. Thanks for any help..

[wally-eye]

Take someone with you that is at least a little experienced in hard water fishing, hopefully one with a graph or flasher/vex.

[rbeer]

buy a good spud with a lanyard. a good pfd for early and late ice would be prudent. good luck!
be safe,
russ behrman

[initforfun]

First off Welcome to the addiction!!:D I would say the most important thing to DO is just have fun with it!. Taking somebody with some expierience is a good idea I think but even so I would say while you're out there just strike up a conversation with other fishermen. I've never met one on the ice not willing to share info or help a newbie. A Vex is a great idea if you can swing the cost. Don't be afraid to move around drilling a bunch of holes if you're not having luck in one. If you are out and notice a big Shappell Shanty and a guy with enough blaze orange on he can be see from space might be me come say hi i'd be glad to help you out anyway I can. Brendan

[COHO]

your gunna love it. couple things i have learned, try not to take too much stuff with you, that way its easier to move if your not catchin fish. I only take my shanty if i have a fishing buddy, if we need to move we just pull up the lines and drag the stuff in the shanty somewhere else. if a lake has snow on it i wont go out unless i see other tracks, even then i check by drilling or spuding on my way out. no snow is simple cause you can see how deep the cracks go.if you are using a heater you need to vent the shanty or you will get a propane hangover:D when i go alone i tell my wife where im going and i take my phone.i usually call her when i get set up and tell her how the lake is.i like to find a drop off and set up the shanty out deep if i'm not seeing fish i drill holes in a line towards the shallows, if i mark some fish i just move the stuff.best advice i ever got was setup where you caught em in the fall. good luck and be safe:)

[Macker]

Thanks alot. Should be a great time.. will post how it went later in the week.