Best ice fishing equipment according to redditors

generally, people that ice fish have special insulated and heated shelters for it. They can be pretty nice:

https://www.amazon.com/FERRET-Waterproof-Portable-Shelter-Fishing/dp/B07HRM1FS3/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1549054274&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=4%2Bperson%2Bice%2Bfishing%2Bshelter&th=1

Works like a yo yo. Too bad it's illegal here or I'd try it to see how it works in moving and still water

Edit: 6 Mechanical Fisher's Yo Yo Fishing Reels -Package of 1/2 Dozen- Yoyo Fish Trap -(FLAT TRIGGER MODEL) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ASP3YZK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_K7SRzbS0ZVRVB

38" overall length. Hopefully the attacker doesn't bring a Mosin with fixed bayonet.

Looks like a YoYo mechanical fisher. I don't know about other states, but in Louisiana we have these fishing rigs called YoYos that you hang in trees and run a baited line into the water. When a fish takes the bait, the YoYo automatically reels it in.

Number 1 - Wear your life jacket/vest/whatever! It does little good if it is not on you.

Get a Sawyer MINI Water Filter. When used in conjunction with a chemical cleaner like iodine or chlorine dioxide tablets it will make your water safe on the move. It will keep you from having to pack a ton of water or boiling a lot every night/morning. It will pay for its self fairly quickly if you were planning on buying water. Not useful for salt water though.

Fishing could be useful if you slow down. Fishing while moving in a strong current is a waste of time. 1 rod per person only. A small basic fishing kit with small jigs for pan fish and maybe larger spinnerbaits or crank baits for larger fish. You should be able to stop and replace things easily enough so keep it small. Another option is a Yoyo Reel (or several). You can place them overnight and have a good fish breakfast in the morning (if you catch a fish). I really wish I had some of these on my canoe trips when I was younger since I only have luck catching fish when I dont need it. I have no idea about fishing coastal waters since I have little experience with it.

Dry Bags that will save your gear and float if you tip over are a must.

A Satellite phone if you can afford one could be your real life saver.

If the river/creek is flooded after heavy of rain. Get out and stay out for a while. There will be a lot more debris than normal and the risk of a puncture or flipping is a lot greater. That is on top of faster/crazy currents.

Carry smaller, useful items on you. Fire starter, knife, signal whistle. It is certainly a possibility you could tip and lose most or all of your gear and you want some basics.

Avoid fog in coastal areas or even around larger rivers. Larger boats will probably never see you or hear you to stop in time especially on the ocean.

Coastal canoeing is a lot different and I have no real experience with it. (if you could not tell) Waves, tides, and wind would make it a lot different.

There really are a hundred possible things to say but just try and use common sense. If it seems dangerous and you dont have to do it.... dont!

It might seem mall ninja, but get a spear. A few companies make simple ones that have a handle you can replace with a farm store tool handle when it inevitably breaks.

I have one of these with a shovel handle and better screws and it’s good for removing the uncaged raccoons that try and turn my back door knob, groundhogs, moles, possums, etc.

Aim for center mass, don’t be squeamish. It’s less cruel than a gun if you get the heart or sever the spinal cord on a subsequent blow.

That first video seems super specific in its use case. I can't think of any waterways in the Northeast where it'd work.

That second one has promise but seems inferior to just using a net trap in a river.

I also bought mechanical auto fishers.

Their illegal in most states so I haven't tried them (or even taken them out of the package). But they're legal in Louisiana I think. You set them up, bait em, and come back in a few hours or a day. It sets the hook with the spring and holds em in place for ya.

Decent SHTF tool I feel.

But a net and a river is where I'd put my bets over the plastic trap in the second video.

But then, all knowledge is good. So it's at least good info to have, "just in case".

I can't really pitch in but I will make a recommendation on my cheap ultra light stuff that I bought and I freaking love, first thing is I got a five foot Ugly Stik Lite Pro for 7 dollars at Walmart it was originally $45 but I scanned it and it came up $7 ( I've caught fish that were bigger than 10 lbs on it while perch fishing) for my reel I've got this
KastKing Summer and Centron Spinning Reels, 9 +1 BB Light Weight, Ultra Smooth Powerful. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06ZZ29RH4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_fc8VCb0M7KWR3
You can also get a kastking summer it's the same reel just White I think I paid $20 for mine. I hope that my deal searching can help out I wish I could send some money. I can't wait to see some pictures of this guy catching some fish with a smile on his face

Paint balls would be useless. Firearms would be ideal. Stun batons and stun guns are useless too. Tasers are alright but just as expensive as guns. Pepper spray is what you should aim for...and it may sound silly, but find some type of long spear (cold steel makes them for cheap) something for extreme situations that can keep you farther away than machetes and bats.

