College grads looking for ice-fishing ideas

Greetings all,
I’m new to this site, but thought this might be worth a shot. I recently started grad school at the U (go Gophs), and i’m already thinking about how i’m going to get out ice fishing this winter…anyhew me and a couple friends are looking into options around MN (red lake, mille lacs, LOW, etc.), but we’re wondering what might be the cheapest…Since most of us are severely in debt to uncle sam already, pinching pennies is a must. Anyone have some good ideas that wouldn’t break our already broken wallets? Any suggestions would be great.

Not exactly sure what you want to know but Mille Lacs would be the closest and the fishing seems to be improving.Using a portable is the cheapest not sure if you have one but you can sometimes find them fairly cheap used or you and your buddies can build one out of plywood and a tarp.You could probably find plans for one online.You will also need heat a coleman lantern works if not to cold or a sunflower heater works well.These can also be found used.If you dont have an auger you can find hand augers cheap and with 2 guys on a hand auger with good blades you can drill holes almost as fast as a gas auger.This will also save you gas money You can also keep an eye on things for sale on this site and find some good deals.Let me know what you are looking for and I will help out if I can.I fish Mille Lacs year round so I may be able to point you in the right direction.Welcome to IDA and good luck

Dove tailing on what Castaway said, as you can see, we have a Ice Fishing Forum here as well. Many people offer up “Seats” or will post if they have room for anyone that wants to join them. It may be more popular than ever this year with the gas prices as they are! (I wonder if Greyhound stops in Isle? )

Tuck

I would invest in some inexpensive tip-ups. They catch big fish and last for years. You can get a pretty good one for 10 bucks. As a college student we fished tip ups right out from the frat house. Caught lots of big pike that way. You can get lights for them that turn on when the flag goes. They also cost 10 bucks but you can fish 24 hours instead of only 12 or so without them.

Welcome to IDA undahhh!!!

I have not tried this yet but I am seriously thinking about it this year, Ballards Walleye Connection , I think the package last year was around $300 and that included darn near everything looks like a good way to go you don’t even have to drive. Anyone here ever done this? how did you like it?