Ice fishing Starter kit

[FishermanTim]

Let's see, here is what I consider to be the basic gear for a day on the ice.

Transport: I started with an old plastic sled and moved up to a JetSled. Although it may be bulky, it can handle a lot of gear.

Access: I started with an 8" hand auger and added a 10" power auger, because hand-cranking through a foot of ice is a real pain. If $$ is limited, see if you can borrow someone's auger beforehand or ask if someone on the ice would mind if you could cut a few holes with theirs. You'd be surprised that many ice anglers don't mind helping others.
(the only exception might be during a derby, but that's another topic.) As for ice chisels (spuds), they are helpful in opening up old holes and chipping through shallow ice, but if you are planning on cutting through 10" with a spud you better have a good back and lots of time!

You will need an ice scoop to clear the ice from feshly cut holes.

Tip ups/traps (depending on what style to favor: 6 is a good number to start with. Rigged with braid. Not Powerpro or Fireline but regular 20-30 lb. icefishing line with a barrel swivel and mono/flouro leader.
The leader can be as long as you want, but doesn't need to be really long. I use anywhere from 1-2 feet. The hook is a matter of choice. Some use J-hooks, others use circle hooks. I use both. J-hooks on the jigging rods and circle hooks on the tip-ups.

Light/Ultralight Jiggin rods: one for each person with 2-4 lb. test mono.

Bait: small-medium shiners and some dillies (small nightcrawlers) shiners for the traps and dillies for the rods.
bait bucket and dip net for getting bait out. I also use a battery powered air pump to keep the bait really lively. It also helps slow down the freezing of the water in the bait bucket.

Tackle: Sometimes you will lose tackle due to toothy fish, gut hooks or snags, so extra swivels, hooks and leaders are good. Also bring micr jigs and an assortment of small lures. I carry micro crappie jigs and small trout spoons for jigging if I don't have worms.

Comfort: a camp chair (I've done my time sitting on a bucket) some food and beverage (hot cocoa, cookies and bottled water).

Safety: Ice picks, ice cleats, 50" of rope, matches, extra clothes and blanket (in car/truck) Trust me, I'd rather have them and not need them than need them and not have them.

Lastly, remember to have fun. Most ice anglers are friendly and enjoy talking with other anglers.