EDIT: something like this, https://www.amazon.com/Cold-Steel-Assegai-Spear-Short/dp/B004YWK74E/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1466991836&sr=8-5&keywords=spear

I think you want a portable ice fishing shelter. They don't have a floor so you can ash on the ground and you can set up a little buddy heater to warm it up in side. This is the cheapest one I saw on Amazon but you get nicer ones for more money . https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MT497QB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Kju0BbDKWZ65F

This rod works well for me, and closes up real nice. It's a cheap ultralight, and I paired it with a Shimano Sierra.

Oh man, it actually is!

Here is a short-spear they make too. Mixed unit tactics are key.

I have a Frabil Ambush dlx thermal. I like the dual side exit doors and the extra height from it. The seats are comfy, too. The way it's shaped makes the front couple of feet more usable than flipovers with doors in the front. I do wish the poles were a little more beefy but I haven't bent or broke any yet.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M58EIP9/

It was this one... it had decent reviews

Did you know Amazon will donate a portion of every purchase if you shop by going to smile.amazon.com instead? Over $50,000,000 has been raised for charity - all you need to do is change the URL!

Here are your smile-ified links:

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I got the 6.89 foot version of this: https://www.amazon.com/Sougayilang-Telescopic-Accessories-Saltwater-Freshwater/dp/B01I57SGYQ/ref=sr_1_20_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1524007025&sr=8-20-spons&keywords=spinner%2Brod&th=1&psc=1

All in the weight is about 19 oz, about 11.5 of that being the reel (you need some weight on that thing to get reasonably smooth action). The reel is super-easy to remove, so you can just remove it and pack it separately from the rod and put it together right before fishing.

I am not an expert at all, in fact this is the first fishing rod ever I got (I also got a Tenkara last fall that I plan to practice with in Alpine lakes this summer). This landed me a few catches at different lakes with surprisingly minimal effort.

KastKing Summer Spinning Reel Light Weight Ultra Smooth Powerful Spinning Fishing Reel 9 +1 BB https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017TQTZ8A/ref=cm_sw_r_apa_9W2zzbCHRD8C7

I have 2 of these reels and they're awesome. Get a 6ft 6inch rod. Ugly stick is a popular brand. Spoil the reel up with 10lb or 15lb braid. Use fluorocarbon as a leader for finesse tactics and you should be good to go.

For gear it really depends on what you want, and what you will fish. I will give you some ideas though.

FINS:
If you want to dive more shallow/ near rocks or on reefs, get some nice plastics for now. They will help you build up endurance as well.

You can also upgrade to fiberglass right off the bat. Find some foot pockets you like. I recommend trying pathos and omer. Then buy some fiberglass fins for them. You can also put a skin on these to protect against rocks or reefs but know that you could still scratch them.

I don't recommend carbon because they are pretty expensive and it's not something you want to use as a beginner.


GUNS:
This is my favorite. A good size all around gun is about a 110cm. This will allow you to actually catch a lot. Reef and some bigger ones.

If you want just reef, go a little smaller. This way you shoot in holes and under rocks.

Again as a beginner, I don't think you need to buy anything bigger right now. Wait until your skills are better. If you don't like the idea of eventually buying another gun, buy a roller version. Gives you some longer distance in shorter guns. I.e 110cm roller will shoot about the same as a 130cm non roller.

There are many options for guns. You can get aluminum rail gun, carbon rail gun, many kinds of wood guns. Aluminum is cheaper. Carbon is lighter, and the right wood gun is a piece of art that will cost you but you will love as much as you can.

You can get a standard 2 band, a roller, an inverted roller (not really newbie gun).

Now my person recommendation for you:

Get pathos or omer foot pockets. Try them on. Pathos is very light, very durable, and able to mold to your feet. Omer is considered one of the most comfortable. Buy some plastic AND fiberglass blades. You can interchange them for where you want to go. You want to go reef and not worry about scratches possibly breaking your fins, put the plastics. You want to dive deeper and shoot pelagic fish, put in the fiberglass.
If you buy your stuff as a set of fiberglass fins, adding the plastic back ups can be very little $20-$50.

The gun is what i call the budget breaker. It can be something dirt cheap to over a grand. So I will give you a few options.

Option one - mares sling bandit. 110 cm. $140

Option 2 - . Pathos open laser pro 110cm $309
(I prefer the D'Angelo 2)

Option 3 - Rob Allen tuna 100cm $290

Option 4 - order a custom wood gun or look up the sea sniper.

I love the Pathos and Rob Allen. Pathos shoots perfectly for me. Rob Allen has a very smooth trigger pull. They also have the option of a roller muzzle. These prices are based off Amazon.

