Ice fishing is an outdoor activity that demands special gear. Don't refuse all items you are proposed for. For successful ice fishing, you need more than a rod and device to drill a hole.
We are not mentioning about ice fishing clothing and winter boots. Let’s make the assumption that you already have them. Concerning fishing gear itself, you should have the following items:
- Fishing rod;
- Reel & combo;
- Tip-Ups;
- Hooks;
- Sled;
- Ice shelter.
For additional convenience, you can also use ice fishing electronics and retractable ice pick.
Below you can find the list which will help you to find inexpensive ice fishing essentials.
Top 18
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| Productive Alternatives Rattle Wheel | Bass Pro Shops® Micro Lite™ Spinning Combo | Frabill® Arctic Fire Tip-Up | TL Designs Ice-Fishing Tip-Down | Shakespeare® Ugly Stik® Ice Combos | Frabill Spring Bobber with Threader | Rattle Wheel | 13 Fishing Black Betty 6061 Ice Reel | Cabela's Ice Hole Cover | Frabill Pro Thermal Insulated Tip Up | Clam Outdoors™ Ice Rod Slicks | 13 Fishing Black Betty FreeFall Ice Reel | Fenwick® HMG® Ice Rod | Beaver Dam Original Tip-Up | Tuned Up Custom Rods Inferno Ice Rod | HT Enterprises Night Star Tip-Up Light | Frabill Lil' Shiner Tip-Up Light | Clam Outdoors™ Ice Sniper Series Ice Combos | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★★★★★ | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Brand | Beaver Dam | Frabill | Frabill | FENWICK | Frabill | Cabela's | Shakespeare | TUNED UP CUSTOM RODS | - | 13 Fishing | HT Enterprises | Clam Outdoors | Clam Outdoors | - | 13 Fishing | - | Frabill | - |
Productive Alternatives Rattle Wheel
Rig your icehouse or dock right with these durable, hands-free rattle reels. Unbreakable plastic spool features an internal rattle that sounds off when a fish bites. Smooth action provides little to no resistance so fish hold on longer, giving you plenty of time to set the hook. Friction wing nut allows accurate tension adjustment.
Available:
- Removable Wall Bracket with long arm;
- Clamp Mount that’s perfect for the support poles in your portable sled.
Bass Pro Shops® Micro Lite™ Spinning Combo
- Light, tough graphite reel frame and rotor;
- Aluminum spool with double-anodized lip;
- 5-bearing (4+1) system Powerlock instant anti-reverse;
- Rod features an RT1 Graphite blank;
- Stainless steel guides and inserts.
Perfectly matched, light and responsive, Bass Pro Shops' Micro Lite Spinning Combo looks fantastic and fishes even better.
The Bass Pro Shops Micro Lite Reel is a tough little beast, sporting a lightweight graphite frame and aluminum spool with double-anodized lip. Smooth and quiet, it features a 5-bearing (4+1) system that includes PowerLock™ instant anti-reverse for quick, no-doubt hooksets. Equipped with a Soft Touch PVC handle knob to ensure a firm, comfortable grip at all times. Front drag.
The other half of this combo is the Bass Pro Shops Micro Lite Spinning Rod. Available in both 1- and 2-piece models, this light, low-profile rod is built on a quality RT1 Graphite blank. It gives you all the advantages of microlite ice fishing rod blanks. Stainless steel guides and inserts promote smooth line flow in both directions. Fitted with comfortable EVA foam split grips flanking a solid screw-down graphite reel seat.
Frabill® Arctic Fire Tip-Up
- Hassle-free, hi-vis design;
- Durable, lightweight molded poly base;
- Tapered rails for easy positioning and removal;
- Molded-in 19" ruler;
- Pre-lubed with Sub-Zero low-temp lubricant.
