Ice Fishing Checklist

Minimum to take if you are just 'tagging along' :

Fishing rods-Large guides, sensitive tip, with some backbone. Cost should be about $15-$20 per rod
Reels- Micro-spinning reel-$15-$20 per reel
Line- 4-8 lb test ice line
Bobber stops with beads
split-shot
Foam ice fishing bobbers-get the 'Ice Buster' brand!
Fingernail clipper to cut line
Ice scoop/ladle/dipper-for removing slush
Jigs and spoons and hooks...etc.
bait-wax worms, fatheads, crappie minnows etc...
5 gallon bucket to sit on
Hand warmers
Needle nose pliers
Fishing License
Proper Identification
Necessary ice fishing equipment if going alone:

Ice auger
Sled for auger or vehicle if the ice is thick enough.
Bait bucket
Small shovel-collapsable if possible
Ice picks-could be a lifesaver!
A compass
Mouth spreader
Hook sharpener
Preferred ice fishing equipment:

Vexilar
Ice Shelter
Propane heater
Spud bar (for checking ice thickness)
Tip-ups-preferably the freeze-free type
Leaders for tip-ups
Quickstrike rigs for tip-ups
Bait for tip-ups-herring, smelt sardines, etc.
Cell-phone
GPS
"Glow-buster" glo-jig light. (they are new this year and pretty cool!)
Camera (disposable works best)
Ice cleats
Small flashlight. (I prefer one that you wear)
Lantern
Matches or Lighter (for propane heater)
Luxury ice fishing Equipment:

Aqua-view or underwater camera
Two-way radios to talk to your buddies
Strike sensors for tip-ups
Optional odds and ends:

Food
Drinks
Hand Towel
gaff- to remove large fish
Sunglasses
If you take kids:
Extra gloves
Tissues (those noses run all the time!)
Lot's of snacks
A small sled to entertain them
This list is as complete as I've needed for ice fishing. It never fails, though, that each time you go out fishing, something comes to mind that you may have forgotten. With this in mind, please consider sending that information to other ice anglers by e-mailing me to add that item to this ice fishing checklist.
Please e-mail me if I've forgotten anything important.

scott@invoman.com