Well thanks to all of you for helping me with my first winter on the ice last year.
I think I have a fair idea what I need to do to get ready for my second year, but I thought I would list a few here and with your help and additions, we could put together a checklist. NOTE-Please don't accept my entries as fact as I'm still a newbee at this.
Please note needed additions to checklist and or note needed changes.
Lake Cabin (a.k.a. ice shack, shanty)
Get DNR license, post half on out side and put other half in cabin Locate all needed keys Put together the blocking that will be needed Check, clean and service house jacks as needed, make sure the handle is included Fill LP tanks Start furnace
Check any appliances, TV, radio or like items
Have lock de-icer on hand 1 in vehicle for ice house and 1 in ice house for vehicle -Rick Anderson.
Generator
Change oil Start and run under load for a couple of hours - Rick Anderson Check that it is putting out power
Check electrical cords
Ice Auger
Start auger
Check blades (Checking blades is an assumption on my part. I would not know how myself. Please help here)
Check rope and auger connection to motor
Check plug and replace as needed
Fishing Tackle
New leaders on rattle reels – muskiemike
Clean and organize tackle Check and replace line as needed
Check and clean and lube reels
Clean and check poles
Trailer and or wheel house – Rick Anderson
Check wiring and connections
Check bearings
Check tires and pressure ( include spare )
Miscellaneous
Shop for new, current or replacement tackle – BASSMAN
Research ice fishing on line and from magazines
Attend Ice Show in St. Paul ( Dec. 3rd – 5th2010) – Ice Man
Patience – diversions such as hunting - Obi-Wan Kenobi aka Glen Ertl
Talk with locals and guides and share information. Something called a cold oneappears to aid in the dissemination of this information - Malmo Mike
-- Edited by iwalleye on Friday 10th of December 2010 09:17:26 AM
Good point, my house (no I mean cabin) came with four rattle reels. They were filled with what I believe was tip up line (unknown break strength and fairly short) to swivel to unknown leader to four different jigs. I tipped them with rainbow minnows last year. I only caught one fish all winter with these setups. Ouch, but I did get to sleep all night. I would appreciate how you fill your reels and I think I’ll start a thread about rattle reels also. Thanks
Rule 1: Meet Malmo Mike and T2Jonnie for acold one until the ice gets ready. Rule 2: Grouse Hunting is real good! or Go to McGregor for some Wild Rice. supplies.
I went to Stockton, Kansas for my pheasants and we got 10 birds on private hunting preserve. Now the Pheasants are smoked for the fish house gourmet snack break.
Rule 3. Always Remember Rule 1 -- You just cannot beat a cold one while the ice gets ready. Rule 4: Also, Fish where T2J suggests. Man he knows that hard water, too.
Dont forget to do a quick check on your trailer. Lights/Wiring Tire Pressure Bearings
I always run my generator 2-3 hours under load.
I also always take 2 sets of keys for all locks and a can of deIcer 1st year I had my door freeze shut during the day while I was fishing around the shack....Not Good!
Dont forget to do a quick check on your trailer. Lights/Wiring Tire Pressure Bearings
I always run my generator 2-3 hours under load.
I also always take 2 sets of keys for all locks and a can of deIcer 1st year I had my door freeze shut during the day while I was fishing around the shack....Not Good!
Rick
On Friday I found my locks frozen from all the rain. But thanks to your suggestion I had deIcer in the truck. Between being full of hot air and the deIcer I got the locks open and into my "lake cabin" in minutes. Thanks
