EQUIPMENT BASICS:

If you are going to try your luck from a commercially rented ice-hut, you probably won't need any equipment at all. These huts, which generally have room for between 4 and 6 people, are warmed up before you get there, have a big pre-cut hole in the middle, and are provided with an appropriate number of lines, minnows, and often salted minnows (used for chumming the water). The one drawback to this method of ice-fishing is that although you'll be toasty and comfortable, if the fish aren't immediately below your hut, you're S.O.L..

We'll presume that you and your buddies will be venturing forth on your own for the balance of this article.

Click to Listen!