Budget Friendly Guide to Essential Ice Fishing Gear

You'll need a tool to help cut through the ice. There are many different tools out there for the job, but a quality, low-priced hand ice auger will get the job done just as effective with a little work as a power auger. A hand auger will come in a selected sizes (most commonly ranging from 5 feet to 8 feet, and looks like a giant screw with a flat bottom that has the actual blades for cutting the ice. Mora brand hand augers from StrikeMaster are a good value. The largest size (8 feet) will run less than 50.00 retail, and can be found here, along with the smaller sizes as well.

Setting Up Shop for Fishing

An insulated shelter is always helpful when ice fishing. It will help keep the fisherman out of the elements. All ice structures have one thing in common: they do not have bottoms so the ice is easily accessible. These range from more permanent structures of wood to just a simple canvas pulled over stakes. Another choice is to pick up a tent made for ice fishing. These can be a one-person set up room enough for a chair and tackle, to larger portable tent structures that can hold 4 or more people. A great budget choice for a single person fishing is the Nature Vision Pak Shack Ice Fishing Shelter, which retails for less than 100.00.

Ice Fishing Seats

After a hole has been dug and a structure set up, you'll need a place to sit down for fishing. Instead of packing a large fold-up chair, carry something that can actually have a dual purpose. A Silent Spin Bucket Seat is an attachment that is placed on a five-gallon bucket which turns an ordinary plastic bucket into a spinning-top seat. Very cheap, can be found under 10.00.

Cleats and Ice Traction

Quality boots that are insulated and waterproof are a must when ice fishing. But if you already have boots, a good and inexpensive fishing investment would be to pick up a foot traction device to prevent slipping on the ice. Yaktrax Walker grippers slip on your boots to help prevent slipping, and retail for about 20.00.

Ice Fishing Rod and Reel

A rod and reel specially geared for ice fishing is helpful, and Bass Pro Shops has the Wonder Strike Ice Fishing Rod and Reel Combo that retails for under 30.00. This inexpensive set up has a fiberglass blank with a stainless steel sensor. It has a mini baitcast reel that makes for an easy change if needed.