Whether you’re braving the cold for the thrill of the catch or enjoying the peaceful solitude of a frozen lake, having the right ice fishing gear can make all the difference. From staying warm to landing the big one, your equipment is the backbone of every successful trip.
At A Fellow Fisherman, we’ve compiled a list of the best ice fishing gear to help you stay comfortable, prepared, and ready for anything this season. Let’s dive in!
This post contains affiliate links to products. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you.
Ice Fishing Gear Starter Kit
Now we all know that we could go hog wild shopping for the latest and greatest ice fishing gear. However, in order to save your wallet a bit of stress, I’ve created a list of what every ice fisherman should start with! My personal favorites are included!
Ice Fishing Clothing
1. Boots
This is no doubt that you will get cold while ice fishing. It’s crucial to have a good pair of boots to keep your toes warm. I recently updated to Striker Ice rubber boots and I can’t recommend them enough!
I also have friends who rave about brands like Baffin and Kamik with similar insulation ratings. They are all appealing for their ease of use (easy on and off when you’re wearing other warm gear) and insulation rated down to -40°F.
2. Bibs
A good pair of cold-weather ice fishing bibs is, in my opinion, the best clothing investment you can make.
These bibs offer reinforced knee pads to prevent wear from kneeling on the ice, heavy-duty zippers that stay clog-free even when ice builds up on your pants, and ample storage for all your ice fishing tools. These features ensure your bibs last season after season.
3. Hat
Lastly, for warm gear, I recommend a hat with a built-in light. As a backup, consider keeping a small handheld flashlight in case the hat’s battery dies.
In the winter, when the sun sets early, having a hands-free light that follows your line of sight is incredibly helpful. The light is USB rechargeable and lasts a long time. It also performs reliably in extreme cold, which can otherwise drain batteries quickly.
4. Other Ice Fishing Clothing:
- Base Layers & Thermal Socks
- Gloves
- Balaclava or neck gaiter
- Hand Warmers
- Sunglasses
Poles
1. General Use Rod
This ice-fishing rod with a “medium” strength is suitable for most fish. If you encounter Northern pike, you should be able to finesse them in. The larger guides (helpful for preventing ice buildup) and sensitivity make it ideal for detecting light crappie bites.
2. Trophy Fish Rod
For those targeting heavier trophy fish, I recommend this rod. A rod with medium-heavy strength strikes a balance, allowing you to catch off-target fish while having the backbone—the rod’s ability to resist bending under pressure—needed for big ones.
For the serious trophy angler, use the longest rod you can fit in your shanty for better leverage.
See more of my favorite ice fishing rods here!
Reels
1. Inline Reel
I was late to the inline reel game, but it’s something I wish I had done sooner. This inline reel minimizes line twist, making it ideal for ice fishing or finesse fishing by keeping baits or lures in a natural vertical position.
2. Spinning Reel
For those who prefer a spinning reel, I recommend this model. Its large grip is usable with light gloves and has lasted through many ice fishing seasons for me (until I upgraded to the inline reel).
Keep Reading: All Things Spinning Reels!
Lures and Lines
1. Lures
Last weekend, I took my new MUUNN Tungsten Ice Fishing Jig Kit out on the frozen lake, and I must say, it performed exceptionally well. The assortment of colors and sizes allowed me to easily switch my tactics and target various fish species lurking beneath the ice.
The tungsten construction of the jigs is dense and sinks quickly, enabling me to get my lure right into the strike zone. Additionally, the glow-in-the-dark coating boasted excellent luminous effects, attracting fish even in the murkiest of waters.
Want more options? Check out all of my favorite ice fishing lures (with a full review of each)
2. Lines
Trilene Ice comes in 75-yard spools in two, three, four, five, and six-pound test varieties. The smaller-sized line is perfect for perch, crappie, trout, and ling through the ice.
Berkley is a leader in fishing lines, and their Trilene brand is among the top choices among anglers in all types of fishing applications.
For ice fishing, you won’t find a better product than their 100% Fluorocarbon Ice line.
Trilene Ice comes in 75-yard spools in two, three, four, five, and six-pound test varieties. The smaller-sized ice line is perfect for perch, crappie, trout, and ling through the ice.
Auger
1. All-in-One Auger
For an all-in-one option, consider this auger. While I own the 40-volt comparable model, this lighter version is just as powerful.
Its lightweight flutes and compact powerhead make drilling multiple holes in one sitting much easier. If I were to buy a new auger today, this would be my choice.
2. Pistol Bit
For those who own a quality drill, I highly recommend these pistol bits. Ensure your drill has at least 18 volts and a high-capacity battery for optimal performance.
They are lightweight and compact, benefiting from the reduced size of a drill compared to a traditional power head.
Keep in mind, the capacity is limited to your drill’s battery. If you’re a homeowner, this can serve a dual purpose—or at least that’s how I justified it to my wife!
Ice Safety Gear
1. Ice Cleats
Slippery ice can be dangerous, so I recommend a good pair of ice cleats to provide reliable traction while moving around. They are easy to attach to your boots and can significantly reduce the risk of slipping.
2. Ice Picks
Always keep a pair of ice picks on hand for self-rescue in case of an emergency. They are lightweight and can be worn around your neck for quick access.
Storage and Transport
1. Sleds
To haul all your gear efficiently across the ice, invest in a durable ice fishing sled. Look for one with high sides and enough capacity to carry your auger, poles, and other essentials.
2. Gear Bags
A dedicated gear bag with multiple compartments can help you organize your tackle, bait, and smaller tools. Opt for one that is water-resistant to keep everything dry and protected.
3. Bait Storage
This is a story I’d rather not tell everyone but, hey, we all gotta learn some lessons the hard way. During one of my first ice fishing experiences, I had my aerator cooler in the back of my sled and it fell out during transport. When I went back to search (it was white-out conditions) and I could not find my white cooler anywhere.
Now, I won’t go without this hi-vis orange bait cooler. The cooler has everything! Lesson learned.
Electronics
1. Fish Finder
This article is about what is “best” and as much as you hate to hear this again the Garmin Live Scop is the Cadillac of all fish finders.
If you need to convince your significant other that this price point is worth it, I use this fish finder year-round, and has been the best purchase I have ever made. Not only can you see the fish interact with your lures but also you get your maps included!
2. Underwater Camera
To close out this ice fishing gear list…an underwater camera. The Aqua-Vu has been the go-to ice fishing camera for as long as I have been ice fishing.
This system comes with a tripod that can help you adjust the angle (trust me it’s worth it). Its high-quality camera works well in low light and can help you find the perfect spot to set up near weed lines or rock piles!
Ice Fishing Gear List (+ more Resources)
There ya have it! Everything I would recommend to get before your first ice fishing trip! Here are some additional helpful post to help you feel like an ice fishing pro!
