I have found myself getting all the summer toys put away and moving towards the transition mode. The guns are all in action, the long rods are getting thier final use shore fishing and casting for fall eye's and the camper and pontoon winterized and in storage. I am debating right now about keeping my project boat at home outside so it isn't bogged up in storage until April. If nice I want to get a good start on it for next spring. But, righ now I am in full transition mode getting my portables (yes, those that know me understand that being plural) I have them all pulled out, and getting things organized for prep to load and go at first ice. I also think it is important to make sure my flasher batteries get a full charge.

My question to you is what preps are you doing this year for ice season. I think hearing others tips can only help.

What do you do to prep for ice?

Grease reels?
Change Line?

Tell us your tips and see if you can help me get ready as well!

My usual prep is putting the boat in the basement...yes basement

I always organize my tackle box before and after every season. Make sure the auger blades are new/sharp. Set the portable up to air it out. pace back and forth until the ice is thick enough to fish on.

start by killing time in woods class by making rod holders ect..
put the boats away
pull fish houses out of the weeds
get snowmobile out and start fixin then go fisihn'

I start with the rod/reels. If I don't spin on new line, I'll strip about 20' off of each. Disassemble reels,clean/lube. Move lures and "stuff" from summer tackle boxes in boat to ice fishing tackle box. Make sure LICENSE is in box. (I have a strip of velcro on all my tackle box covers and on the back of license holder..you always know where it is)Sharpen hooks.
Clean lures.Open up pop-up and make sure OK. Spray waterproof on bibs/boots/jackets, and later toss in dryer to "fluff up" (Not boots!)Pack sleds with gear. Put in new LP cylinders for heater. Mix gas for auger/check plug/gearcase/lube and test run. Sharpen blades.

Getting the 4-wheeler rigged and ready! Still deciding whether to buy or make my own auger mount.

Respool every reel
Organize tackle box/switch stuff from summer to winter boxes
Charge flasher batterys
Restock tackle box
Tie up rods and tip-ups
Make sure auger is running good
Usually sell my portable to buy a new one...

I'm all ready to go!

I had to patch the porty cause the mice chewed the heck out of it. Got it fixed up good though!! Very happy with it. Charged up the gel cells. Relined the rods, tip-ups and rattle reels. Went through the jigs and lures. Tuned up the snowmobile. Made sure the Mr. heater was working. New batteries in the radio. Broke in the new auger!!!! No more hand drilling!! God, am I happy about that!! Made an auger mount for the snowmobile for $11.00. Greased the bearings on the trailer, pumped the tires up a bit and checked the lights. Even have my ice fishing duds washed and ready.

Should be a smooth transition from deer hunting to ice fishing!!

1) I turned my air conditioner on high and opened the windows to try to help offset the coming warm front

2) Aired out the portable and bolted on new hyfax

3) Ordered more Amsoil for my NILs

4) Sent NILs blades in to be sharpened

5) Unclogged valve on one of my Mr Heaters

6) Re-lined tip-ups

7) Charged flasher batteries

Still need to

A) Re-line all rods

B) Get gas and fire up the auger

C) Figure out what new major purchase will be this year...

Still got a few weeks before muskie seasons over, no need to get in a hurry yet. Did charge the Marcums up a few weeks ago though and pulled the rope a few times on the NILs. Need to get the shack inside and get it insulated and the dozen reels spooled. I'll be ready when time comes though.

Changed oil in the ATV. Find the tire chains.
Started to get the portable out.
Charging the flasher and camera batteries.
Start the auger.
More to do next week.

Fire up the Eskimo.
Round up all gear and get it into one spot in the garage.
Charge up vex battery.
Put finishing touches on permanent.
Bring portable home from deer camp after hunting is done.

But honestly I dont feel truly ready to ice fish until after my first trip out and figure out everything i forgot or need to get.

My first trip out whether it is bow hunting in the fall, first ice trip or first time out in the boat is usually a bust. After that I know what I need and i can get serious about it. My expectations for my first time out for anything aren't very high. Its just nice to get out.

Fire up auger (which I have been borrowing from my dad for the last, oh, 9 months)

relined a few rods, bought a few new rods - still need to get reels

Greased up a fly reel on a sight rod - gonna give that a try this year, heard great things

Got the porty ready - add reflectix, lights

bought new Mr. Heater, lantern doesn't throw out enough heat

Drive by the ponds every day on the way to work and watch the ice form.

pretty much the same as everyone has posted.

Pull out all the gear, check things out. respool, check takle boxes.

I still need to pull out my buddy heater and make sure he fires up and count how many full green bottles I have. Also need to pull out the portable and set that up and air it out. Probably going to get familiar with my new/used gas auger before Im actually out on the ice.