I’ve recently spent some time ice fishing one of our local reservoirs with my fishing buddy Nick. We’ve gone three times so far this season–there was one day with tons of success sandwiched by two days that were super slow. All three times out on the ice were fun, but as you can imagine, the day with more flags flying will be most memorable.
To maximize the ice fishing experience, there a few things I recommend taking with you for ultimate productivity and comfort. Obviously you can purchase as much as you want on fishing gear and still be successful. I fished for years with a hand auger and the same fishing poles and much of the same tackle I used fishing open water. The only difference was the clothes I wore.
I had a buddy in high school whose father was an avid ice fisherman that didn’t own an ice auger at all. He just took someone with an auger or he carried a spud bar, which he would use to chip out old, frozen over ice holes.
When we talk about maximizing productivity and enjoyment out on the ice, good equipment is imperative. Modern day technology and upgrades to your gear can level the playing field with the cold-blooded monsters beneath the ice.
First things first, when you’re standing (or sitting) on a large block of ice, personal comfort is paramount to having a good time. I recommend a solid pair of insulated boots, like the MuckBoots Artic Pros. These boots will keep your feet dry and toasty throughout the day. They’re easy to slip on and off, can be worn beneath the pant leg or with your pants tuck into them, depending on how deep the snow is.
Layering in the outdoors is extremely important when you’re trying to keep your buns warm while on the hardwater. I discovered ColdPruf’s Platinum series underwear this season and I’m glad I made the switch. The merino wool /polyester blend does a good job trapping air between the dual layers of fabric which keeps me warm and dry. Coldpruf also proves you don’t have to spend gobs of money to be comfortable.
Besides a good beanie and gloves, I never go on the ice without my a little Carhartt in my life. I’ve been a fan of Carhartt for years and have always been impressed with the quality of their gear. I know many guys have transitioned to synthetic shells, but I haven’t needed to switch, since the Carhartt’s always do the trick. I’m sure I look like a brown snuggly bear in my insulated work wear, but at least I’m warm and that’s all that matters to me.
I recommend a lined, or insulted bib, combined with a heavy quilted coat, rather than coveralls. Bibs give you a lot more freedom of movement and the ability to take off the upper layer on warm days. You don’t get that freedom with coveralls.
As far as gear goes, splashing a little cash can get you into more fish and will make your day much easier.
Nick introduced a new tool in our arsenal this season, the Humminbird ICE-55 flasher. Electronics are becoming more and more popular as technology improves and prices drop for things like sonar and underwater cameras. The Humminbird flasher lets us know what depth we’re fishing in and can alert us to passing or suspended fish beneath us. My favorite thing about is that it lets me know what depth my minnow is at, relative to the bottom, so I can set all my bait at whatever depth the the fish are at.
The last item I have to recommend is the Eskimo Quantum 40cc propane powered ice auger. Once you’ve used a propane auger, it’s hard to go back to using your old gas powered unit. In fact, my gas auger was given to me, in perfect working order mind you, by a gentleman whose fishing partner had purchased a propane auger.
Propane augers are cleaner, quieter, and easier to use. You don’t have to treat the fuel and when you run out of fuel, you need only unscrew the 16 oz propane bottle and replace it with a new one. I can’t say enough about how much I love Nick’s auger. I only hope he hasn’t seen me caressing it lovingly after drilling each hole.
Anyone can catch fish and fun is what you make of it.