SKUMAN 777
Welcome to the wonderful world of Ice Fishing.
I have been ice fishing for many, many, many years, unforunatly none of which has been in MN or that area of our great nation for that matter. All of my Ice fishing has been in the Great Lakes, connecting waters or inland lakes of Michigan and Ontario.
I will probably catch some heat for even commenting about gear for an area I do not fish. However, despite the obvious location differences most of the fishing gear, tackle, techniques and often the weather for both locations appear to be very similar.
As a young lad in the 70’s, I had the luxury of learning how to ice fish from some local fisherman in my home town on Lake Erie. Let’s just say that they made Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau seem like really nice guys. Back then any shelter, sleds and even rods were almost all handmade, maybe that was why they were so grumpy!
You could not have picked a better time to join this sport, the last decade has propelled ice fishing light years ahead of where it was even when I started! Every aspect of the sport has dramatically improved new improved quads, augers, fishing gear, outer wear, shanties, even the variety of baits.
I have been watching in depth outdoors fishing videos for quite some time. I tune in primarily on the gear the tackle they are using and often try some of the lures or techniques they use. I have had just about every brand of shanty built, currently I have the Otter XT650 cabin with the dual seats, center console, HYFAX runners, tow bar and travel cover (love it- perfect for two- 4th year). I would like to point out a few things I have found:
1. Tow bar hitch is week (broke twice on rough terrain behind quad) I removed it and welded on a 1.5 ball mount, gives greater flexibility between quad and sled.
2. At least get the insulated roof (it prevents inside raining from sweating) mine is plenty warm but frosts up and sweats like the dickens without the heater on.
3. Get the travel cover, prevents gear loss and keeps snow and slush off of seats, especially if towing with a machine.
4. Drill and install stop screws on the seat tracks to prevent the seats from sliding off on rough terrain.
5. Get the Mr Buddy Jr. heater (with travel case), 6’ hose and 10lb tank (perfect size). Custom cut and bend a old freezer rack to hang on the front to heat up coffee, lunch or dinner works like a champ and you’ll be the envy of the ice when the smell gets going.
6. Get a good rod case, can’t count the rods I’ve broken over the years from banging around in the sled.
7. Get the clam fish trap organizer (Otter does not make one yet) to hang gear up and store things you want to keep dry.
8. When loaded it is a bit heavy to drag out by hand (need a strong youngster or a machine) and too big for me to set up and hold in place on really windy days (I take my one man on those days).

I do not use a flasher or camera, so I cannot help you there.

I have found that really good personal gear is the trick to a comfortable day on the ice, can’t count the times I have had to run guys/gals back in when they get cold. To me it all starts and stops with the boots (gotta remember that with an otter without a floor your feet are ON THE ICE ALL DAY)! Again, I have had about every brand of winter boot known to man (even the military style bunny boots). My son swears by his Rocky boots, I’m older and obviously more sensitive to the cold and upgraded to Cabelas Alaska PAC Boots (must get the same brand ice cleats to fit the boot). I have an Arctic Armor Ice suit (Dry and warm even on rainy days) still need to dress in layers so you don’t sweat during set up and while in the shanty. I use military style wool gloves with the finger tips cut off on both index fingers and thumbs. Let’s you get hooks out of fish, keeps most of your hands warm and they dry quickly.
Last points: even though there may be some steep start up costs to get into the good gear and equipment.
It’s worth it if you use it.
It will last for years to come if you take care of it.
You will enjoy the time on the ice much better with the right gear.
Don’t forget the camera, I have seen some of the most wonderful sunrises and sunsets on the ice.

Good luck