Icefishing advice wanted?

[brett rockey]

my dad and i want to start icefishing. we just purchosed the basics to get started. hand auger,bucket seats,two ice rods,small jigs,and a few things. we will mostly be fishing on medium sized ponds 4 now.does anyone have any advice on how to get started.jigging tips, depth to fish at,and what bait to tip the jig with.we are fairly new to fishing and have never icefished before. so even the most basic info would be appreciated.

[Michael J. Searl]

Go where you think the deepest spot on the pond is. Drop to bottom and lift back up a foot. Slowly lift the jig 6'' at a time . I no action, move some.
I recomend you get a flasher. I feel it is as important as an auger. The very cheapest cost alternative I have heard about is a underwater camera in the neighborhood of $100 at Menards (of all places.) lol
At least you will be fishing for fish and not a bare spot in the pond.
Please understand these tools will not make you a better fisherman, just lots faster. lol

[brett rockey]

thnks 4 the info

[Michael J. Searl]

You are welcome!
I have never heard of Rock City. If it was near the Quad City area, I would send you out with my Vexilar FL8 and Shappel shack. I am nursing a bum knee and don't dare get out right now.
I should have mentioned to tip with wax worms or maggots. ole giller

[brett rockey]

thanx again 4 the help. rock city,IL is north of freeport close to the wisconsin line. about 2 hrs. from the quad cities, i think.

[C Schffr]

Don't spend too much time in an unproductive hole. 15 minutes or so. If there are other guys on the ice, watch them too. If they move a lot, they're not catching any either. Don't be afraid to talk to the other fisher people. I've learned a lot from chatting and watching what they are doing (especially if they are catching and I'm not)!

[CrappieKeith]

I've got tons of info on ice fishing at www.ckoutdoors.com