The Best Ice Fishing Gear
For fishing enthusiasts, ice fishing is a great way to fight off the doldrums and make the most out of extreme temperatures. When you're battling the cold, wind, and snow, it's important that you have all the right gear with you to keep you safe and protected. Sure, you'll need a pole and some fishing line. but don't forget about some trusty boots and a warm, flexible pair of gloves. Read on to discover a few of our favorite ice fishing essentials so you have everything you need when you take to the lake. Trust us, your fingers and toes will thank you.
ZACX Fishing Pliers, Fish Lip Gripper
This set includes fishing pliers and a fish gripper to make your life a little easier. The gripper has an EVA foam handle that is ergonomic, making it easy to hold and reduce fatigue, and the multifunctional pliers are expertly crafted from lightweight aluminum. As a result, you can use them as both braid line cutters and split hook removers. Both tools are ideal for freshwater and saltwater environments because they’re corrosion-resistant and extremely light, making them easy to handle, carry, and pack for any trip.
Pros:
- The set includes both pliers and grippers for added versatility
- The powerful pliers can split rings, remove hooks, and cut lines for a powerful and multipurpose tool
- The gripper is impact- and corrosion-tested and easy to use with just one finger to enhance hand strength and reduce fatigue
Cons:
- The pliers don’t have a locking feature, so they always stay in an open position
- The included holder only fits the pliers and not also the lip gripper
Lucky Handheld Fish Finder
Find approximate fish locations easily with this portable fish finder. The design shows water depth, short and tall weeds, and sand and rocks on the lake’s bottom to give you the best possible representation of what’s under the water. Perfect for ice fishing, the finder works up to 238 meters deep and has a 25-foot cable as well as a transducer and float to give you even more options. The small design has five modes with different sensitivities to ensure you have what you need, including backlight mode, battery safe mode, and a fish alarm. With brand new batteries, the finder can operate for nearly five hours straight, allowing you to use it throughout the entirety of your Sunday morning fishing escapade.
Pros:
- The LCD display is easily visible in sunlight and has a backlight for easier night vision
- The fish finder includes the display, 25-foot transducer, neck strap, side-scan adapter, stainless bolt and wing nut, as well as a user manual
- You can use the fish finder on floats, on ice, on a pole, or even attached to a boat hull
Cons:
- Even with new batteries, the finder will only last about five hours. Those who plan on embarking on all-day fishing sessions will not be pleased with that
- Batteries aren’t included with your purchase
Muck Boot Arctic Sport Men’s Boot
These Boots are Meant for Fishing
Crafted from durable materials like neoprene and rubber, these boots keep you warm and protected. The neoprene boot shaft is flexible and comfortable, while also offering waterproof protection and heat retention for added versatility. The interior features a soft fleece lining that is rated to negative 40 degrees Fahrenheit for even the most extreme environments. The rubber sole is molded to give you traction on slippery or uneven surfaces, and the molded midsole provides even more support.
Pros:
- The boots are rated for temperatures from -40 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit, so they can be worn in a wide range of weather conditions
- These neoprene and rubber boots are durable, warm, and comfortable for extended wear
- The rubber sole has been specially designed for slippery surfaces to give you more traction and stability
Cons:
- They’re a bit bulkier than other styles, but it’s worth it for the extra warmth and protection
- The sizing runs a little big, so you might want to order a size down
Thkfish Ice Fishing Lures
This comprehensive set has six different types of jigs and 26 pieces total, so it’s the perfect set for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. Crafted in bright colors to attract fishing targets, the jigs are perfectly balanced with a minnow profile, so they stand out even in dark water or low-light conditions. The hooks are sharp, durable, and crafted from high-quality steel to give the lure more weight. The barbed hook point is mechanically sharpened to increase hook-ups and get you better penetration than other similar styles. An assortment of sizes and shapes ensures you always have what you need to catch any type of fish in any condition.
Pros:
- The set includes 26 different jigs that are all different shapes, sizes, and colors
- The jigs all have carbon steel hooks with sharpened barbs for more hook-ups
- The jigs come in a convenient carrying case so you can keep them all in the same place and easily transport the set
Cons:
- Depending on the type of fish you’re trying to catch, these may be the wrong size
- Over time, the fluorescence of the jigs may fade
Palmyth Neoprene Fishing Gloves
Neoprene Dream
The sport of ice fishing knows no gender, and in honor of that, Palmyth has created a popular pair of fishing gloves to fit both men and women. Made from stretchy neoprene for a breathable, windproof, and durable design, the gloves keep you warm and dry without limiting your range of motion. The thumb and index finger of each glove have caps that flip back so you can more easily use your smartphone, use your fishing rod, or unhook a fish without bulky fabric getting in the way. Both palms are reinforced with artificial leather so you can more easily grip your pole – even when it’s wet – and the snug fit has velcro straps at the cuff to keep out moisture and wind.
Pros:
- The neoprene fabric keeps out moisture and protects your hands from scrapes or cuts
- The index finger and thumb have removable caps, providing added versatility
- The velcro cuff ensures you can get the perfect fit and keep out any excess water or wind
Cons:
- With extensive wear, there can be some rubbing or irritation
- The gloves are not as insulated as thicker styles designed for even colder weather
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ice fishing easy?
Aside from the obvious skill and know-how required of the sport, ice fishing requires a lot of planning. You need to have the right gear to ensure you’re protected, warm, and can handle the elements. With the right plan in place, ice fishing is fun and exciting for fishing enthusiasts.
How does ice fishing work?
When you ice fish, you catch fish through an opening in the ice of a body of water like a lake or river. Using a fishing pole or sometimes spears, ice fishermen sometimes fish out in the open and sometimes have shelters or huts to protect them from the elements.
What gear do you need for ice fishing?
There are a few main essentials, including an ice fishing rod, bait, and tackle. Other gear that comes in handy are fishing electronics, cold-weather clothing like boots and gloves, and a fish finder.
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