If you have any questions or want some more input on the perfect equipment suited for what YOU need or want. I recommend calling Spear America ask to talk to Petros. That man is amazing. He can get you the perfect set up that you will love and he has some of the best prices. He also knows how to ship pretty cheap. I call him for all my gear.

This seems to be the spear you're talking about but I can't find the video on it after looking through all of their videos, maybe they took it down.

that was my initial thought, It's what I use for my tent guylines, but I cant seem to find it on amazon other than in very large quantities for a lot of money or slow shipping, and I don't think dutch could ship it that fast (and having mixed feelings about dutch now)

​

edit:

https://smile.amazon.com/Abrasion-Resistant-Tolerant-speargun-constrictor/dp/B00746VAU2/ref=sr_1_9?keywords=dynaglide&qid=1554330168&s=gateway&sr=8-9-spell&th=1&psc=1

this might be comparable. thoughts?

I couldn't agree more on having something like paracord. I also wrap about 6 feet of duct tape on itself (so its small). However, on the paracord issue I have found something that I think is better.

this stuff is great and lighter and its also much thinner and more concealable for traps and boundary warnings.

Did you know that if you eat asparagus and pee in the water, fish will be attracted to it.

i've gigged thousands of frogs. there's a lot to talk about, but here's the important part.

as for a gig, you can use a frog spear like this on the end of a cane pole. that's probably the cheapest option. the best option i've run across is something like this on a 10 ft fiberglass rod. the removable tines make it easy when you hit a rock and bend one or what have you. buy a spear. don't make one out of chicken wire.

as for method, a canoe or a little flat bottom will be your best bet, but hip or chest waders are completely fine. when i'm in a boat i keep a 5 gallon bucket to throw legs in, but when i'm using hip waders i hang gallon jugs off my belt by the handle and cut around the hole so it's big enough to get my hand in there. i've gotten as many in waders as i have in a boat. it's more work, and you're limited in where you can go, but it works just fine.

other tips:

1. keep everything sharp, cutting frogs in half with a dull knife sucks, and gigging them with a dull gig is even worse.
   
2. the gig will not kill the frogs. it will temporarily stun them sometimes (other times not), and you'll think they're dead, but they aren't. you'll need to cut them in half before you put them in a bucket or you'll have a lot of excitement when they start coming to.
   
3. you need a good light a simple head lamp isn't enough. get a good bright light with a really focused beam. hold it by your face so you can see their eyes the best, and make sure to hold the gig head so it's out of the beam when you approach the frog with it.
   
4. gigging takes a little practice. don't get discouraged if you miss or push them under a lot when you're first starting out. a sharp gig and making sure you hit them fast and straight will help with that.
   
5. it's a lot of work. you might go out and stab 150-200 frogs in a few hours without too much trouble, cutting them all in half as you go. then you need to get a good pair of pliers to pull the skin off them when you get them back home. bullhead pliers work well. and also you'll need to cut the feet off. the point is, as with any hunting, actually harvesting the frogs is only about a third of the work.
   
   oh, and regulations- it's under fishing regulations. most places you can gig frogs with a simple fishing license.

In the past we have used this, but we are currently using this.

30FT 1.7MM BRAIDED KEVLAR https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00746VAU2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_9b8pybPESAETJ

This works great for us. Our lift can go up in 6 seconds with the cap ball on it!

ION 33405 8" Electric Ice Auger https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07W99PZCP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_6u41DbAWW77S4

$330 compared to $550-$600. It can be used as an earth auger but have an 8inch Ice fishing bit.


Landworks Heavy Duty Eco-Friendly Electric Power Cordless Auger Power Head w/Steel 8"x39" Ice Auger, Lithium Ion Battery & Charger for Ice Burrowing/Drilling & Ice Fishing (Ice Auger 8" Set)

Amazon link

My vote would be sebenza or benchmade.

Love spyderco but they lack warranty and replacement parts, which you want in a lifetime knife.

Left handed? No knife lock better than a axis lock (except maybe a back lock)

Bladewise, I am not the fondest of the 940 blade shape. Kind of chunky. I will say this, I love the look of a Mini Crooked River, and I think it is classic.

Any aluminum handles benchmade with wear nice and look awesome with some wear. That is the draw of the 940 in my opinion. Looks amazing with some wear on it. Like the Arcane

G10 handles are like indestructible, the griptillian has an awesome steel with two blade shaped to pick from. Even better with the Freek in g10. Absolutely amazing shape.
[Freek](
https://www.amazon.com/Benchmade-Folding-Drop-Point-Mechanism-Serrated/dp/B07N6S69NB/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=benchmade%2Bfreek&psc=1&qid=1572662403&sr=8-2&th=1)

Benchmade bugout has an amazing blade, I've heard, but has kind flimsy scales. If you want one for a forever knife, get a pair of titanium scales. It would be similar to a 940 but with better blade grind.

