samaj, One of the main appeals is that it gets you outside in the fresh air in a beautiful time of year. Another reason is you don't have to worry about someone casting over your line when you get a bite.Also most of the time most of the guys around you are friendly & helpful to beginners. You must be cautious about the thickness of the ice ,but if you dress for the weather you can have a good time & don't need a lot of gear to get started.The best thing is to wait til you know guys are out,then go out & watch & ask questions. With this climate change I wouldn't run out & buy a lot of equip.. The last few years there was very little safe ice here in the southwest part of pa. The main thing is that ice fishing gives you a chance to do something other than sit around complaining about '"cabin fever" good luck & keep us posted. sam