well now stream trout, i understand tip-ups for them. I've gone for stream trout through the ice exactly twice now. Both times, the person I brought with me was the one that got the trout. We jigged three up over the two trips to the 'trout pond'...seems tip-up fishing would be more effective in that case. Same with Pike.

My favorite way to ice fish is definetly jigging lakers. The fish are so ridiculously over-the-top aggressive that there is just nothing like it. The lakers in Lake George are so aggressive that when they decide they want your spoon, there is NOTHING you can do to take it away from them. Sometimes they come two or three at a time, your fighting your laker and there is two with him, trying to take the spoon out of his mouth....I mean c'mon, it just doesn't get any better than that through the ice. Mix in a few wobbly pops and some "fish attractant" and you have the makings for the best ice fishing experience there is in NY. Thats right. I just said that.

I do keep the Lakers from Lake George, as small as legally possible (23"). They eat mostly smelt and as a result have a wonderful, sweet flavor. They are great smoked too, just ask Dan. Of course, yes, they are very hard to keep lit, thats why we smoke other stuff, and have a professional smoke the Trout. LOL!

Of course lets keep this in perspective. Everything else has its time and place. First ice usually finds me where ever the ice is safe, jiggin pannies...from there I wait for my favorite places to freeze, and get on them...usually then by mid to late January there is lake trout water that is safe, and thats where I can be found the majority of the rest of the ice season.

Alright I have been busy shopping over the last couple weeks getting myself set for the upcoming ice season! So far I got jigging rods covered and a vex. The next thing I am looking at is a shanty but I dont know what to get since I am going to have to pull it out on the ice. You guys have any suggestions? Also what kind of line do you find best for jigging?

Duane, my buddies have been telling me about a new model of genz fish trap, its about the size of the trap guide, but its only like 299 at D_cks. Great price for a two man.

Ok well dumb question here but please keep in mind I am relatively new to ice fishing, those shantys with the sled, can you put your gear on top of them to drag out on to the ice? Also are they easy to pull?

I want a Clam 2-man BAD!!!  Its a lot of cake for me, though.I can get one, but then I'll have no gas money and will be forced to fish at home.  And I already have a three-bedroom shanty there with cable and a shower.
 
We're all getting so antsy, it's great...
 
There are bound to be more than a few weekend SHINDIGS on the hardwater this season. 
 
BB- those pictures are top shelf, man! 
 
(Check out the "Vex Neck" on both Perch and Yank. Do you prefer your nature in LED,  boys?)

For sure the fish trap flip overs are the way to go like the one BB's pics show.
I have a Clam 2000 2man & Shappell 3000 3man. they are set up shanties and while nice are a pain to set up and do not allow you to carry gear.
As said go for the 2 man flip overs !!!

here is my 2 man at -22degs..

With the gear you are buying have you thought about where & what you would like to fish for ??
If you are looking lakers,salmon,big browns & bows you will need to travel north or west. Big pike north, yea I know about the local pike but still...
I don't fish much locally, too much pressure and just not what I'm seeking.. I Hunt for Big Fish... And yes I know I'm missing out on those tasty gills...

I am not really planning on targeting any one thing in general. I just want to be semi prepared for any species I guess. But if I had to choose I guess it would be pannies and hopefully some Lakers if some guys here are kind enough to show me the way. But I am not opposed to putting out some traps in places and chase flags some days too. I just want something to do to get out of the house, hang with some good people and enjoy the outdoors!

Thanks Tuna .... now i'm thinking about it !!  Can't wait !!

Ok guys, my ice fishing gear is starting to come together now. So that brings me to my next question, tip-up line? What works well and where can you get bulk spools? All I can seem to find are 50 yarders, and I am going to have 5 traps to spool.