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You’d think ice fishing would be about as simple and straightforward as an outdoor activity can get. You’re essentially sitting on a frozen lake, after all, with a fishing rod in your hands. That sounds pretty straightforward to us! However, it’s not quite that simple… There are actually several factors to take into account before heading out onto the ice. For instance, how thick is the ice? Where is it safe to venture and where might there be hidden dangers? How cold will it get? And so on… It is much trickier than you might think! As such, we thought we’d put together this guide on everything you need to know before setting off on your own personal mission to find the perfect piece of ice that meets your needs and requirements. So read on for our essential ice fishing tips…
Decide on your equipment
There are some essential pieces of equipment that every ice angler should have in their tackle box before they set off on their trip. And remember, having the right equipment and tackle can make a huge difference the success of your ice fishing trip.
- Efficient Ice Fishing Jigs: The 30pcs ice fishing jigs set cointains 6 different kinds of shapes fishing jigs and different colors for each shape to meet all your needs.
- Glow in Dark: Ice fishing jigs have luminous effects, Great for darker water and low-light conditions, the micro ice jigs have the ability to attract fish from a wider area. Note: When using luminous...
- Attractive Jigs: Fishing jigs have a highly reflective baitfish image and large 3-D eyes. Solid colors and highly detailed paint finishes keep the hook bright, makes ice fishing jigs more attractive.
- High Sharpness: The hook can effectively ensure the continuous sharpness of the hook tip after repeated grinding, and has a barb, reduce the probability of decoupling, increase the possibility of...
- Target Multiple Fishing Species: This attractive ice fishing jig with a sharp hook and a soft bait will attract more species such as crappie, panfish, bluegill, pike, bass and walleye. A great Ice...
- Creative Design: The retractable design allows you to adjust the length you want. The longest length can be adjusted to 31.7inch, which helps the fisherman to fish out the broken ice when ice fishing.
- Material: The ice scoop is made of high quality plastic and the pole is made of aluminum alloy. Sturdy and durable, it can be used for a long time. Keep fishing hole clear of ice and snow with ice...
- Easy to Use: This ice Scooper is very hardy in the cold winter, comfortable in the hand, and easy to carry and store. When not in use, contraction can be stored, do not take up too much space.
- Ideal Gift: It can be used as a gift for friends who like ice fishing. For ice fishing enthusiasts, ice skimmer scoop is a good helper, can better clean the ice.
- Tips: If you are not satisfied for any reason, just return for a refund of your purchase price; we promise 24 hours customer support, please feel free to contact us for any product & order problem.
- Frabill | Trusted By Anglers Since 1938
- Ice picks help you climb out in the event of an emergency situation where you fall through the ice
- Designed to be worn | Simply hold one handle in each hand then put on your jacket or coat | Ice Picks will stay at the base of your sleeve to be easily within reach in the event of an emergency
- Retractable guard on each pick
- Cord stretches to 72 inches
- Key Features – Waterproof and windproof 4 layer construction – insulated mittens with 40 grams of 3M Thinsultate for warmth – 3M Thinsulate is considered “the warmest thin apparel...
- WATERPROOF & WIND PROOF – KastKing PolarBlast mittens are constructed with 4 layers of material to keep your hands warm and dry. The stretch poly fleece outer shell is waterproof and windproof, a...
- EASY TO MANAGE – KastKing PolarBlast mittens quickly convert from cold weather mittens to fingerless gloves. Built-in magnets hold the thumb and finger flaps out of the way for full finger movement...
- ANTI-SLIP PALM – An extra layer of microfiber leather on the palm helps to extend the life of your mittens while the printed polymer pattern provides additional grip strength in any weather...
- Prym1 Camo – “BE THE PREDATOR” with American born Prym1 Camo. KastKing is proud to partner with Stacie Walker a wildlife artist and founder of Prym1 Camo. Stay protected from the elements in...
- KEY FEATURES – KastKing winter fishing gloves for men or women have open finger slots for dexterity - Hook and loop catch holds fingertips open – Smart phone friendly fingertips – Anti-slip palm...
- FUNCTIONAL FINGER SLOTS –Snug fitting slots in 3 fingers and thumb permit you to expose only finger tips and not your whole hand to cold weather. Hook and loop material on the fingers and thumb of...
- SMART PHONE FRIENDLY – Special material integrated into the finger tips allows you to use touch screen phones without exposing your fingers to the elements. Can also be used as photography gloves...
