I've never ice fished. I won't want cheap gear or to be cold.
The cost to do either will be comparable, and I think that's as far as I can stretch the fishing budget this winter.
KYAK PROS
No more shore fish within 5 miles of my house. lol. I've caught everything I'm going to catch from shore in the Charles 2x. My partner with a john boat moved. The shore areas get heavy traffic, and lots of folks keep their fish (I'm not a snob. Unless you're building impassible damns or netting or snagging truckloads of native fish when they're spawning, you probably won't impact a fishery.) I also fish the heck out of 4 ponds with 0 pressure and 0 traditional shoreline (Wigwam, Little Wigwam, and 2 unnamed ponds in between). With the amount of 3-4lb pickerel and 4-6lb bass I've seen come out of the little bits of shore I can fish at, I know some truly big boys are hiding in there.
hmm...
- I can fish all the same old haunts and catch loads more fish
- Fish some new places
- Use a kayak at least a couple times a week 7 months or so out of
the year.
- Skip the gym to paddle
- Chase stripers around the south shore and harbor
ICE PROS
- Keep fishing
- Better perch fishing
I'm guessing I would use the ice gear once a week at best for 2-3 months...
I don't want to quit for the season, but this ramble helped me make up my mind.
Is there something I'm missing about ice fishing? 5 days out of the week I'm at work when it is light out in the winter. My wife works Saturday while it's light out. That leaves Sunday, all by itself.
Tight lines
The cost to do either will be comparable, and I think that's as far as I can stretch the fishing budget this winter.
KYAK PROS
No more shore fish within 5 miles of my house. lol. I've caught everything I'm going to catch from shore in the Charles 2x. My partner with a john boat moved. The shore areas get heavy traffic, and lots of folks keep their fish (I'm not a snob. Unless you're building impassible damns or netting or snagging truckloads of native fish when they're spawning, you probably won't impact a fishery.) I also fish the heck out of 4 ponds with 0 pressure and 0 traditional shoreline (Wigwam, Little Wigwam, and 2 unnamed ponds in between). With the amount of 3-4lb pickerel and 4-6lb bass I've seen come out of the little bits of shore I can fish at, I know some truly big boys are hiding in there.
hmm...
- I can fish all the same old haunts and catch loads more fish
- Fish some new places
- Use a kayak at least a couple times a week 7 months or so out of
the year.
- Skip the gym to paddle
- Chase stripers around the south shore and harbor
ICE PROS
- Keep fishing
- Better perch fishing
I'm guessing I would use the ice gear once a week at best for 2-3 months...
I don't want to quit for the season, but this ramble helped me make up my mind.
Is there something I'm missing about ice fishing? 5 days out of the week I'm at work when it is light out in the winter. My wife works Saturday while it's light out. That leaves Sunday, all by itself.
Tight lines
Yeah, kayak you will use more. You may not like ice fishing, its not for everyone. I would go out ice fishing with someone before you start investing money into it.
We could have a winter like a few years ago when there was no ice or have a short ice season.
We could have a winter like a few years ago when there was no ice or have a short ice season.
You will get a lot more use out it. If you live in eastern MA the ice fishing season has been pretty short in recent years. Think I was only out 6 times last season. You can get by with a modest investment if jigging makes you happy 
A kayak is such a versatile platform, that this is a no brainer. You can go anywhere and with the right gear, fish almost any conditions. I was out there today for 9 hours in 35 mph gusts, no problem. You can throw it on top of a Corolla with some pool noodles and tie downs. You can carry it on your shoulder. You can trick it out endlessly. You can use it April through December on almost any body of water no matter how shallow or deep, big or small. I've gone out on partially frozen lakes. Ice fishing gear will be sitting in your basement collecting dust except for 3 months a year. Value and use for your dollar, definitely a kayak.
live4fish,
Without rambling on and on and on about the wonderful world of ice fishing (it is my favorite time to fish), there are definitely pro's and con's of being out on the hard water, if it does in fact freeze...Yes, it is usually cold! Yes, it can sometimes be slow! Yes, you do need some start up equipment, and yes, it can be cold! lol
If perch fishing is on your radar you wouldnt need much more than a chisel/auger, a scoop to clean the holes, and a jig rod with some jigs or meal/wax worms. If you were going to outfit yourself with a set of five top of the line tip-ups you could do it for less than $200, and of course cold weather apparel is the most important part of the equation. I know that if I wasn't so sick for ice fishing I would go with the kayak, and I agree with "thelucky" about getting out with someone who is aready fitted up to see how you like it. I would be more than happy to get together for a trip or two for a couple dry runs to see what you think...
Without rambling on and on and on about the wonderful world of ice fishing (it is my favorite time to fish), there are definitely pro's and con's of being out on the hard water, if it does in fact freeze...Yes, it is usually cold! Yes, it can sometimes be slow! Yes, you do need some start up equipment, and yes, it can be cold! lol
If perch fishing is on your radar you wouldnt need much more than a chisel/auger, a scoop to clean the holes, and a jig rod with some jigs or meal/wax worms. If you were going to outfit yourself with a set of five top of the line tip-ups you could do it for less than $200, and of course cold weather apparel is the most important part of the equation. I know that if I wasn't so sick for ice fishing I would go with the kayak, and I agree with "thelucky" about getting out with someone who is aready fitted up to see how you like it. I would be more than happy to get together for a trip or two for a couple dry runs to see what you think...
Hey man, that is awesome. I love your perch and that crappie (some of my favorite fish). Where did you get them?
One of my main fishing buddy's and I have been talking about it, and we are 100 percent looking to pay a guide or tag along with some guys that know what they are doing. We'd certainly buy bait, grub, provisions, etc....
Let's do it! My man has an awesome Grady and really knows his groundfish (tautog, black bass, etc.), and we could reciprocate in the spring.
I think your brother friended me... I'll friend you and we'll get together as it gets cold. I'm pumped.
One of my main fishing buddy's and I have been talking about it, and we are 100 percent looking to pay a guide or tag along with some guys that know what they are doing. We'd certainly buy bait, grub, provisions, etc....
Let's do it! My man has an awesome Grady and really knows his groundfish (tautog, black bass, etc.), and we could reciprocate in the spring.
I think your brother friended me... I'll friend you and we'll get together as it gets cold. I'm pumped.
