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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.
- ✔UPGRADED FISH GRIPPER- ZACX improved the length of EVA Foam Handle till to 4.3inch for this classic T-handle grabber, this new fishing lip gripper with ergonomic to enhance hand strength and reduce...
- ✔NEW DESIGN FISHING PLIER- New aluminum fishing pliers, it’s feature elegant hollow out design and machine cut aluminum handles for reduced weight, multi-functional for braid line cutters split...
- ✔MORE CONVENIENT OPERATE- Higher quality spring loaded handle keeps it open freely, super easy to use by one hand, come with lanyard which prevent accidental loss and always easy to reach
- ✔STURDY AND DURABILITY- These pliers and grippers are ideal for both freshwater and harsh saltwater environments, corrosion resistant, extremely light for long time fishing trip
- ✔BEST GIFT FOR FISHMAN- Cool gift for angler friends or family. Such as Father's Day or Valentine's Day Style A Package: 1x fishing gripper; Style B Package: 1x Fishing Tool Set ( 1 fish lip gripper...
- Increase your chances for success on the ice this season with the Dr.Fish Ice Catcher 24" Ice Fishing Rod Reel Combo Complete Kit with Backpack Seat.
- 24” ice fishing rod features solid graphite blank provides superior sensitivity and comfortable handles ensure comfortable operation in freezing winter.Rod type: spinning
- 5BB spinning reel with spare spool makes everything easier to bring crappie, pike and walleyes up on the ice.
- Amazing assortment of ice fishing lures including balanced lure like jig rap, jigger shads, jig head and soft plastic worm. All in the most productive pattern.
- Other key unit including two ice bomber, one backpack seat, one storage box. All are strictly selected to assist ice anglers to catch more walleyes, pikes and crappies on the ice.
- 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
- Increase your chances for success on the ice this season with the Dr.Fish Ice Catcher 26 inch Ice Fishing Rod Reel Combo Complete Kit. Small and easy to carry.
- 26 inch Ice Fishing Rod. It features imitation wood EVA grips + ABS reel seat + stainless steel guide rings that provide superior sensitivity and comfortable handles ensure comfortable operation in...
- 800 Lightweight Ice Fishing Reel. Graphite to increase its strength and durability, light and flexible. Rotor equalizing system and long cast spool. precision machined pinion gear and superior line...
- An amazing assortment of ice fishing lures including 6 pack colorful ice fishing jigs, 7 pack green grub lures jig head, 50 pack red soft plastic worms. All in the most productive pattern.
- Other key units include 26 inch fishing rods, size 800 fishing reel with 2 pack ice fishing floats and 1 pack durable plastic box that provides all you need for ice fishing for walleyes, pikes and...
- Perfect Fishing Gifts For Men
- Dual Structure with Cooler: MATEIN fishing backpack builds a large front-loading cooler compartment that could hold four 3600 tackle boxes. Benefit from its high quality insulated material, you could...
- Organization System & Rod Holder: The fishing backpack with rod holder is specially designed with upper storage area with webbing throughout for your pliers, bass lures, hunting knives, poles and all...
- Saltwater Resistant & Sturdy: The tackle backpack is made of sturdy premium nylon fabrics which are extremely water-resistant. Paired with anti-rust Zinc alloy zipper, its unique saltwater-resistance...
- More Comfortable: The back panel and shoulder straps have strapssoft padding and are covered with breathable mesh with ergonomically design, you can still feel comfortable even been wearing this large...
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
- WEIGHS UNDER 22 LB – Maximized power and minimized weight, the ION Alpha is the lightest 40V series of augers in the world—as much as 40% lighter than the competition.
- BEST-IN-CLASS CUTTING SPEED – Delivers an average cutting speed up to 2.2 IPS (inches per second) based on over 10,000 test holes in varying ice conditions.
- BEST-IN-CLASS 40V PERFORMANCE – The Alpha Series offers the best power-to-weight ratio of any electric auger ever made.
- TURBO HIGH-SPEED CUTTING SYSTEM – An aggressive new cutting system that smoothly and efficiently bores through the ice to open new holes, or re-drill old holes with minimal resistance.
- UP TO 1200 INCHES PER CHARGE – Includes (1) 4Ah ION Gen 3 battery, powering the 10" Alpha through up to 1200 inches of ice per charge.
