Obviously ice fishing is different from fishing on open water and requires some equipment that is not needed in other fishing situations. Here is a list of things that will make getting started in ice fishing more enjoyable and hopefully more successful.
Safety First!
Safety on the ice can not be overemphasized!
All types of fishing require a certain amount of regard for remaining safe. Drowning is always a concern around water. Ice fishing brings concerns of hypothermia into the sport. Warm clothes are an obvious choice considering the temperatures encountered. High quality gloves or mittens are definitely a necessity as well as the proper boots.
Traction on the ice is very important, as even rough surfaces of ice can be treacherous. A fall on the ice can easily break bones. Sold under many trade names, ice cleats are a great help in improving traction.
One of the most important considerations in ice fishing safety is what to do if you fall through the ice. A real, literally, life saver is to have and use ice fishing picks. Ice fishing picks consist of a pair of wood or plastic hand holds with a metal spike protruding from each one. The hand holds are attached by a cord that is worn through the sleeves of the outer garment. Another item to carry is a length of rope of at least 30 feet with a knot tied every 18-24 inches.
Let’s Get Fishing!
The first piece of specialized equipment needed is an auger to make fishing holes in the ice. A manual auger can be purchased for as little as $65 with gas-powered augers costing up to several hundreds of dollars. In areas with a short ice season, ice thickness seldom is greater than 12 inches and a manual auger is fine. Where ice more than 12 inches is regularly encountered a gas-powered auger can be a good investment.
A sled or large bucket is another piece of equipment that will make your outings more enjoyable. Hauling rods and reels, auger and other assorted gear to your final fishing location will be cumbersome at best without something to carry them in. I prefer to travel light and a five-gallon bucket works fine for me, providing a seat when fishing. For large groups or when a heavy gas-powered auger is used, a sled can make hauling gear as easy as walking.
Rods, Reels and Tip-Ups
Standard light to medium rods and reels will work in a pinch but specialized rods make the sport more efficient. Most rods made for ice fishing range from 16 to 24 inches in length with some measuring up to 36 inches. The relative short length makes maneuvering over an ice hole more manageable. Ice-specific rods also feature larger eyes than standard fishing rods. Choose a rod that is suitable for the size of fish you are after. Landing a large lake trout or musky might prove difficult on a rod designed for perch.
A small to medium spinning reel is suitable for 95% of all ice fishing situations. These reels are simple to operate and allow the line and bait to free-fall easier than other types of reels. Spool your reel with a line manufactured for ice fishing to achieve best results. Some modern monofilament lines work just fine in most conditions however some lines become brittle in extremely cold conditions reducing knot and stretch strength.
A tip-up is a spring-loaded device that takes the place of a rod and reel. The tip-up is placed over the ice hole. The line and lure or bait are positioned and loaded. When a fish strikes, the spring action sets the hook and sends a flag up alerting the angler. Some ice anglers prefer this method to rod and reel fishing as a change of pace.
Jigs, Baits and Such
As with most fishing situations there are as many ways to ice fish as there are fishermen. Arguably the most productive ice fishing is done with a jig or ice fly and bait. The standard for most species is a jig or ice fly and bait.
Ice fishing jigs and flies come in many colors, styles and sizes to match the species being targeted. As a rule of thumb the size of the jig and bait used directly corresponds to the size of the targeted fish. Jigging spoons and lures also come in a wide variety to match many situations.
Baits used in ice fishing run the gamut of baits used for other types of fishing. Minnows, night crawlers, mealworms, waxworms and preserved baits are the most commonly used. Live minnows and chubs are without a doubt the most productive overall bait for the medium to large fish species. Mealworms and waxworms are beetle and moth larva respectively and excellent baits where live minnows are prohibited.
Other Useful Gear
- An ice scoop, to clear out and keep ice from clogging your fishing hole.
- "Hot hands" type hand warmers.
- Needle-nosed pliers or hook remover.
- A towel, very useful for drying hands and handling fish.
- Hook sharpener.
- Auger blade sharpener.
As with any other sport, an extensive list of gear and equipment can be amassed to make the activity as comfortable or complicated as desired depending on your perspective. This list of gear and equipment is adequate to get you started or carry you through many enjoyable seasons.
