Fishing season doesn’t have to end once the weather turns cold; plenty of anglers simply shift into ice fishing season! Ice fishing is popular in the northern United States, where there are plenty of opportunities to make a catch throughout the winter. As long as you can handle the cold, you can enjoy a day of ice fishing!
There are differences, however, between ice fishing and normal inshore fishing. Some of those differences include the gear that you’ll need. Check out our complete list of ice fishing gear so that you’re prepared for some hard water fishing!
Ice Fishing Equipment
To go ice fishing, you’ll need the right gear. As the very least, you’ll need an ice fishing rod, reel, tackle, and something to drill a hole through the ice. There’s more where that came from though, and to make the most of your ice fishing trip, you’ll probably want some extra gear.
Keep in mind that an ice fishing rod and reel are different than your typical rod and reel. Ice fishing requires shorter, lightweight gear to navigate a small hole in the ice. You should also consider the type of fishing line you choose, as cold water fishing can affect lines and how fish bite. Other tackle like lures and baits should be chosen based on what fish you’re targeting.
Essential Ice Fishing Gear List:
- Ice fishing rod
- Ice fishing reel
- Ice auger or drill
- Ice fishing line
- Ice fishing lures
- Ice fishing bait
- Terminal tackle (pliers, weights, a knife or scissors, hooks, bobbers)
- Ice fishing tip up
- Ice fishing bucket
- Ice fishing spear
- Cooler
- Fishing license (dependent on state and local laws)
Ice Fishing Safety Gear
Slippery ice is dangerous, and the added possibility of falling into the freezing water makes ice fishing a dangerous sport. There are certain safety items that we consider necessary, and we highly recommend taking every safety precaution to protect yourself from accidents.
Ice Fishing Safety List:
- Ice picks for ice fishing
- Ice cleats
- First aid kit
- Life jacket or PFD
- Sunglasses
- Heaters
Ice Fishing Clothing
The clothes you wear while ice fishing go hand-in-hand with ice fishing safety. Frostbite is a real possibility, especially if you get wet while spending long periods of time in freezing weather. Be sure to bundle up with a warm coat, layers, boots, gloves, and more. Pack extra socks in case your feet get wet.
Ice Fishing Apparel List:
- Ice fishing boots with cleats
- Ice fishing jacket (or a heavy winter coat)
- Ice fishing pants (or snow pants)
- Ice fishing suit
- Ice fishing gloves
- Ice fishing hat
- Ice fishing bib
Ice Fishing Accessories
This may seem like plenty of gear already, but there are other pieces of gear you can use while ice fishing as well. These aren’t necessarily essentials, but they can help improve your experience and help you make a great catch.
Other Ice Fishing Gear:
- Ice fishing shelter or tent
- Ice fishing flasher or fish finder
- Ice scoop
- Ice fishing hole cover
- Ice fishing seat
- Ice fishing sled
- Ice Fishing Camera
Pack Your Winter Fishing Gear and Get Out on the Ice!
Use our checklist to make sure you’re ready for your next big ice fishing trip! Whether you want to pack light and stick to the essentials or bring all your ice fishing gear so you’re totally prepared, our gear list can help double check that you have the equipment you need. Stay safe out on the ice and be sure to bundle up and stay warm!
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