- (2) 4 AMP HOUR, GEN 2 BATTERIES: Includes (2) two powerful ION 4Ah Gen 2 batteries in the box, featuring the latest battery technology—maximized for cold weather application. These batteries offer...
- UP TO 2400 TOTAL INCHES OF ICE: Each battery cuts up to 1200 inches of ice per charge for a total of 2400 total inches of drilling power.
- ULTRA LIGHTWEIGHT, EASY TO CARRY: At only 17 pounds, the 8" ION G2 weighs at least 23% less than the closest 40V competitor.
- STATE OF THE ART G2 POWERHEAD: The ION G2 powerhead is designed for ease of use and durability, specifically made for use on the ice and equipped with a high-torque, high-efficiency motor and...
- HIGH-STRENGTH POLYMER FLITE: Engineered to maintain flexibility and impact resistance in cold temperatures, while keeping the unit lightweight.
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.
- This Bigfoot ice fishing apparel is the perfect gift for that special believer close to you. This Yeti fisherman clothing is the perfect surprise gift.
- Are you looking for Sasquatch fishing apparel? Before heading out, toss on this ice fisher garment. Show the world how much you care with this ice auger clothing.
- Lightweight, Classic fit, Double-needle sleeve and bottom hem
- DURADRY POLYESTER FABRIC: Tough and durable, windproof, with DWR, and a 10k/10k Waterproof/Breathable rating.
- HYBRID STYLE: 80gm 3M Thinsulate insulation in the upper body and sleeves, stretch softshell hood with DWR, and windproof fleece lower body for layering under bibs. Seams un-taped to accommodate...
- DRAWCORD HOOD
- HALF-ZIP PULLOVER: Less bulky and stiff—allows for comfortable kangaroo handwarming pocket.
- GEAR STORAGE AND HANDWARMING: Molle with D-ring and two zippered pockets on chest and a lower kangaroo pocket.
- Are you a fisherman? Do you have all the winter fishing equipment and accessories like a fishing rod, jigs, shelter tent and electric ice auger or gas powered post hole digger? This ice fishing...
- This unique design features a ice fishing power auger with the fishing saying: Drill it till it Squirts! Perfect Christmas, holiday, or birthday present for the man who loves to hit the lake for...
- 8.5 oz, Classic fit, Twill-taped neck
- Flotation – Falling into the ice is the biggest danger we face while ice fishing. There is NO reason to wear gear that doesn’t float. Going through the ice with regular gear on means you have to...
- WATERPROOF AND BREATHABLE - 100% Nylon Oxford Fabric with PU coated and 100% Polyester Tricot Lining for comfort whether in cool or warm weather. So when the wind and rain gets bad you will remain dry...
- TONS OF POCKETS - Between the bibs and the jacket, there are 11 big pockets. Both the jacket and the bibs have fleece lined hand warming pockets and pockets large enough for a full size smart phone.
- YKK ZIPPERS - Both the jacket and the bibs have weatherproof YKK Vislon Aquagaurd Zippers. This means you don't need to take you jacket and bibs off to go to the bathroom. That is convenience!
- PROFESSIONAL ICE FISHING COMPANY - Who is Nordic Legend? We are a professional ice fishing equipment supplier. Nordic Legend are always looking for ways to implement the latest features, materials and...
- CLICK Our Brand Link "Black Fly Creations" Top Of Page We Have A HUGE Selection of Fishing and Outdoor Designs For The Entire Family! Outdoor Apparel, Bass Fishing Fly Fishing Apparel Tackle & Fishing...
- Ice Fishing Jigs Flasher Graph Hoodies Shirts For Men Women Boys Girls!
- 8.5 oz, Classic fit, Twill-taped neck
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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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,...
- Durable & buoyant: Shark Shooter Floating Fish Basket is made from tough Nylon coated mesh, ensuring long-lasting performance in the harshest ice fishing conditions. The floatable sponge ring at the...
- Special design: The side zipper of the floating fish basket allows for quick and hassle-free retrieval of your catch, while the reinforced bottom provides a secure hold for your prized fish.
- Convenient Portability: Convenient carry strap, Nylon fishing net can be folded easily for carry and storage.
- Versatile & Practical: Not just for ice fishing, our floating fish basket is also perfect for boating, camping, and other outdoor activities, serving as a versatile storage solution.
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!
