Ice Fishing Tackle & Gear

Ice Fishing

Ice fishing is a popular sport in cold weather climates, and FishUSA has all the ice fishing accessories anglers need to satisfy their passion for this chilly pastime.

Why do anglers choose ice fishing? It could be that they want to get out of the house and into the open air. They may be going through withdrawal and need a fishing fix. Or, they want to enjoy the company of fellow anglers who like to shoot the breeze as they huddle near that hole in the ice, waiting for the next bite. Whatever your motivation, let FishUSA help you catch something besides a chill when you're ice fishing.

Essential Ice Fishing Gear

One angler's must-have is another's nice-to-have, but there are some essentials that everyone can agree on. Here is a list of the tools all ice anglers need to bring:

• Ice Fishing Apparel: Look at the weather report and subtract 20 degrees. That'll give you an idea of what you should wear. Start with insulated base layers, add sweats and a hoodie, an insulated flannel shirt and wool pullover. Don't forget the waterproof insulated socks, insulated gloves and hat. Top it all off with a buff. It's also a good idea to bring along a pair of sunglasses.
• Ice Fishing Equipment: It will be a quick fishing trip if you can't drill a hole in the ice. For that, you'll need an ice auger. If the ice is thicker than 8 inches, you'll want to make that a gas- or battery-powered auger. Safety gear is also among the ice fishing accessories considered a must. Remember to bring a life jacket, ice picks, a spud bar and rope. If you're a novice, take the time to read up on safety tips for ice anglers and how to use ice fishing equipment safely.
• Ice Fishing Rods & Reels: What species are you fishing for, where are you fishing and what ice fishing lures are you using? The answers will tell you what ice rods and ice reels you need for a successful outing on the ice.
• Hook & Line: Most folks use the hook that comes with their bait, but you're better off swapping out those cheap hooks for ones of better quality. Round bend trebles are a good choice because they allow for an excellent hookup ratio in cold water.

As for line, There are many types of specialized ice fishing line. Ice braid, fluorocarbon, and monofilament are all designed to keep from freezing in harsh winter conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ice Fishing

Whether you've been ice fishing for years or you've only thought about trying it, you probably have a question or two for us. We've answered a few of them here, but please let us know if you need more info on ice fishing, gear or any related topic.

What Is a Tip-Up?

In ice fishing, a tip-up is used to hold bait at a set depth through the hole you've drilled in the ice. A tip-up detects when a fish strikes and triggers a flag that pops up. You can then retrieve your catch through the hole.

Is it Better to Use Live or Artificial Ice Fishing Lures?

In most cases, live bait outperforms its artificial counterpart, but not always. Just make sure that your bait doesn't freeze.

What Type of Fish Can I Catch While Ice Fishing?

The most popular species to target through the ice include:

• Northern Pike
• Walleye
• Perch
• Crappie
• Lake Trout
• Bass
• Sunfish