Ice Fishing Supplies

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In many countries of the world, you will find there are a handful of people who enjoy the sport of ice fishing. This type fishing can be just as exciting as fishing in the summer time, but you will need to know what ice fishing supplies to take with you. Ice fishing is often a game of patience and requires some caution to the dangers it entails.

In Norway and parts of North America, ice fishing has been happening for a long time. It’s important that the ice is safe enough to support you, your gear, and whatever else you bring with you on the ice. In Canada it is generally safe for people to walk on the ice if it is 4 inches thick, and 6 inches or more for snow machines. However, this does not apply to rivers and other fast moving bodies of water.

Here is a list of some ice fishing supplies you should consider:

Fishing auger - An ice fishing auger is about the only thing that will get you through the ice. The people from the far north have more manual ways to make holes in the ice but it doesn’t make sense when we can purchase and auger for under $60.

Fishing shelter - Any type of ice fishing shelter can enhance your fishing experience. The winter winds are cold on the open ice and will show no mercy. You can find cheap portable shacks or full seasonal huts to keep you warm. Some allow you to use a heater and sometimes contain a small stove.

Fishing rod - Since you are fishing in a small hole about 8 inches in diameter, a large fishing pole is not needed. There are small miniature versions of fishing rods, but also ones specifically designed for fishing made of plastic. Home made poles work just as well. They usually are made with a piece of wood with line attached to the end. One end is put in the snow and water is added to turn it in to ice. This will keep the rod from going down the hole should you get a fish.

Bait - You can use artificial lures such as spinners and jigs, or one of the more popular live baits called shiners or chub minnows.

Snow machine or ATV - If you don’t want to walk a few kilometers or don’t have a small lake close by, renting or buying a snow machine or ATV can save you a lot of headaches. Not only that, if an emergency should arise, you can get off the ice in a hurry. Just be sure to check the local conditions and warnings. Every year, hundreds of people end up dying from falling through bad ice conditions.

Rope & life preservers - Each person going ice fishing should carry a piece of long sturdy rope with them. If someone falls through the ice, toss a rope out could save their life. At the same time, there are snow suits that will act as life preservers and keep you a float while you get help out of the water. But make no mistake; once you are in the water, you only have seconds to get out. The temperatures will send you body in to shock and make it extremely difficult to get out.

Remember to keep safe out on the ice and bring extra ice fishing supplies with you. You never know when you might need something and it’s not always easy to get home and back again.