ICE FISHING GEAR & SUPPLIES

Stock up on Ice Fishing Gear, Ice Fishing Season is Here!

As the fall season fades away, and the winter season comes along, the sun starts to fade away and you can feel the winter chill coming, it’s time to bundle up and hit the ice for some ice fishing! A favorite among many anglers, ice fishing is an enjoyable and inexpensive way to experience your hobby throughout the whole year. Instead of just three fishing seasons you will now get to take advantage of all four fishing seasons. The best part about ice fishing is that, except in some areas, you can have pretty much the whole lake to yourself. It’s peaceful, quiet, and relaxing (after you drill your ice holes, haha). Ice fishing can be dangerous, but as long as you pay attention to the ice, and the weather, it will be an amazing experience. It’s important to make sure you are walking on solid stable ice, and that you have the right gear to keep you warm in the elements. We hand picked some gear below that will give you what you need for a successful season. Ice fishing, in looking at the words alone, there is a pretty good indicator that the weather can be cold and freezing. The clouds can whip in at any time and make a sunny warmer day turn into a freezing snow storm. It’s a good idea to dress warmer than what you need, because you can always take a layer off, or put a layer back on, depending on the weather. These less than ideal elements that come with ice fishing require a little bit more preparation and gear that you wouldn’t normally need to have during the other three fishing seasons. As an example, getting to the fish is a little more difficult, as they are hiding beneath a layer of ice that you first need to get through to get to them. I recommend that you take the hard work out of it and arm yourself with a powered ice auger like the Jiffy E6 Lightning Electric Ice Auger. Operating on a powerful, rechargeable 40 Volt, 6 Amp battery that will cut through the ice with ease. This ice auger allows you to drill through the ice inside your ice shelter without the worry of smoke or gas fumes. Or, you can get the StrikeMaster Lite-Flite Lazer Ice Drill Unit and turn your professional quality 18V cordless drill into an extremely mobile, high powered ice auger.

Ice Fishing Augers

Another great piece of gear to take ice fishing with you, especially when you are thinking about the unpredictable winter elements, an ice shelter is a big thing that comes to mind. You may be able to get by and brave the cold as long as you can, and then call it a day, but if you invest in a nice ice shelter, you will definitely enjoy the day more, and be able to stay on the ice longer. The Frabill® Bro Hub Insulated Ice Shelter will definitely meet your needs and keep you warm when out fishing on the ice in the freezing cold. It has a generous footprint, it is a fully insulated shelter that features 4 removable windows with shades, 2 interior pockets, 1 exterior clear pocket license holder, and an extra tough 900 denier skirt section that eliminates the possibility of damage due to weather stress or errant boots, and more.

Ice Fishing Shelters

If you decide to get an ice fishing shelter or not, you’ll still want to bundle up with a nice warm jacket like the men’s StrikeMaster Pro Jacket or the StrikeMaster Allie Jacket for the ladies. Both of these jackets feature an SOS Stay On Surface Flotation Technology that provides a measure of on ice safety in case something unexpected happens on the ice. They have a 3-in-1 design specifically made for ice anglers, and fleece lined handwarmer pockets with interior zippered pockets. Very nice jackets, that add that extra warmth you need to fish longer, and some extra piece of mind for your safety.

Ice Fishing Coats and Jackets

Ice fishing is not for the weak and faint hearted. Ice fishing is cold. It is quiet. It is perfect, and just what my stressful work week needs when we get to the weekend in the winter months. When the best fishing lakes freeze over, most people won’t be out fishing. This is the right time for me to grab my ice fishing gear and get out on the ice and do some hardcore ice fishing. It doesn’t have to be cold and miserable, though, these ice fishing coats, jackets, and cold weather bibs are just exactly what you need to warm yourself up when you are out there on the ice.

Ice Fishing Gear - Rod and Reel Combo

Now that you got your ice auger, your ice shelter, and your ice fishing jacket, it’s time to get your gear for ice fishing. There are a variety of reels, rods, and combos to choose from that were designed specifically for ice fishing. One of my top rod and reel combo’s is the Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Ice Fishing Rod and Reel Combo. This rod is lightweight, and an affordable option that will stand up to the harshest elements that you will encounter while ice fishing. It will remain powerful and flexible enough to tame even the biggest cold water gamefish. It is top quality, and it is reasonably price.

Ice Fishing Underwater Camera

If you are ever out there on the ice wondering where the fish are, we know just what you need. An underwater camera for fishing would let you lower the camera down and take a look. Drill your ice fishing hole with your ice auger, and drop the camera down, and see what kinds of fish are down there waiting for you to drop your bait. Or, if you don’t see any fish, and you are not getting any bites, it will prove to you that you need to go drill a new hole to get into some great fishing action.

Ice Fishing Lures

One of the most well known lures for ice fishing is the Jigging Rap. It is perfrect for ice fishing since you will be fishing up and down vertically. The Jigging Rap is a lure with solid construction, and it sinks fast, getting you down where the big lunkers are. The Buck Shot Rattle Spoon is another good spoon for ice fishing. It is super deadly year round for vertical jigging for fish like perch, walley, trout, bass, and pike. When you jig this lure aggressively, it will call fish in from a wide area beneath the ice and bring them in to strike. Can be tipped with bait for added fish attracting power.

