Ice Fishing 2025 Must-Haves: Beyond the Basics
The crisp air, the thrill of the bite, the majesty of a frozen lake - ice fishing is a unique and rewarding experience. But being prepared can mean the difference between a memorable day and a miserable one. Here's a look at some essential gear to add to your ice fishing arsenal this season, beyond the rods, reels, and lures.
Safety First
Ice fishing demands prioritizing safety. Invest in a high-quality float jacket and bibs like the Striker Climate. These will keep you afloat in case you take a tumble through the ice. Clam Floating Ice Picks are another essential - hopefully they won’t need to be used, but just in case the ice gives way, they can be used to pull yourself out of the icy water. Yaktrax ice cleats will give you added stability when walking on ice, providing traction on the slippery surface.
Seeing is Believing
Finding fish is key to a successful ice fishing trip. Garmin’s Panoptix live sonar system uses revolutionary technology to create a real-time, three-dimensional view of what’s below the ice, allowing you to see fish and underwater structures. For a more budget-friendly option, Vexilar’s Sonar Flasher provides vital information on water depth and fish location through sonar technology. The best scenario is to combine these two technologies: use the Panoptix to locate where the fish are and the best spot to drill your holes and then use the Vexilar as you jig, keeping track of your bait in comparison to the lake floor and the fish. You’ll be ready for a fish fry in no time!
No Icy Phones
Most of us don't go into the next room without our phones much less onto the ice for the day. Besides, we need to have it handy to take a photo of the big catch! One thing that could ruin a day on the ice is having that smartphone slip from your cold fingers and right into your fishing hole. The Pulpo Cell Phone Lanyard secures your phone to your body, keeping it safe and within reach.
Hands-Free Strike Setting
JawJackers take the effort out of ice jigging. These innovative devices automatically set the hook when a fish bites, so you can focus on fighting the fish, not missing the crucial hookset.
Warm Feet, Happy Feet
Staying warm is crucial for enjoying your ice fishing experience. Thermrup Heated insoles provide customizable warmth directly to your feet. No more frozen toes!
Rugged Protection
This list wouldn't be complete without our very own Rugged Toppers! Ice fishing takes a lot of gear, and you want the flexibility to be able to move from spot to spot as you chase the fish throughout the day. Rugged UTV Toppers are the perfect solution for transporting your ice fishing gear across snow and ice. They protect your expensive equipment from the elements and keep your UTV bed clean and organized. With a Rugged UTV Topper, you can spend less time worrying about your gear and more time enjoying the thrill of the ice.