Which ice fishing gear is the best?

For many, the winter season ushers in the thrills of cold weather activities not possible during other seasons. Anglers can still fish in the winter, and despite the freezing temperatures, there’s nothing like being out on the ice with good friends and a fleeting shelter.

For beginners, ice fishing can be daunting as it requires more equipment than standard spinning and reel fishing. It can be an affordable and fun hobby to keep you busy during the winter season, especially in northern latitudes.

You will need different rods and lures depending on the type of fish you are catching.

With ice fishing, rod, reel and lures really depend on what you are fishing for. There are versatile fishing rods, reels, and tackle, but it’s worth knowing what fish live in your area. If you’re on a budget, get an inexpensive rod and basic tackle like jigs and live bait like night crawlers or minnows.

• Perch are easier to catch with worms, spoons or jigs. It is better to use a light rod with a faster action.
• For pike, you need a heavier and stronger rod because they are bigger fish. Minnows, live or frozen work well as well as jigs and spoons.
• Walleye are medium sized fish so using a medium rod works. Minnows, dead bait, spoons and jigs work well for catching walleye.

Best ice fishing gear to handle ice

Best Hand Auger for Ice Fishing

Eskimo hand auger with two flat blades, 6-8 inches

This is a hand auger made by Eskimo that comes in three different sizes – 6 to 8 inches. It’s more affordable than most competitors and the double-flat blades eat right through the ice. The handles are easy to grip and make drilling through the ice a lot easier.

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Best Electric Auger for Ice Fishing

Eskimo Quantum Auger Series, 8-10 inch

For those who want to drill faster and easier, Eskimo Quantum augers are some of the best on the market. Stainless steel blades are durable and stay sharp longer than most other blades. There’s no real kickback when using it, and the 33cc engine can handle ice in the coldest environments.

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Best scoop for ice fishing

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Berkley Ice Fishing Shovel

Prevent slush from clogging the fishing hole with Berkley’s nylon and aluminum fishing shovel. It can be used for holes as small as 6 inches and is incredibly durable. It will last for many years with proper care and the price cannot be beat. The only downside is that some people have had trouble using it with smaller fishing holes.

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Best Ice Fishing Gear for Catching Fish

Best All-Round Fishing Rod for Ice Fishing

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St. Croix Rods Mojo Ice Fishing Rod

For those looking for a rod to master them all, St. Croix offers tons of customization. Choose a 24 to 36 inch rod, from ultra-light to heavy. You do not lose any sensitivity with these rods and you feel the attraction of the fish. It comes with a custom reel and stainless steel guides. Everyone from beginners to pros can benefit from one of these rods.

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Best LED for Ice Fishing

12V 14W 30W 180 LED Submersible Fishing Light

This LED shines 1300 lumens in all directions and has enough heft to stay underwater. It’s well made and the electronics are sealed well enough to last for multiple seasons. Use blue light to attract fish, even outside the winter season.

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The best ice fishing gear to stay comfortable

Best bucket for ice fishing

Frabill Sit-N-Fish Insulated Bait Bucket with Convenient Padded Lid

Frabill remains one of the most popular companies in the fishing industry. This bucket is 6 gallons. Use it to keep your drinks or fish cool. Thanks to the padded cushion, you just have to turn it over to transform it into a seat. It also comes with a liner to insulate your bait, fish and drinks.

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Best Ice Fishing Shelter

Eskimo QuickFish Series Pop-Up Portable Ice Fishing Shelter

Eskimo’s easy to install fishing shelters are available in many different sizes and are insulated or uninsulated. Install it in less than a minute and enjoy the warmth thanks to the quilted fabric. It’s portable and comes with its own duffel bag to keep it compact and clean. The eyelets are in the material itself, so no other fastening equipment is needed.

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Best Indoor Heater for Ice Fishing

Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy 4,000-9,000 BTU Indoor Portable Propane Radiant Heater

Easily attach propane tanks to the heater without having to move parts. The MH9BX is much quieter than older Mr. Heater models. Get between 3 and 6 hours of heat depending on the setting you use. This is completely safe to use indoors and does a great job of heating up a fishing shelter.

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Best Ice Fishing Gear for Safety

The best cleats for ice fishing

Yaktrax Walk traction crampons for walking on snow and ice

These are some of the most affordable and durable snow cleats available online. The cleats slip on and can be stretched to fit many types of shoes. They provide 360 ​​degree traction that will prevent slipping on ice. Despite their flexibility, they come in several sizes.

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The best ice picks for ice fishing

Frabill Deluxe Retractable Ice Picks

Stay safe and ready with Fabrill’s retractable ice picks. They are lightweight and can be worn under a jacket. The cord can stretch up to 72 inches and the ice picks are retractable, keeping you safe at all times. They are affordable, lightweight, and an amazing piece of gear to have on you at all times.

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Stephane Morin written for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their buying decisions, saving them time and money.

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