First Time

I really want to start ice fishing but I don’t really know how… I get the basics and know I will need a rod, some jigs, and an ice auger at bare minimum. I was thinking about getting 2 rods so one can have a bobber / minnow setup while I jig in a separate hole. My question is really about the jigging part. I am fishing in a semi clear lake (I can see about 5 feet down) and I will be fishing crappie, perch, and gills. What are some jigs I should use and should I spike them with a maggot? And also how exactly would I work the jig?

Canon Falanga’
For a first time ice angler, I would suggest meeting up with someone and tag along. Easy to ask questions and have real time demo. See what is working and then build up from there

Welcome to the site! Where are you from? Lots of good people on here, let us know where you’re located and I’ll bet you’ll get some good local feedback.

X2 on the suggestions above.

When I made the commitment to get into ice about 5 years ago the internet was my friend. There’s some great articles on Clam’s site on getting started. Finding some Dave Genz videos in addition to his articles. Some things you don’t think about like best ways to drill a hole to how to work a small jig for panfish.

Those were my best resources my first winter.

If you’re anywhere near me, we could meet up on the ice sometime and you could spend a day watching my every move…then DON’T DO THAT if you want to catch any.

I will agree with everyone else in this thread. Start by putting your location in your profile and you might get some local info. If you are in the twin cities I would let you tag along on a trip to a local lake and give you some tips and some info about all the different equipment.

Good luck and hopefully this will be the year you break the ice (pun intended).

i would agree with all the above..find anyone that ice fishes..try volunteering to bring a beverage of choice..this is a social endeavor after a few beers ice fisherman will tell you everything..then decide what you “need”