- ANTI-SLIP PALM – Designed with a fleece lining, waterproof back and soft neoprene and microfiber palm, KastKing Mountain Mist gloves will keep your hands warm in cold conditions. The microfiber palm...
- Prym1 Camo – “BE THE PREDATOR” with American born Prym1 Camo. KastKing is proud to partner with Stacie Walker a wildlife artist and founder of Prym2 Camo. Stay protected from the elements in...
Here is what you should consider before setting off:
Check the ice thickness and conditions
Knowing the ice thickness and its condition will help you decide where to go. If you’re fishing on a frozen lake, you can use your foot as a gauge to check the thickness. If you can’t get your foot through the ice, it’s probably safe to fish. But you should also check the thickness with a ruler or an ice spud. Remember, don’t rely on the color of the ice as this can be misleading. Dark-colored lakes are often thicker than lighter colored ones. If you’re fishing on a river, there are a few ways to check the thickness. First, you can use a ruler or an auger. If you hear the sound of water, you’ve hit a soft spot, which means the ice might be thin and unsafe. You can also check the area around the riverbank to see how thick the ice is there and use that as a gauge for the rest of the river.
- 5 AMP HOUR, GEN 1 BATTERY: This Gen 1, 5 Amp Hour battery offers a 60% higher storage capacity than the original ION battery. This extra capacity powers the 8" ION R1 through up to 1600" of ice on a...
- 30% FASTER CUTTING SPEEDS: A re-optimized power system makes the ION R1 more powerful, offering up to 30% faster cutting speeds than previous Gen 1 ION augers.
- ION REVERSE: Reverse eliminates the need for an ice skimmer by flushing the slush ice down the hole.
- HIGH-STRENGTH COMPOSITE POLYMER CUTTING HEAD: Ensures smooth and consistent cutting in all conditions and easily re-drills old holes. Aggressive design cuts through ice quickly with an incredibly...
- AUGER CENTERING POINT: Allows for ultra-precise blade positioning when opening new holes, or re-opening frozen holes.
- CROSS-BOLT TAKEDOWN SYSTEM: Prevents over-tightening when you drill. Superior to screw-together hand augers
- HANDLE AND POMMEL KNOB FOR EASY DRILLING
- DUAL-FLAT BLADES
- BLADE PROTECTOR INCLUDED: Extends the life and sharpness of the blades
- 33CC VIPER 2-CYCLE ENGINE: Cold-weather tested
- QUANTUM AUGER: Ideal for re-drilling holes with its unique centering ring
- PRECISION, STAINLESS STEEL BLADES: Blades last longer and hold their edge in dirty ice. Blade protector included to help further extend the life of your blades
- STAINLESS CENTERING POINT: Keeps the auger stable on uneven ice, or when re-drilling old holes
- ALL-METAL TRANSMISSION: Offers optimum gearing
- CENTERING ICE POINT: The 8" Pistol Bit (#35600) features a centering point to help keep the bit in place when initializing the cut.
- ENGINEERED NYLON/POLYMER FLITE: Keeps the unit lightweight while maintaining flexibility and impact resistance in cold temperatures.
- HEXAGONAL, ALUMINUM INNER STEM SHAFT: Efficiently transfers power from drill to cutting head.
- HIGH-STRENGTH POLYMER CUTTING HEAD: Reliable performance in all conditions. Aggressive design cuts through ice quickly and smoothly.
- REPLACEABLE STEEL BLADES: Dual flat steel blades offer smooth cutting and breakthrough. Can be replaced.
- 2 in 1 Drill: you can easily convert your auger from a Handy auger to a Electric auger by adding a power head(provide by yourself); The ice auger bit is equipped with an adapter and a top plate. The...
- High-Performance Drilling: The ice drill auger’s effective length is: 41 inches, rotating diameter: 6 inches, weight: 5.3 lbs. It is the ideal choice for ice fishing, science exploration, etc.
- Adjustable Handle and Comfortable Grip: Five adjustable height settings safety cover, adjusts from 48" - 64", suitable for various ice scenes. The ergonomically designed handle system uses foam...
- Dual-Flat Blades : Stainless Steel Blades are designed to stay sharp longer, and Blade Protector Protect the blade from damage and extend the life of the product
- One Year Warranty: Welcome to contact us by email for any questions, we'll reply within 24 hours
Bundle up!
