Where to find ice fishing equipment

The winter sun is bright and the air is invigorating. Whether you’re young or old, it’s time to get warmly dressed and on your way to the nearest frozen lake or river. Walleye, pike and perch await your bait and your dinner plate.

If you’re looking for a fun and worry-free day outdoors with family or friends, consider vacation packages that resorts and ice fishing companies have to offer. They supply all the ice fishing equipment you need, in addition to lessons on how to drill a hole and install your lines (tip-ups). These packages come with or without a guide and they usually include the cabin rental, the drilling of holes, tip-ups, bait and in some cases, the local purchase of fishing licences.

Now that you’ve experienced the pleasures of a few successful outings and a few great catches, you’re ready to commit yourself and buy your own equipment. Of course there’s no need for a snowmobile and a luxurious cabin at this point. However, you will need a few basic items:

• An ice chisel to test the thickness of the ice and to maintain the holes
• An auger (manual or gasoline) to drill the holes
• A skimmer to clean the holes
• A jigging rod and reel
• A dozen tip-ups
• Hooks, split shots and down lines
• A minnow bucket with thick Styrofoam walls to prevent the water from freezing
• A moulded plastic minnow trap
• A towel to dry your hands on
• A 25-litre pail to hold your equipment and then sit on while fishing
• A sled to tow the equipment to the fishing site

Not only are sporting goods or outdoor equipment stores the place to find all the equipment you need, they’re also the place to get valuable tips from fellow anglers and fishing enthusiasts. Another way to find helpful tips is to browse through ice fishing forums online.

Their participants are only too happy to share their knowledge and talk about their favourite products with other members. They’ll happily pass along the address of a specialized shop or website where you can find that last item of ice fishing equipment you need to find.

Ice fishing is a perfect opportunity to renew your love for the outdoors, for eating freshly caught fish and meeting new people. You’ll soon be as comfortable as a fish in water.