Ice fishing is hassle-free with the FRABILL Arctic Fire Tip-Up. Lightweight and easy to handle, it's the ultimate live bait presentation system for game fish under the ice. Its durable molded polyester base features tapered rails that settle easily into snow or slush, and come out with just a tug. The molded-in 19" ruler along one side allows you to measure your catch instantly. All moving parts are pre-lubed with Frabill Sub-Zero lubricant to ensure smooth operation in temperatures down to -60°F. The spool shaft itself is removable for easy maintenance whenever needed, and the large-capacity metal spool features dual counter-balancing crank knobs, allowing a fish to strip off line effortlessly prior to the hookset. Dual trip settings allow you to adjust for differences in bait size or wind speed. High-vis design includes a 17-1/2"H flag shaft with flexible bright orange flag and orange base.
TL Designs Ice-Fishing Tip-Down
- Simply flip open, attach the clip to your rod and start fishing;
- Ultrasensitive design shows even the lightest strikes;
- Durable metal frame withstands years of use.
Upgrade your ice-fishing season with Tip Downs from TL Designs. Ultrasensitive design shows even the lightest strikes. Setup is easy – simply flip open, attach the clip to your rod and start fishing. Durable metal frame withstands years of use. Made in USA.
Available:
- Standard Blue – For most ice-fishing applications.
- Big Red – For larger setups targeting big fish.
- Clips – Extra clips let you easily switch between combos.
Shakespeare® Ugly Stik® Ice Combos
Synonymous with reliability, Shakespeare's Ugly Stik Ice Rods boast premium craftsmanship. EVA handle with a twist-to-lock reel seat and stainless steel guides. A smooth size 20 reel.
Images depict the style of the rod handle and may not fully represent the actual length.
Frabill Spring Bobber with Threader
Precision engineered for use with light lines and finesse baits, this spring-loaded indicator easily snaps into the tip-top guide of most panfish ice rods. Includes two bobbers and one line threader.
Rattle Wheel
- Bell alerts you when a fish bites your line;
- Adjust tension to the reel with included wing nut;
- Sturdy, solid-wood construction.
Sporting a convenient bell alarm, the Rattle Wheel alerts you when a fish bites the end of your line. Each revolution of the wheel equals 1 ft. of line length. Wing nut allows you to adjust the tension to the reel. Sturdy wood construction for lasting durability.
Available: Wall Mount, Wall Mount with Hinge, Ceiling Mount, Clamp.
13 Fishing Black Betty 6061 Ice Reel
- 6061 CNC-machined-aluminum construction;
- Integrated fender design;
- Dead stick alarm system;
- Five stainless steel ball bearings.
The 13 Fishing Black Betty 6061 Ice Reel is the best take-along ice fishing reel. The 6061 CNC-machined-aluminum construction and 2.7:1 gear ratio work together to make your time on the ice memorable. Integrated fender allows you to pencil grip the rod without resting the palm of your hand on the spool. Dead stick alarm alerts you when the line is being pulled. Carbon drag plus five stainless steel ball bearings and instant anti-reverse for a smooth performance. Available in left- or right-hand retrieve.
Cabela's Ice Hole Cover
Made of durable closed-cell foam, this 12.5"-dia. cover slides securely under standard-style tip-ups to keep the hole from freezing.
Cabala's eye sleds and covers our ice sleds have made of highly durable polyethylene the utility sled has two built-in bucket holders the large sled has three out regulars. And large sled covers fit their corresponding sleds adjustable cinch cords zippered side entry points Cabala's ice LEDs. And covers lifetime guarantee only at Cabala's.
Frabill Pro Thermal Insulated Tip-Up
Prevent frustrating freeze-ups with this insulated tip-up. Round 10" design fits over the hole and keeps ice and snow from clogging it. Super smooth action fools the lightest biters. Includes minnow clip, large capacity spool and a small built-in tackle compartment.
Clam Outdoors™ Ice Rod Slicks
- Lightweight, flexible design is easy to put on and take off;
- Keeps lines and hooks from getting intertwined and snagged;
- Protects rod tips and guides from damage.
