In the YouTube video below, the host of Limestone Fishing explains his four most important gear items for a safe ice fishing adventure. The No. 1 item on his list is a spud bar, which is used to check ice thickness. Be sure to click on this link for how to properly use a spud bar if you’re not sure.
The other three items on his must-have list include a personal flotation device (life jacket), ice picks and ice cleats. As an avid ice angler myself, I agree with all of these recommendations. If you need one of more of these items before you begin your ice fishing season and need some brand/model recommendations, then here’s the gear I trust:
- Eskimo One-Piece Chisel. Because I haul everything in the back of my pickup, I chose the Eskimo One-Piece Chisel (spud bar), but the company also offers a handy Two-Piece Chisel. I like its foam grip and wrist tether, and because of its length (59.5 inches) and weight (11 pounds), I can test ice in front of me with a single hard stroke.
- Old Town Riverstream Personal Flotation Device. I own an Extrasport branded life jacket, but that company has been purchased by Old Town. The Old Town Riverstream looks identical to the one I’ve used for several years. Note: This winter I’ll also be field testing the new Huk Fishing Icon X Superior Jacket, which features Float Technology.
- Frabill Ice Picks. I like the way the sharp ends are covered by the plastic sleeves that slide up when the picks are in use. As shown in the video, I wrap the lanyard around one shoulder strap of my PFD so I can’t lose the picks.
- Yaktrax Diamond Grip Ice Cleats. I’ve tried just about every ice cleat made and in my opinion this model from Yaktrax can’t be beat. FYI: On a size 10 Sorel Caribou pac boot, I use the Diamond Grip size XL. When wearing my warmer and bulkier size 10 LaCrosse Iceman pac boot, I wear size 2XL.
