Tips, Advice, and Must-Have Gear for Ice Fishing

Safety First 

Before we get to the fun stuff, we need to talk safety. If you’re going ice fishing, you need to be aware of the thickness of the ice underneath your feet and be prepared in case you fall in. Freeze rate equations can be helpful in determining thickness but are subjective and dependent on a multitude of things. What you’ll absolutely need to do either way is check the ice as you move away from shore. A good rule of thumb is to have a thickness of about 4 inches of ice beneath you, more for a group. 

Also, avoid areas where creeks are entering the lake or where fallen trees are present as both will weaken the ice. Lastly, always carry a long line or rope and never walk on the ice alone. 

Have Fun 

Unlike other forms of fishing, ice fishing is all about the social experience. Bring your friends, a cooler of beer, some Creek, and a grill to make some food together while you wait for the fish to bite. You’ll be out there a long time, so you’ll want your campsite to be equipped with everything you need to keep yourself comfortable and entertained. 

Gear Up 

Ice Fishing Rods & Ice Traps 

First, you’ll want to pick up either a jigging ice fishing rod and reel or a tip up rod and reel. The choice you make will be based on if you plan on fishing in one or multiple ice holes. The jigging rod is essentially a smaller version of a traditional rod and reel while the tip up has a flag that will pop up once a fish has bitten. 

Ice Fishing Chisel 

Whether you’re in 3 or 20 feet of water, you will also need an ice chisel to make your fishing hole. You can get a good chisel for as littles as $40, but you can also invest in an electric chisel if you plan on having a lot of ice fishing excursions in your future. 

Ice Fishing Bait & Tackle 

For the best experience, you will also want to bring along some live bait and a small container that can hold that bait and keep it from freezing to death before you’re ready. If available near you, get some solid ice fishing bait includes maggots, wax worms, spikes, minnows, or wigglers. 

You’ll also want to bring along a tackle box to hold your extra hooks and fishing tools. A chair might also be a good addition since you may be sitting out there for quite a while. 

Clothing, Equipment & Other Gear 

Lastly, your safety gear.  You’ll want that on you to make sure you’re always stepping on safely thick ice. Along with that and your line of rope, a retractable ice pick is also good in case of emergency where you need to drag yourself back on the ice.  

A wise man once said, “time spent fishing, is time well spent”. That holds true for ice fishing as well. Whether you’re out there for 20 minutes or 4 hours, Creek can make your trip that much more enjoyable. Browse our selection of moist snuff tobacco and use our store locator to discover Creek near you.