BEST ICE AUGERS FOR FISHING

Auger for Ice Fishing

When you are out on thick ice for some ice fishing, and you need to drill your fishing holes to drop your bait or lure into to target some fish, the ice can be tough to get through. There are manual light weight hand ice auger’s, and larger and heavier gas powered ice augers, but if you want the best of both worlds with some light weight mixed in with some raw power, but would like it to be quiet and not have to bring a gas can, the electric battery powered ice augers are the way to go. An ice auger is a must have tool for any ice fisherman. These screw shaped drills make it easy to penetrate the ice and quickly have your fishing holes ready even in the most extreme freezing conditions you will encounter when out on the ice fishing. They make quick and easy work of getting your ice fishing holes setup so you can focus more of your time on fishing so you can catch your limits for a fresh and delicious breakfast, lunch, or dinner. These ice fishing augers go nicely with a new ice fishing shelter to keep you warm while you are out fishing on the ice.

StrikeMaster Pro Lithium 40v Lite Ice Auger

Rapala’s StrikeMaster has upgraded the proven Lithium 40v with a new set of features that provide less weight and more hole drilling power for run & gun fishing by adding the Lite Flite Lazer™ Drill Unit and a new 6-amp battery. The StrikeMaster Pro Lithium 40v Lite Ice Auger makes easy work of drilling your ice fishing holes so you can spend more time on the ice fishing instead of working. This ice auger will drill 115 holes with this 8 inch Auger on a Single Charge. Testing based on repeated tests with 16 inches of ice. It has an electric DC brushless motor, and a planetary gear system with a 15.9 to 1 gear ratio. The power button has a Deadman Safety Switch for your protection. It runs in both forward and reverse. It has impact resistant long filament handles, and built in LED lights. An amazing unit that is light on your load, and gets the job done simply and quikly.

Jiffy 46 X-Treme Propane Ice Auger

Jiffy® 46 X-Treme™ Propane Ice Auger is a very powerful, tough, and long lasting 49cc ice drill that cuts through ice quickly and easily. Saving you countless hours drilling your holes with a hand auger, this propane ice auger makes quick work of drilling out your holes for ice fishing so you can spend more time fishing. This ice auger is easy to start with usually just one or two pulls, and unlike the gas engine ice augers, there is no no choke, no priming, no flooding, and no need mix gas and carry it with you. The Jiffy aluminum planetary transmission is clean burning with low emissions so it is better for the environment. The wide stance handles enable you with simple operation along with more control. The Stealth STX™ serrated ripper blade and power point blades are durable and strong, built to last season after season. The Jiffy 46 X-Treme Propane Ice Auger has a snap on blade protector, the auger is very low maintenance. This ice auger is easy to use, making it the perfect choice to add to your fishing gear this season. Available Now at the Bass Pro Shops website.

StrikeMaster Lithium 24V Ice Auger 8 Inch

This lightweight, portable, rechargeable StrikeMaster® Lithium 24V Ice Auger drills your ice holes faster than a manual ice auger by far, with much less effort. It is battery powered, so it runs cleaner, and steadier than any handheld cordless drill system. This ice auger is tough and durable, and will do anything that a heavier gas powered ice auger can. It doesn’t have a gas engine, so it won’t smoke you out of your ice fishing shelter. It only weighs about 13 pounds, so it is easy to transport and carry. It has a gear ratio of 50 to 1 with twin serrated stainless steel Lazer™ blades that deliver an amazing level of torque and power. If you are fishing through 16 inches of ice, you can quickly drill about 100 holes with the 6 inch model, or 50 holes with the 8 inch model, on a single charge. With its advanced internal battery management system, this 24V, 4 amp hour lithium ion battery will have full power to the end of the charge. It has a three LED battery status indicator, so you will know at all times just how much battery you have available. The StrikeMaster Lithium 24V Ice Auger comes with a 2 amp rapid charging base, anc can be fully recharged in less than two hours. It has both a forward and reverse, and with a push of a button you can start drilling. It also has planetary gears, heavy duty internals, impact absorbing filament handles, and sleek ergonomic controls with a deadman safety switch for added protection.

Eskimo Sting Ray 8 Inch Power Ice Auger

Affordable, yet feature packed, the Eskimo® Sting Ray Power Ice Auger has a 33cc Viper engine and 8 inch Quantum dual stainless steel blades for amazing drilling speed. It has a centering ring on the auger to prevent drilling angled holes. It has a primer button to get a quick and easy start every time It also has a see thru gas tank so you can check the fuel level at a quick glance, a muffler guard, and blade protector. It boasts an engine capable of 8,000 RPM, and has a 49 to 1 gear reation. The ice auger length is 8 feet. Comes with a two year manufactureres warranty for peace of mind. Very durable, and dependable, for reliable use season after season.

