Rookie Icefisherman

[Brandaman]

I went out one time last year with a friend of mine and we took his shanty that was extremely difficult to pull through the snow and caught a total of 0 fish. I'm guessing this was a fluke and if I go out a few more times I'll find a good spot to catch fish. Anyways...he's in Florida now for college and I am on my own with nothing but a 6" auger. I was looking at buying those cabela kits that comes with a rod and reel, skimmer, some jigs, and a bucket. I was just wondering if anybody had any old stuff they don't need anymore that I could have or buy cheap (and I mean really cheap. us 17 year old high schoolers aren't exactly rolling in dough.). Also, any advice on getting started. I am in Jackson, MI so if anyone knows about any good lakes nearby or would maybe even want to go fishing together that'd be awesome. Thanks,
Brandon

[The Whale]

First, WELCOME to the site. Great people, advice, info etc. here. Next, just $10.00 worth of stuff, (a couple inexpensive jig poles, a few jigs, a bucket, scoop and a container of waxies) and you'll be ready to slay the fish ! Sorry I can't help you out on local lakes, I'm too far away, Good Luck !!!

[Ed Michrina]

Brandaman welcome to the site. As said before It won't take a lot of $$$ to start ice fishing. I'm not fimiliar with the lakes in your area. If I were you I'd stop by a bait shop. and ask about lakes, how the ice is (danger area ect), bait, methods ect. If your sitting on a bucket ice fishing is a social thing. While out on the ice quietly walk up to others and chat. Some will not be helpfull at all but lots will put you years ahead of the game. If you get invited to sit by him, kinda find out how close.

I'd make a pair of ice spikes to hang around your neck. Let me know if you need to know how to make them. Put your cell phone in a zip-lock bag. if you have a ski type (life jacket) wear it under your coat it will float and keep you warm. good luck , let us know how it go's

PS also keep an eye on the outting forum. We have Meet and greets on the lake, where members get together and fish/chatt and spread the knowledge (and BS) .

[jimhx720]

I fish Clark Lake quite a bit in the winter, rarely ever get skunked there. Shoot me a PM when the lakes freeze and I'll meet up with ya out there.
Clark is just south of Jackson.

[ih772]

Try fishing Duck Lake by Springport. I have had decent luck on walleye while fishing the edge of the hump that's is near the center of the lake. You can find lake maps at the DNR website. Good luck

[Mule Skinner]

Brandon,

Welcome to the site. I'm not far from you.I have a portable shanty and fish alot of lakes in the area.I'd be more than happy to fish with ya.

[Fins]

Though I do Not live in the area I am from the Irish hills area and come down to visit often. Some good lakes to fish give me a PM when the Ice is safe on round lake or others in the area and I'll show you what I know.

[jimhx720]

Hey Fins, is Round Lake really a good lake to fish? A guy I used to work with told me one time he and his brother used to do real good out there. Haven't tried it yet, there are so many lakes out in that area I think you could fish 2 different lakes all ice fishing season and not cover half of them.

Rookie, you could also try Devils Lake, I've always had really good luck there. Caught 2 11" perch on a tip-up out there one day last year. Several smaller ones jigging.

[Fins]

Jim

I think round often gets over looked because it is right next to devils. But I believe it can be just as good if not better. ONly problem is there is no parking so you have to know someone with a place on Round or it is tough to access. If you want to give it a try sometime drop me a pm I always need someone to fish with and I have a couple different places I can park.

[Brandaman]

Sounds like there are a few people interested in fishing in the area? Think maybe we could have a possible get together so I can learn from the pros? Where is Round lake at?

[Mule Skinner]

There are 3 round lakes in the Jackson CO area that I know of.
One is conected to Michigan Center chain of lakes,another is over near Hanover Township and another is close to the Jackson/Lenawee County border.This one is Fins is talking about,across from Wamplers lake (North I believe)off of M-24.

[Fins]

The One I am Talking about is Round Lake connected to devils Lake off of U.S. 223

[Mule Skinner]

Ahh ! Your right. I forgot about that one. I think theres a guy on here that host's an annual big bass tournament there every year in the Summer.

[Fins]

Yup I usually fish in it, Captain jay Is my cousin.

[Brandaman]

Would you guys be interested in meeting at this lake you're talking about? I'd really like to go out with some people who know what they're doing so that I can pick this icefishing thing up. Tell me what you think.
Brandon