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