BEST ICE FISHING SHELTERS & SLEDS

Ice Fishing Shelters

Ice fishing is a fun type of fishing that involves using an ice auger to drill a hole into the ice to fish in. When you find a lake that the top several inches freeze completely solid during the winter, thick enough to safely walk on, find a good spot to set up your ice fishing setup. Drill a few fishing holes using your ice auger. Drop your line down through the hold, and setup an ice fishing shelter, which is like a tent that will protect you from the freezing air, wind, and snow to keep you warm so you can fish longer without getting too cold and uncomfortable. The higher end ice fishing shelters are insulated, setup in an instant, and come with an ice sled to haul it and your fishing gear to you ice fishing location on the lake itself. These ice fishing shelters go nicely with a new ice fishing augers to keep make quick work of drilling your ice holes so you can do more fishing, and less work while out fishing on the ice.

Clam X200 Pro Thermal XT Ice Fishing Shelter

The Clam 200XT thermal ice fishing shelter is spacious and warm, providing extreme stability for two anglers. It has a fast and easy setup. The full thermal skin retains heat, and reduces condensation for it’s rugged and durable 1800 total denier fabric. It has full 90g/m2 insulation, with extreme weather ready 1 ¼ ince pole system for total stability. The XT design has easy entry, with more headroom space. It has two deluxe padded swivel seats with storage hammocks. You can move boths seats from front to back and left to right.

Clam X300 Pro Thermal Ice Fishing Shelter

The Clam X300 Pro Thermal Ice Fishing Shelter is the perfect ice fishing shelter for fishing guides, or families, or anyone that wants to have three seats in a Fish Trap. The Side Door System lets ice anglers get in and out of the side doors easily without having to step over ice fishing holes or gear. It is constructed with a super heavy thermal skin made of 1800 Denier fabric that retains heat and reduces condensation to keep fishermen comfortable all day, protecting them from the cold, freezing wind, and snow.

Otter Outdoors XT Pro Resort Ice Fishing Shelter

Otter is known for it’s high quality, and innovative designs. The Otter Outdoors XT PRO X OVER Resort Ice Fishing Shelter Series are full of cutting edge design and engineering features that will improve your ice fishing experience. Protecting your fishing group from the freezing cold while you comfortably fish in the warmth and shelter of this ice fishing shelter. This shelter features side entry doors making it easier to exit the shelter without having to step over ice holes and your fishing gear. It provides you with 35 square feet of shelter that holds up to three fishermen. Heavy 1,200 denier layering insulation provides protection from the wind and the freezing cold. Quilted thermal inner shell locks in the warmth and reduces condensation build up. There is also a rear access door so you can get your gear without entering the shelter itself. Includes a 100% RotoMolded Otter Pro Sled with Molded in Hitch Pockets, a Cross Link Seating System with three deluxe padded swivel seats, with an aluminum seat rail with top mounted seats.

Frabill Ice Hunter SideStep 285 Ice Fishing Shelter

The Frabill Ice Hunter SideStep™ 285 Ice Fishing Shelter is a large shelter to protect you from the cold weather when you and your group are ice fishing. It's the largest shelter on the market with SideStep entry, Frabill's entry system for easier interior access. This ice fishing shelter is perfect for two fishermen, that can sit on top of two plush boat seats. Has convenient gear pockets for additional storage and panoramic views through the large front window. This ice shelter is durably designed, so the Ice Hunter SideStep 285 ice fishing shelter will last season after season and is sure to land you more icy bites than ever, since you will be able to brave the elements longer and fishing longer.

Cabela's Wide Bottom Insulated Ice Fishing Shelter

Fish in comfort with lots of room in the Cabela's® Wide Bottom Insulated Ice Fishing Shelter. This ice fishing shelter is both warm and spacious, and is large enough for five to seven fishermen as it has 109 square feet of fishing space for your fishing group and ice fishing gear. It is made with 600 denier three layer insulated fabric in warm, heat absorbing colors. It is supported by heavy duty 11mm solid fiberglass poles for the strength needed to stand up against the elements. It has strong durable hubs, and the square hub bolt has a large pull strap for quick and easy setup and takedown. It has two large entrance doors, two vents to keep fresh air circulating freely inside the tent, and 8 TPU side windows for all around viewing and natural light to shine in. It has built in storage for your crew that includes four large internal pockets and square overhead netting. The ice shelter comes with twelve ice anchors and an ice anchor adapter. It has a large snow skirt that helps to eliminate updrafts. The high visibility reflective ribbing provides you with safety visibility at night for added safety. Includes a roomy carrying bag that will actually hold the tent once it’s folded up. About The Author Mike Mendenhall is the the founder of Mendenhall Outdoors. This website is an extension of the Mendenhall family’s lifestyle and passion for the great outdoors. Everything that they learn, and experience, along the way that they find may be valuable to our website visitors is on the site for you to enjoy. We highlight products and services that you might find interesting. We frequently receive free products from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. If you click a link on this page, then go on to make a purchase, we might receive a commission – at no extra cost to you, and does not impact the purchase price of any products that you may purchase. The Best Ice Fishing Gear Shopping Experience Awaits!