There is nothing worse than getting out on the lake ready for a great day of ice fishing and finding that your ice auger won't work.  Do yourself a favor and make sure to replace the gas at least every year and more likely every 30 days to ensure your auger works as expected.

Have you had a similar experience with your ice auger?

To that end, one great thing you can do for your gas ice auger is to put Seafoam in the gas.  This does three things. 

1. it stabilizes the gas and allows for it to remain "good" for a longer period of time.  Gas is known to go "stale" in about 30 days if not treated.

2. It reduces the liklihood of water entering the gas.  This can be a real issue with a gas ice auger due to the varying temperatures is will invariably see.

3. Probably most importantly, it cleans the carbs and can help remove buildup that has occured over time.  More importantly, it keeps your already clean and new engine that way!

It is a simple process, when you get the gas from the station, simply put 1 ounce of Seafoam in for every 1 gallon of gasoline you purchase.  It has been helping engines for years.  Don't let a balky auger keep you away from ice fishing this winter.

1. Dump out any old fuel.  Hopefully you did this at the end of last season, but if not go ahead and get rid of that old gas now.  Even if you put fuel stabilizer into the fuel it is likely not good at this point 6-9 months later.  Sure it could be fine, but do you really want to be cheap and save $1 in gas that could cause your $400 gas ice auger to not work?

2. Get fresh fuel from the gas station (87 octane is pefect, if you go with a higher octane it won't necessarily hurt it, but it won't help either).

3. After placing the gas in your approved container I always add Sea Foam or a similar fuel additive meant to stabilize the fuel and keep the carb clean.

4. Mix the gasoline with the appropriate amount of 2 cycle oil per your instruction manual.

5. Make sure your vent cap is open on the gas tank.

6.Check your spark plug to make sure it isn't all fouled up.  I suggest replacing every other year.  You can likely get by longer than that, but why chance it for a $3 part.  Some people suggest replacing every year.

7. Press the primer the specified amount of times for your auger and give it a pull.

What is your procedure to get your auger started for the first time of the winter?

This works with all the flashers, so it isn't just a Vexilar thing.  Try it with your Marcum flasher or Hummingbird flasher and see what it shows.  This is a great way for the ice angler with a hand auger to maximize the holes that he does cut.

Have you ever tried this trick?  How has it worked for you?

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There is also a place for get a discount coupon for the show: here

If you went, please leave a comment on the things you saw that caught your eye or any great bargains you were able to find.

If going with someone who already ice fishes:
License
Offer to pay for bait or ask them what they are using and go buy at the bait shop
Warm Clothing (layers is the key, make sure you have warm boots also)

Others to consider if going with someone who already ice fishes:
At least one rod designed for ice fishing, prefer with an open face reel
Small assortment of jigs and hooks from local tackle store
Hand Auger
Ice Scoop
Minnow Bucket with minnow net and minnows for whatever species you are targeting
Ice spikes (just in case the worst happens and you fall in)
Tip up if you plan on doing this type of fishing
Chair or bucket to sit on
Ice bobber if you prefer that type of fishing (the bobbers made specifically for ice fishing really shine compared to warm weather bobbers, so make sure you buy those specifically)

What you need if you are fishing on your own:
License
Some sort of auger (you need a hole in the ice)
Ice scoop to get ice out of augered hole
Fishing Rod(s) prefer with open faced reel
Tip up(s)
Ice fishing tackle (jigs and hooks for setting up tip ups and rods)
Bait / Minnow Bucket
Chair or bucket to sit on
Ice spikes
Warm clothing, especially boots. Dress in layers if possible
Ice bobber if you prefer that type of fishing

That should be enough to get you on the ice and see if this sport suits you at all.  In a further post I will discuss bringing your ice fishing game to the next level and will discuss the reasons for spending money in electronics and so forth.

10. Locate all your ice fishing gear
If you are anything like me last season ended and stuff got scattered around your abode. So go around and find all the equipment and place in one central location. I'm talking about all your ice rods, flasher, auger, clothing, tackle, and so on.

9. Charge up your batteries
For whatever devices need them, charge up your batteries for your flasher(s), underwater camera(s), and ice auger(s). They likely are dead after sitting the past 8+ months.

8. Spool up your reels with new line
Now is the time to spool your reels. Invariably the time it will bite you in the rear if you don't is when you have the largest fish of the season on the other end of your line leading you to lose him.

7. Dry run your auger
This point is moot if you use a hand auger, but if you run an electric auger or gas auger get out and try them out. Mix the gas you will need. Make sure they are running ok. The worst time to find out they are not is when you are on the lake.

6. Test out your ice fishing flasher
At home you can connect the battery and turn the unit on. Ensure that it powers up and the display is working correctly. If you have time you can run to a lake and test out it is working, but this is rarely the issue.

5. Run your portable propane heater
I like to take mine hunting with me at least once, but if you don't hunt or are not inclined to bring it with, test run it outside your house. Make sure that the starter works and the heater kicks out the heat you expect it to.

4. Put up your portable ice shelter
Mice are notorious for wreaking havoc on portable houses, so if you own one put it up in your garage and note whether a furry little creature has bitten a hole in the exterior. It is always easier to patch it now that live with it all season long.

3. Test run your underwater camera
Attach the battery pack and turn the unit on. Make sure that the camera is working and the display looks like you expect it. A bad battery is usually the culprit if it doesn't work, but bad connections are also somewhat common.

2. Sit down and think of the set of lakes you are going to target
Most likely you have a well defined list of lakes that you are going to fish, either by proximity to you or by success in the past. None the less, it never hurts to have a couple lakes in your back pocket in case things are slow at your normal haunts.

1. Rig up your favorite lure
Invariably you will have one or two lures that you prefer the most for ice fishing. For me it is the Lindy Frostee Jigging Spoon. Locate your lures and tie them to your rod(s).

If you follow these 10 things you will ready to rock when the water turns hard!