You might think that you don’t need to bundle up as you’re fishing in the cold. However, this is not the case. Ice fishing can actually be a very dangerous activity and the cold weather can be just as much a threat as the ice. That’s why it’s very important to bundle up correctly and prepare for the worst. This will not only help you protect yourself from the cold, but also from the dangers of ice fishing. When choosing your ice fishing clothing, it’s best to go for a thick and warm material, as thinner fabrics will not keep you warm in freezing temperatures. You should also look for fabrics that are water-resistant or water-repellent. This will help protect you from the elements and keep you dry and warm as you fish on the ice.
- HIGH-QUALITY OUTDOOR GEAR - Striker Trekker Bib for men is the best option for early and late ice, as well as cold and windy tournament days on the boat; It is built with super-tough 600-denier fabric...
- WELL-DESIGNED - These lighter-insulated but extremely tough Trekker Bibs from Striker will keep you protected, afloat, and warm; With an adjustable inseam and fast drain hems, they provide comfortable...
- SUREFLOTE FLOTATION TECHNOLOGY - Our unique Sureflote Flotation technology can keep an average person afloat for up to 2 hours; This technology has saved a number of lives over the years by providing...
- THERMADEX INSULATION - The Striker Trekker Bib is built with Thermadex technology that provides you with optimal warmth without all the extra bulk that comes with other insulating jackets; With 150 g...
- WIDE RANGE OF USES - These outdoor bibs are the perfect working man's accessory, but they can also be used during other activities where extreme weather could be a major factor, like skiing or...
- Superior Waterproof Fabric - The Ice Fishing Bibs have a guaranteed water resistance due to DWR Coated Polyester and TPU Coating, all seams are taped for 100% waterproofing. Piscifun’s unique fabric...
- Safe Flotation Design - Due to the new buoyant cotton material, Piscifun ice fishing bibs are warm and an will keep an adult afloat in the event you may fall through the ice while fishing. There is a...
- Warm & Windproof - Piscifun Ice Fishing Bibs use our windproof surface fabric paired with 100% Polyester thermal insulation cotton to provide extreme comfort and warmth. The flannelette lining pockets...
- Wear Resistant & Protective - Use wear resistant materials for knees and hips, and provide an EVA protection plate on knees ,double protection from frostbite. Reflective strips spread over the chest,...
- High Quality and User Friendly - YKK two-way main zipper makes it easy to put on and take off; The underarm sides and waist are made of elastic design, which can accommodate any shape and get a good...
- HEAVY-DUTY HARDWATER JACKET - The Striker Ice Hardwater Jacket is made with unique materials that set it apart from other fishing jackets for men; The 600D Endura Shell provides extra warmth and the...
- SUREFLOTE FLOTATION ASSISTANCE - Our unique Sureflote Flotation technology can keep an average person afloat for up to 2 hours; This technology has saved a number of lives over the years by providing...
- THERMADEX TECHNOLOGY - The Striker Ice Hardwater Jacket is built with Thermadex technology that provides you with optimal warmth without all the extra bulk that comes with other insulating jackets;...
- COLD-WEATHER COAT - Built to withstand extreme conditions and low temperatures, the Striker Ice Hardwater Jacket is a great addition to your outdoor apparel and winter gear; With this heavy-duty...
- HIGH-QUALITY OUTDOOR GEAR - This Hardwater Jacket is the perfect working man's accessory, but it can also be used during other activities where extreme weather could be a major factor, like skiing or...
- HIGH-QUALITY OUTDOOR GEAR - Striker Hardwater bibs are smart tech, wrapped in a 600D Endura shell that allows you to never hesitate when hooking up a sled, kneeling in slush, or fixing an ATV in the...
- WELL-DESIGNED - Striker Hardwater Bibs are your armor; With an adjustable inseam and hook-and-loop bottom cuffs, they provide comfortable protection; New tackle-friendly features like the Line Cutterz...
- SUREFLOTE FLOTATION TECHNOLOGY - Our unique Sureflote Flotation technology can keep an average person afloat for up to 2 hours; This technology has saved a number of lives over the years by providing...
- THERMADEX INSULATION - The Striker Hardwater Bibs are built with Thermadex technology that provides you with optimal warmth without all the extra bulk that comes with other insulating jackets; With...
- WIDE RANGE OF USES - These Hardwater Bibs are the perfect working man's accessory, but they can also be used during other activities where extreme weather could be a major factor, like skiing or...