Totally left field here, if you want an Indestructable knife that will whether nice and survive everything, consider the Cold Steel Code 4. Triad locks when broken in, drop shut and flick open easy. Weight isn't bad, blade shape is useful and aluminum handle is handsome. Take it as someone who hates most cold steel, the Code 4 is a gem. See here

Now, Sebenzas have been mentioned, super usable shape and great quality! Expensive but good to get used.

One final option, is a few left handed Kizer knives. The one I think of mostly is the Gemini, designed by Ray Laconico. They have it in left hand frame lock, same steel ad the sebenza, and I think it is a handsome design that will last you well!
Here

I second the use of a high-powered, brush-less drill with an ice auger. One of the best decisions I've ever made. However, I would not recommend the clam plate. Too bulky, time consuming to connect/disconnect the drill and the mechanical parts can break/freeze. They are much sleeker and simplistic options for around or under $20. (Not the one I own but just an example - https://www.amazon.com/Vendetta-Precision-Ice-Auger-Adapter/dp/B074M2TGXN/ref=sr_1_16_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1541703712&sr=8-16-spons&keywords=ice+auger+drill+conversion&psc=1) The clam plate handles are nice as ther provide added leverage, but I use the adjustable side handle that came with my drill and that works just fine.

Note: Not all drills have the capability of performing this task.

KastKing Centron 2000

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06ZZ29RH4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

KastKing Whitemax Lower Profile Baitcasting

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06WWRMMRH/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

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Video data:

Field|Data
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Title|FISHING New Jersey CREEKS (Surprising Catch!)
Thumbnail|Link
Views|25
Length|09:36
Likes/Dislikes|3/0
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Description|We took a couple combos to the creeks and had some fun! ⤶⤶Gear List:⤶⤶Rod - ⤶⤶https://www.walmart.com/ip/Micro-Graphite-Spinning-Rod-4-6/17472626?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&wl13=2651&adid=22222222227015423116&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=40970224952&wl4=aud-566049426705:pla-78912754952&wl5=9003515&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=local&wl12=17472626&veh=sem&gclid=CjwKCAjw44jrBRAHEiwAZ9igKB1-kTYJecl2xi8-L_few2m1QBdLTOHC5RinUZBW_tzFOkBFmRruxRoCDLQQAvD_BwE⤶⤶Reel - ⤶⤶https://www.amazon.com/KastKing-Centron-Spinning-Fishing-Powerful/dp/B06ZZ29RH4?th=1⤶⤶Lure - ⤶⤶https://www.amazon.com/Leland-Lures-Trout-Magnet-Neon/dp/B0010FFKXG/ref=asc_df_B0010FFKXG/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=242000375746&hvpos=1o3&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2761659617666427376&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9003515&hvtargid=aud-801381245258:pla-521568264190&psc=1⤶⤶Camera Gear:⤶⤶GoPro - ⤶⤶https://www.amazon.com/GoPro-CHDHN-301-HERO3-Silver-Edition/dp/B009PK9S90⤶⤶Big Camera - ⤶⤶https://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-Digital-Camera-Screen/dp/B01BV14OXA⤶⤶Music - ⤶⤶https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=daWvummA8ZQ⤶⤶https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puFdqFrQOmI⤶⤶https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HiP-Sdtbck

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I’m a fan of these. Cheap. Light and with a small spinning reel you can tackle a lot and not weigh too much.

Sougayilang Telescopic Graphite Carbon Fiber Spinning Portable Pocket Fishing Rod for Freshwater Travel Fishing, 1.3M/4.26FT https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N2PC86F/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_jCp-Ab9YRKHV4

You can get a few different lengths.

Our team used DuPont Kevlar Braided line last year, after experiencing the issues with wire issues and para cord issues. Worked well for lifting the Center vortex ball in last years challenge, and we plan on using it again this year.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00746VAU2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Thank you all again. I bought a bunch, including the Zebco Dock Demon for my boy, and the Sougayilang telescoping for me.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01I57SGYQ

I wasn't thinking how long 8.86 feet was lol. Will this be fine, or should I exchange for a smaller, like the 7.87 or 6.89?

It's telescoping so it is quite compact and feels very sturdy.

A yoyo, in this context, is an automatic reeler. Youtube has several videos on how to use them, and /r/camping or /r/survival love them too. They're great for throwing out, leaving for a few hours, and coming back to find a few live fish on them. Just make sure to check your yoyos. Forgetting to check them, or worse leaving them out, will piss off every fisherman who uses that body of water.

Also useful for setting up snare traps for small game, if that is legal where you're from.

Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/Scuba-Choice-Piece-Spearfishing-Lionfish/dp/B00EQRBJHQ/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1492371472&sr=8-7&keywords=fishing+spear