fast_randy Loc: Blackfoot, Idaho

Ice Fishing is adictive. I guess you have to catch some first. Catfishmc; he was probably just moving his bait a little instead of just "watching the tip." Almost always you do better jigging it.
I love it and look forward to it all year. Here in Idaho you can use 5 rods. If you are going to your friends cabin, he probably has everything you need to get started. Just get a couple poles to start. I have thousands of dollars in equipment. Here is a small list of the other stuff: Fish finder $500, sled $50, 2 jawjackers and the self jigging rigs $300, 7 poles and real, tent, smitty sled for the snow, heater for tent. On and on!

Brent M Loc: Richfield Utah

Be prepared for fun, my first trip was just that. What species will you be fishing for?

ILMSaltyDog Loc: Wilmington NC

Some good advice in several of the posts. I grew up ice fishing in north central Ohio. I will add/re-emphasize these things - 1) good (warm) boots & socks. Once your feet are cold, your cold and it's no fun anymore. Ice HAS to be 4 inches (clear) for 1 - 2 persons, 5" for 3 persons, and 6" for heavy vehicles or shanties. Be prepared if you fall in (it can and has happened). Let someone know where you will be and when your due back. Dress in layers and dress for cold. As mentioned before, an ice auger, skimmer, small/short ice rods & reels. hooks and jigs. Enjoy!

stuco Loc: Northern Utah - Salt Lake City

I went ice fishing for the first time last winter. I loved it. You have been given good advice about what to bring. I got a tent after going a couple of times. It’s amazing how warm it gets in there with 3 or 4 people. The one thing no one mentioned that an old timer told me to bring is a shovel. There were three or more feet of snow on top of the ice every time we went last winter. The shovel came in handy. Good boots and a good pair of insulated bibs was a game changer for sure. I hope you have a great time and catch a bunch of fish!