Ice Fishing Equipment
You can get started ice fishing with a minimum amount
of equipment and I have here a list of the basic items that you will need
to make the time you spend on the "hard water" productive and enjoyable.
Remember, you will have to choose your gear to match up with the fish you
are after, the larger the fish, the heavier the tackle.
The first thing you will need as an ice spud or
an auger to get through the ice. A spud is the most economical to purchase
and this is what I started with many moons ago and I still use that same
one. You can make one for little cost but it should be heavy with a sharp
chisel head to make cutting through the ice as easy as possible. Mine is
made out of re-bar with a 6"x2" piece of flat steel welded on one
end, and a "T" handle on the top.
I also have a hand auger that I use when the ice
gets thicker, but a spud will work just as well. Just takes a little longer
and is a tad bit more work. The hand auger makes short work of thick ice
and there are several nice models out there and it is hard to choose one
that could be considered the best. The one I use is a StrikeMaster Laser
that cuts a 7" hole, but if you are after BIG fish you may want to take
a spud with you also. There is nothing more frustrating than getting the
fish to your hole and finding that it will not fit through it. With a spud
you can enlarge the hole to get the fish landed.
You also need an ice skimmer to remove the ice
and snow from the hole you just made, it looks like a small colander with
a handle attached. They come made out of plastic or aluminum but be care- full! There has been more than one person who has had it slip out of their
hand and go down the hole.
Now you need a jigging rod, There are many different
kinds and styles of jigging rod, and the most important thing is to get
one you are comfortable with. You need a rod that will let you feel the
lightest hit. Remember, the water is COLD and the fish sluggish, so the
hits are generally light and hard to feel. I use brim rods for perch, pan
fish and sometimes trout spooled with 2-4 lb. test. These are more or less
spring bobbers with a reel attached.
If jigging for trout, walleye, etc. I use a medium
action rod and anything from 4-10 lb. test, depending on the fish I am
after and the depth I am fishing. This is a good all around rod and will
do you good steed as a starter.
One other item is a tip-up, and this contraption
is a must have in my ice fishing box. There are several different styles
and makes to choose from ranging in price from $7.00 to $25.00. The most
important thing is to get one that has a free turning spool so when a fish
takes your bait it doesn't feel the spool as it is taking out line.
These items will get you started into the sport
of ice fishing at a minimal cost. There are also power augers, portable
fish shacks and fish finders that are nice to have, but are not a requirement if you are on a budget. Just be sure to dress warm and have a good time!!
Some more items to
make your time on the ice more comfortable!
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