Don't ice fish anymore. Open water I tend to fish mostly Northern Wi. waters. Like to stay away from the crowds.
Too make it even worse; almost all fish caught are released. A lot of people I know have well over $100,000 invested in boat, motor, and gear and release all fish caught. The 'fun' is in the hunt, not the catch.
Check out In-Depth Outdoors website. Lots of ice fishing info, mostly Mn based.
Great eating out of cold water. Small ones where legal are terrific pickled.
$25 is nothing. Try musky lures. $20 at the low end. Some are selling for $150 and up. Prices have gotten insane in the last 15 years. I remember crying when I spent $10 on a lure. Glad I have more than I need. Fortunately with the heavy equipment used, very few are lost.
Fishing Hotspots and Sportsman's Connection both sell good maps. If you want, text me @ 1-715-295-4113 and I could send you a picture via phone.