First Time Ice Fishing – Mille Lacs

  • Eyeowa27
    Posts: 17
    #1825645

    Hello Everybody,

    My father and I are headed up to Mille Lacs the first weekend in February. This will be the first time either of us have been ice fishing. Our first day is guided and the next two days we have an ice house rental and we are on our own. Equipment is provided by the guide the first day but we will need our own equipment for day 2 and 3. My question is, what equipment should we bring? We are stopping at an outdoors store on the way. I need to know some basic equipment for our first time, Medium or Light poles(or one of each), what lb. line, jigs, lures, etc. I came across this website and this seems like the place to get some good guidance and advice. Any input would be appreciated, we’re excited for our first adventure on hard water!

    Dusty Gesinger
    Minnetrista, Minnesota
    Posts: 2417
    #1825725

    I would get your stuff ahead of time so it can be rigged, ready, and organized, or else you will miss out on fishing time and have a mess.

    dandorn
    M.I.N.N.E.S.O.T.A.
    Posts: 3207
    #1825755

    Previous post

    Get some rod and reel combos at Fleet farm and a few lures from the provided link to the previous post on Mille Lacs favorite lures.
    I like medium light rods in ~28″ length. I spool my reels with 6# monofilament when fishing inside a heated house.

    Bring a bait bucket/small cooler for minnows. I just use the head of the minnow on Mille Lacs unless I’m using tip ups.

    Have fun!

    dandorn
    M.I.N.N.E.S.O.T.A.
    Posts: 3207
    #1825825

    Some other items I bring when sleeping on the ice are;

    Pillow
    Sleeping bag
    Phone charger(s)
    Snacks-Old Trapper beef jerky is my favorite
    Depth bombs and bobbers & stops…..if no electronics
    Portable back up heater if you have one
    Ice scoop
    CO detector
    Cribbage board and cards
    Garbage bags
    Battery operated radio or Bluetooth speaker
    Bottled water
    TP & PT (paper towels)

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