What do you do to get ready for ICE? Here is the list many of you and I compiled last year.
This year I had a canvas cover made for my trailer to keep road salt off my gear. Last year I had a generator go bad ( it was a cheap one). I believe road salt may have been the cause. I replaced it with a Honda and the aux gas tank made for that unit. It will run for multible days on one fill.
Last year I needed the de-icer after the early season rain, Thanks Rick.
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.
Change batteries on CO/smoke detectors-Airedale
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 – 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 Tuesday 15th of November 2011 05:25:56 AM
-- Edited by iwalleye on Tuesday 15th of November 2011 04:19:37 PM
I think this list should be pinned to the top of the ice fishing forum!
well done!
Bobber, thank you and all those who have helped. Im a check list kind of guy, I hate getting back home and then start wondering if I turned off the funace or evened lock the shack.
Am I wrong about the DNR dark house license? In the past I though half got posted on the house and the other half goes in the house. But I actually read it and the license says to post the entire license on the house. The two half's are some what repetitive. The DNR's fishing regulations book didn't address this question.
The other thing, I found an ice fishing checklist on the Gander Mountains web site. It is located at the bottom of their site labeled as checklists. It opens several checklists including ice fishing. Its a PDF and printable. I'd post it, but I'm not sure I should without Ganders permission. It is more a packing list for an ice fishing trip but is more detailed than the one above.
There's no substitute for preparedness.