Clam Outdoors' lightweight, flexible Ice Rod Slicks slip on and off with ease, preventing tangles and snags while installed, making them perfect for transporting and storing your collection of rods. Protect your rods tips and guides from damage. Per 2.
Length: 22".
Colors: Pink, Black.
13 Fishing Black Betty FreeFall Ice Reel
- Ultralight carbon-injected frame is incredibly strong and light;
- 2.5:1 gear ratio;
- CNC-machined aluminum spool;
- Four-ball-bearing system with instant anti-reverse;
- Carbon-disc drag system starts easily with consistent pressure.
Send your bait into the strike zone on a straight, twist-free fall with 13 Fishing's Black Betty FreeFall Ice Reel. Pull the FreeFall Trigger System and let the smallest jigs drop resistance-free. Easy one-hand operation. Built for the pencil/pistol-grip position. Ultralight carbon-injected frame is incredibly strong and resistant to chilling temperatures. CNC-machined aluminum frame and four stainless steel ball bearings. Instant anti-reverse provides solid hooksets. Carbon-disc drag system starts easily and provides consistent pressure through the entire range. Available in right- and left-hand retrieves.
Dan Tinting uncle al here. We got the 13 fishing Black Betty fail why do. They keep making fail videos for uncle L to report on so right off the bat let's look at the literature. This should be the first clue welcome to the 13th family as uncle L knows. Now someone's always about to Jackie O. This reel is built to perform blah blah blah nice beef service every six months to a year by a professional. And here's the next fail Clearwater Florida. That doesn't sound like a ghetto. It sounds pretty pricey so. And then they got warranty on the workmanship maybe. You have an older and it's. You want to get rid of. You don't like this might be a loophole so the magnetic drop system I've been trying to work on. What I'm going with so the other reels there's a little rubber stop. What happens is that makes contact with the surface. You can adjust and out so. That little rubber stopper makes. You make your tension so. It doesn't go all over the place so. This is a true free fall. Because the magnetic system the B F 24 has. Nothing to grasp on so. This magnet right here truly show. You it's a good magnet. Another magnet will go down think right about Wow so decent magnets. Both of these, and we'll try to pick up a spool barely in the center do. Any contact on the outer edge nada so to infuse metal into aluminum as expensive process.
And maybe the Taiwan factory just forgot to do. This is like a brake pad system to get. Any stoppage that has to make contact with the spool. Something has to make contact with the spool. And since they're touting this to be magnetic. That magnets supposed to grab onto. Something so let's go over. This real quick that's at maximum which is. Another fail because water is gonna get in there. And you're not gonna be able to adjust. This so that's at maximum put. This back on pretty decent quality, so we're locked up. And let's see that there's. Any stoppage no stoppage. And there's the second fail so you're driving along. You need to make a stop. You just want to use your transmission only. You would have to throw. It in reverse you would stop so same system with. This that's like a little transmission. You want to stop you throw.
It in reverse well let. What happens just back off so there's your gears. You push it in that's. What makes it unspool. You bring it back in there's. That soft brass what it engages on. It has two little tabs right there so what's gonna happen those two little tabs are gonna deteriorate. Icould see it forced against like the natural braking system it's supposed to be but. They just have those two tabs to lock into those which what's gonna happen is that's gonna wear out see. We can focus camera anyway trust. Me there're two tabs right there overall good field see. We can get the magnets to yeah see the magnets are strong enough but the other. One so no issues with the magnets it's just there's no place anywhere except the middle which is not gonna gravitates towards to grasp on their total fail maybe they'll give. You a new spool or figure out.
Something but there is no place for the friction to apply. Or the magnetic to grab. Idon't know yeah pretty cool box pretty cool. Everything sadly uncle Al's gonna have to return. Even think I'm gonna use. That whole system right there was. What I was planning on using that's about 80% 90% of the function of the rail. You push the button your line drops. All the way to the bottom so. You need the tension yeah long story uncle Al's out.
