Ice Fishing Gear and Equipment

What equipment is necessary for ice fishing? It all depends on your dedication to the sport.


To safely make your way to the right spot and back home:

• Sled for auger or your vehicle if the ice is thick enough.
• Spud bar (to test the ice)
• Ice cleats
• Ice picks
• Rope
• Compass and/or GPS
• Fish Finder

To drill and maintain the holes:

• Ice auger
• Small shovel
• Ice scoop

To Fish:



If you intend on holding your rods: One or Two ice fishing rods. These are much shorter than regular rods (24-36 inches), they have very large line guides (so the ice doesn't get stuck). Ideally the rods will be quite sensitive, but still be able to handle larger fish. Your rods should have very small spinning reels, baitcaster reels, or even small fly reels if you prefer. Use 4-8 pound test ice line.

If you would rather fish many holes at once while doing something else: Tip-ups (see regulations for maximum number of tip-ups allowed per person). These devices come in various shapes and functions. Essentially they are devices that can be left more or less unattended. When fish strikes, a flag will be tripped and the spool will spin, indicating a fish is running with your bait.

• Bait bucket
• Minnows, worms, leeches, soft plastics baits, ice jigs, spoons, etc.
• Split shots, hooks, ice fishing bobbers, bobber stops with beads
• Needle nose pliers, finger nail clippers
• Mouth spreader
• Hook sharpener
• Leaders for tip-ups
• Quickstrike rigs for tip-ups
• Strike sensors for tip-ups
• Gaff (for large fish)

For your comfort:

• A 5 gallon bucket (this will be your seat and will hold your gear)
• Hand warmers
• Ice Fishing Shelter or Cabin
• Propane heater
• Matches or Lighter (for propane heater)

Nice to have:

• Camera
• Ice Anchoring System
• Small flashlight
• Lantern
• Cell-phone
• Underwater camera
• Two-way radios

Don't forget:

• Food
• Drinks
• Hand Towel
• Sunglasses
• Fishing License

And for the kids:

• Extra gloves
• Tissues
• Snacks
• A small sled to entertain them