Basic Ice Fishing Needs

I am sure the first thing that pops into anyone's head that contimplates Ice Fishing for the first time is "What am I going to need, and how much is this going to cost?" But I am here to hopefully make this as easy and cost effective for a biginner to start.  

Besides the obvious snow suit, boots, hat and mittens ( it is a winter sport) you don't have to worry about the cost of a boat and a lot of fancy equipment.

SPUD or ICE CHISEL

The first item your going to need is probably the most important! You need to be able to make a hole in the ice to be able to fish.   There are many tools to use but the bare bones basic will be a Spud or Ice Chisel.   Long metal bar with a wedged steel block used to form (chisel) a hole through the ice to the water below

ICE SCOOP

Now that you have chiseled a hole through the ice you will need to clean it out.  An ice scoop is basically a long handled soup style ladle with holes in it to skim out the ice chunks and clean the hole.  Comes in handy also to help maintain new ICE from freezing the hole over.

FISHING ROD

Here is where you have the option to spend lots of money or little money the choice is up to you.  But I can tell you I have caught just as many fish using a basic $15 rod as I have using a $50 fancy rod and reel.

Lures

Now depending on which species of fish your looking to catch there is a wide variety of sizes and lures to use.  Keep in mind that most fish in the winter colder temps are not as aggressive so a slower less active lure approach often works best.

For smaller fish like Panfish and Perch there are many good starter kits available that I recommend.

For larger species like Bass and Walleye I would recommend these style kits.

Lastly I would like to add that you will need a fishing license usually just a few bucks and the money raised goes back into the management of fish and game.  Most of all have fun! 

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