Fenwick® HMG® Ice Rod
- High-modulus graphite blank ensures strength;
- Tapered construction for moderate action;
- Stainless steel guides with aluminum-oxide inserts;
- Custom-designed, AAA-grade cork handles.
Boasting tapered construction and a high-modulus graphite blank, Fenwick's HMG Ice Rod has the sensitivity needed to detect the smallest bites and enough backbone to pull lunkers out of the ice. Black stainless steel guides with aluminum-oxide inserts reduce friction for less wear and tear. Custom-designed, AAA-grade cork handles ensure hand comfort and a sure grip. Twist-lock reel seat secures your reel in position.
Images depict the style of the rod handle and may not fully represent the actual length.
Beaver Dam Original Tip-Up
- 23" pine base provides stability over wide holes;
- Freezeproof lubricant for fail-safe operation;
- Aluminum tube bearings deliver smooth action;
- Can be featured with Night Star tip up light for additional visibility.
Freezeproof, wind-tested and reliable, Beaver Dam's Original Tip-Up is ready for a lifetime of use. The 23" pine base provides stability over wide holes. Seamless steel tube is filled with a freezeproof lubricant for fail-safe operation. Aluminum tube bearings deliver smooth action. The spinner trigger has tapered and straight trips for a wide range of baits. When the heavy-duty spring is released, the fabric flag stands at 17.5" for easy visibility. A windproof, rod-cradle design ensures strike-signaling consistency. Brass spool and line guide. 150-ft. line capacity. Made in USA.
Available: Original Clear Tip-Up, Tip-Up Red/Black, Tip-Up Red with Red Flag, TIp-Up Jolly Roger, No Trespassing.
All right you guys just a quick video here to help. You guys distinguish. Some things about Beaver Dam tip-ups and best tip up lights.
One of the questions I get asked a lot is how to tell how old there. I can't really have a definitive way to age the Beaver Dam tip-ups the. One thing that's going to stand out immediately is the older ones typically have a much darker finish on. This guy here these other two. You see here are brand-new last year for my son Nolan. He got them for Christmas he's just started ice fishies age 7 but there's. Some subtle differences between the two brand-new ones. One is brand-new they're. Both brand-new out of the box last year but. One is brand-new one is called. What people advertising if. You go on eBay something you'll see new old stock advertised. And I'll show some of the differences to look for in new stock versus new old stock versus maybe. Something that's a little. More vintage I'm gonna guess. One is probably 25 30 years old. I picked one up at an estate sale yesterday actually. And just judging by the amount of barn dust. And the type of line. That was on the spool it's got to be 25 years old. More so we'll pick this up I'm gonna try to get. It real close look at the spool for you guys so. You can see you can see good.
That a shake the line feeder spins completely free on there so that's. One thing to look for another thing to look for is I'm gonna zoom right into. That spool it's pitted it's old it's been in the water a bunch. And then it's at a barn for a long time not being used as well so but the big thing is there's no distinguishing markings on that spool. The only thing that identifies this as a Beaver Dam obviously is the Arctic fisherman logo Beaver Dam Wisconsin well look at the new spools here as. I zoom in on it you'll see. That rubber o-ring that just kind of keeps the line feed in place. You can see on the newer models they've actually stamped Beaver Dam ice fishing right into the spool. Now to distinguish brand-new versus brand-new old stock here is.
Something else you're gonna want to take a look for the first thing you're gonna see is blatantly obvious it's no longer bronze it's just a bare metal color the other thing that's gonna tip. You off immediately is the bottom of. That spool I'll zoom in on. You can see that one's actually held in place by a nut that's. Something that happened. I believe after uncle Josh took over Beaver Dam tip-ups I'll show. You the new old stock bottom just so. You can see what I'm getting in here no nut to hold. One in place that's actually soldered on there. And the biggest difference. Both function identically ultra-smooth same exact tip up the only difference comes in later. You have to service. And real Outre cate them with the old new stock you're gonna have to heat up.
