My Ice Fishing Tip:
I had seen many guys go through the ice in my time, what I do is walk out just a few yards and drill a hole to check for ice thickness, and repeat this as I walk out. Some lakes have underground springs and it can be 2' in one spot and 2" in another. I use this tip during first ice or early season and after warm fronts.
My Ice Fishing Tip #2:
Keeping your fish fresh untill days end and not tossed on the ice and become rock solid when you get time to clean them.
Drill about 8-10 holes as close to each other as possible the width of your auger blade trying to make a small pool. Drill Appr. 3/4 of the thickness of the ice, then on any ONE hole just let the tip of your auger blade break thru just to the water. Then the pool will fill with fresh water and your fish will stay fresh all day.