But what does a beginning fisherman need in order to start ice fishing? One has a variety of choices in fishing equipment on store shelves, a Greenhorn could easily spend hundreds of their hard earned money on ice fishing gear and never get what they really need.

It’s this reason alone that I created this guide about essential ice fishing gear that a Greenhorn will need to get out on the ice. The big surprise is that for less than what a Family of for can eat out at a steak house these days, you could purchase all the fishing supplies that a Beginner will need to get out there fishing on the hard water.

For starters, you’ll want to get an auger meant for ice fishing to bore holes in the hard water. I recommend a 5 or 6 inch ice auger for panfish like Perch, Bluegill and Crappie. For bigger fish like Walleye, Pike or Channel Catfish, then If it was me, I’d get a 8, possibly even a 10 inch auger. You can get the power augers or the manual augers. You need to keep in mind that the manual augers are cheaper to puchase but need more work to make a hole in the ice. You’ll also need a scoop to get the ice chips out of the hole you’re fishing.

Tip ups and rods. Many fishermen drill a bunch of holes over structure and use tip ups to increase their chances of catching fish. Others prefer to ice fish with a ice rod rather than tip ups. I recommend a few tip ups along with a good rod so you can see which technique you prefer.

The line you use for fishing should be designed for fishing through the ice. The frigid waters can make fishing line brittle. It’s due to this that you will want to make sure and purchase line made for fishing through the ice. Cortland makes a product called Ice Line that is great. Ice fishing line is the most critical part of your ice fishing equipment.

The best ice fishermen will tell you to get some jigs and lures for ice fishing. Small jigs are great for panfish like Perch, Bluegill and Crappie. Also tear drop jigs and tiny spoons will come in handy when the panfish get finicky. As for bait, panfish love mealworms and spikes while larger fish such as Walleye prefer Worms or baitfish like smelt. Be sure to talk to local fishermen to see what’s they recommend a Beginner use their first time out on the ice.

Don’t forget to bring along something to sit on. Many seasoned ice fishermen bring along an ordinary five gallon bucket. A select few will even bring lawn chairs out on the ice, but a 5 gallon bucket will also help you haul your gear to and from the ice.

And this is all you need to begin catching fish through the ice. Be sure to buy a fishing license and read up on the regulations for your local area. Being ticketed for breaking a law can ruin any trip. You’re cleared to go fishing and start drilling holes in the lake. Never forget the first rule of ice fishing, be safe and follow all the safety rules for ice fishing.