This solder in the center. And actually, melt you can pull the shaft out get the old grease out of there. And go ahead and put your new grease in there on the new ones it's much simpler you're just gonna go ahead. And take a little tiny socket wrench in there. And you're gonna undo one of you're gonna find. There's one behind that you're also going to have to remove but it's its just a much easier process in general. Because then you don't have to resolder. You just reassemble. Everything give them a quick spin in a way. You go but anyways guys. That helps it comes to maybe identifying the age of. Some of your tip up obviously the darker finishes are gonna be older.
And you'll see the difference in the lion guide obviously. And there's no stamping on the spool whatsoever but hopefully. That guy helps you out I'm gonna make. Another video later on that'll teach. You guys how to go ahead. And relocate the old ones. You got to get the solder off their hope. That helps you guys out a little bit see.
Tuned Up Custom Rods Inferno Ice Rod
- Solid-graphite blanks in finely tuned actions;
- Stainless steel insert stripper guides and single-foot fly guides;
- Custom Tennessee cork handles with composite-cork butt caps.
Tuned Up Custom Ice Rods' Inferno Ice Rod brings value to anglers who refuse to sacrifice quality. Solid-graphite blanks outfitted with a stainless steel insert stripper guides and single-foot fly guides resist freeze-up to allow smooth line flow. Custom Tennessee cork handles with composite-cork butt caps and hook keepers allow perfect balance for any ice reel. Ultralight action features an orange tip that works like a spring bobber.
Images depict the “style” of the rod handle and may not fully represent the actual length.
HT Enterprises Night Star Tip-Up Light
When the fish hit make sure you're ready! Simply attach the HT Night Star Tip-Up Light to the flag apparatus of your tip-up and instantly know when you've got a bite. This reliable dual-strike light lets you choose either hi-viz green or ultrabright orange as your indicator and works with most tip-ups on the market. Powered by one lithium battery (included).
Another innovation from the tip up experts at HD enterprises. It's a revolutionary tip up light that actually illuminates your entire flag wire. Now just like other tip-up lights from the flag in a horizontal position. It's off. Whenever the flag pops up to a vertical position the light comes on and you've got two options. Either have a flashing light or a continuous light. And again it's not just the flag or a small light. It's the entire flag where that's with any kind of night fishing at. One tip up light you're gonna want to try.
Frabill Lil' Shiner Tip-Up Light
This small flashing LED light lets you know when a fish is hooked. Especially helpful when fishing multiple holes. Batteries (1.5-volt) included.
Clam Outdoors™ Ice Sniper Series Ice Combos
- Solid-fiberglass rod withstands aggressive strikes;
- Stainless steel Dynaflow guides reduce line friction;
- EVA foam handle is decked out with digital camo;
- Reel's two-bearing system adds smooth operation.
Decked out with a digital camo handle, the Clam Outdoors Ice Sniper Series Ice Combo delivers dependable ice-fishing performance at a budget-pleasing price. Solid-fiberglass rod withstands aggressive strikes and alerts you to the tiniest nibbles. Stainless steel Dynaflow™ guides reduce line friction. EVA foam handle adds comfort and the graphite locking slide rings secure the reel. Reel boasts a two-bearing system for smooth operation.
Images depict the style of the rod handle and may not fully represent the actual length.
How to start ice fishing? Choosing the place.
Ice fishing can be quite a risky activity so you should always remember about your safety. The thickness of ice should be not less than 4 inches. The thickest ice is around the edges of the water. Drill test holes as you go to find the appropriate place.
You can also rely on local fishing reports and pay attention to other anglers groups. Wish you safe & successful ice fishing!