Ice fishing nets
An ice fishing net can be a very useful tool to have on hand. Ice fishing nets are designed to help you bring your catch up from the frozen depths without having to break the ice. These come in many different forms and styles, with some being more suitable for particular fishing styles and terrains than others. There are a few things you should consider when choosing an ice fishing net. The first is the size of the net. This is particularly important if you’re planning to fish in a large group with a variety of people of different ages. You don’t want to end up with a net that is too small for the intended user! Another thing to consider is the material of the net. Ice fishing nets are available in a few different materials. You can choose between metal and plastic ice fishing nets.
- Durable Material: Ice fishing well is made of nylon, which is a breathable and fast drying material, with wear resistance and durability, frost resistance. It is extremely easy to wash and suitable...
- Exquisite Design: Adjust the drawstring by sliding plastic stoppers to prevent fishes escaping from the fishing basket.In addition, you can attach a towing rope to prevent fish from escaping. There is...
- Portable and compact: These live fish baskets are light in weight, which can be folded easily for carry and storage, compact size after folding,easy to carry and save space.
- Easy to Use: If you do not like cleaning fish in cold winter, fishnet bags are a good choice. You can clean fish by pulling them in the water several times. And you can float it alongside kayak or...
- Multi-Function: Ice fish catching basket can be applicable in cold winter, and also can be placed in the ice fishing hole to keep the fish alive. Great for catching shrimp, crawfish, fish, lobster,...
- PREMIUM FIBERGLASS METERAIL : Featured with High-density carbon fiber mixed with fiberglass pole which makes the fishing net solid and durable, ensure long term performance and reliable use.
- DURABLE RUBBER COATED MESH : Waterproof and non-absorbent rubber coating is knotless to prevent fishhooks from getting tangled.Lightweight soft mesh will not damage fish. This fishing net can be...
- TELESCOPIC FISH LANDING NET : Foldable design, retractable pole and ultralight framework ensures you can carry and keep this net with ease. Skid-resistant EVA handle help you catch fish safely and...
- EASY TO OPERATE : Specially designed with rotary switch for easily locking and fastening.You can easily adjust the pole to a suitable length.
- Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions for product of you buy. We will reply your email solve your problem within 24 hours.
- 🐟【High Material】Ice fishing well made of nylon material ,cold resistant,frost resistant,easy to clean,and not easy to crack.The nylon bait net can protect fish well,works great for keeps fish...
- 🐟【Appropriate Size】The inlet diameter of the product about 9 inches,suitable for the vast majority of ice fishing holes.
- 🐟【Reliable Design】Adjust the drawstring by sliding plastic stoppers to prevent fishes escaping from the fishing basket.Come with a ice fishing accessories,you can attach a towing rope to...
- 🐟【Foldable and Portable】The single fish baskets just 3.5oz, which can be folded easily for carry and storage.
- 🐟【Multi-Function】 Ice fishing bucket can be applicable in cold winter, which can be placed in the ice fishing hole to keep the fish fresh. It also can be used as live bait bucket,minnow...
- Frabill | Trusted By Anglers Since 1938
- This minnow net features a molded polyethylene net guard that eliminates abrasion when scraped against the inside of bait tanks
- Nylon mesh netting is soft and bait friendly
- Lightweight floating handle for easy retrieval if dropped
- Great for bait dealers
- NO-SLIP LOOP ATTACHMENTS – Firm loop and belt system securely attaches net to shelter frame.
- QUALITY CONSTRUCTION – Reinforced netting holds gear firmly within the cargo net.
- STOW-READY FLEXIBILITY – Can be stowed while attached to shelter frame, or easily removed.
Tips for safe ice fishing
– Be careful at the edge of the ice. The ice may look thick but there can be soft spots that you cannot see.
– Wear warm clothes and keep dry and warm. You don’t want to go into hypothermia as this can be fatal.
– Wear safety gear such as a life jacket and a helmet.
– Avoid driving on the ice. You never know how thick it might be and it can break at any moment.
– Don’t go alone. Always go with a buddy and let someone know where you are going.
– Take a first aid kit with you in case of an emergency.
– Stay away from gas-drilling rigs.
– Use a fish finder to locate your best fishing spots.
– Use an ice spud to test the thickness of the ice.
– Avoid going alone if you have no experience.
– Stay away from pressure ridges and cracks.
– Use an auger to test the thickness of the ice.
– Call for help if you get stuck in the ice.
– Remember to use caution and always be careful.
– Be prepared for the worst and hope for the best.
Conclusion
If you’ve never tried ice fishing before, now is the perfect time to go! It’s the perfect activity to do with friends, family, and loved ones, to enjoy the last weeks of winter and the first weeks of spring. Just make sure you know what you’re doing before you set off and take all the right precautions and gear!
