* Reader tip: all items are bolded and hyperlinked, some with trackable partner links! Codes are at end of blog.
I get questions almost weekly on what gear I use for ice fishing. This setup didn’t happen overnight. Over time, I built it through years on the ice, plenty of trial and error, and learning what actually makes winter fishing easier.
Ice fishing has always been more than just a hobby for me. It was one of the first outdoor sports I ever learned, thanks to my mom, who got my sister and me out on the ice at a young age. Long before social media and brand partnerships, ice fishing was simply something we did together. We chased flags with our family, hand drilled holes, learned lessons in patience, and found peace and joy in the outdoors together.
After my mom passed in 2017, ice fishing became something else entirely. Instead of just a pastime, her outdoor hobbies turned into ways for me to grieve in a healthy way and stay connected to her. Sharing those experiences online wasn’t planned. At first, I was just documenting adventures outside. Eventually, that documentation became my entire online presence. It was built on what my mom taught me and the peace I continue to find in the same places she once stood.
Here in Wisconsin, ice fishing isn’t just something you do. It’s part of the culture. It shapes how winters are spent, how friendships form, and how traditions are passed down. What I love most is how flexible the sport can be. Ice fishing can be simple or complex. It can be quiet or social. Some days are quick, while others stretch all day long. Ultimately, it can be as easy or as challenging as you choose to make it.
Over the years, I’ve learned that the right tools don’t take away from the authenticity of ice fishing. Instead, they enhance it. They allow me to focus on the experience rather than fighting with it. That’s what this post is about. Not trends, not what looks good online, but the system and gear that have genuinely made ice fishing easier and more enjoyable for me.
The Core Gear That Builds My Ice Fishing Gear Setup
Over time, building an efficient ice fishing gear setup has meant choosing gear I genuinely trust through real use. Many of the products or companies mentioned here were part of my system long before any collaboration, and only later did some of those relationships grow into partnerships.
Either way, nothing earns a place in my setup unless it makes time on the ice easier, safer, or more enjoyable.
Let’s cut to the chase, hey?
Rod and Tip-Up Storage
My system starts with organization, and for me that begins with Lakewood Products.
During ice season, I rely heavily on the Greenback Rod Case and the Ice Pak Tip-Up Bag.
The Greenback protects our walleye, panfish, and multi-species rods and comfortably fits rods up to 44 inches. It allows us to customize our rod selection based on the day, the target species, and even different state regulations. On trips with tighter line limits, like Minnesota with a 2-Line-Per-Angler allowance, we’ve configured it to carry both rods and tip-ups in one streamlined setup.
The Ice Pak Tip-Up Bag keeps everything tip-up related in one place. It holds up to eight tip-ups, includes storage for extra line and terminal tackle, and has a rear pouch that fits insulated hole covers. Nothing is loose, nothing is tangled, and there are no hooks floating around where they shouldn’t be.
A hot tip from the husband Jay: One small hack we’ve implemented over the years is screwing in ¼” of a wine cork to the end of our Beaver Dam tip-ups. It acts as a hook keeper and prevents tangles inside the bag.
Both cases are extremely durable. They’ve fallen off the four-wheeler and bounced across the ice without damaging the gear inside. Knowing my rods and tip-ups are protected gives me peace of mind and makes moving spots much easier. Protect. Your. Investments.
Electronics
Electronics are a tool, not a crutch. I’ve relied on flashers since the beginning because they’re durable, reliable, and help me understand what’s happening below the ice without overwhelming fish.
I’ve used Vexilar units since I first started ice fishing, beginning with an FL-8 and eventually upgrading to the FLX-28 in 2023 (now Jay’s unit) and the FLX-38 in 2025. These flashers are incredibly reliable, durable, lightweight, and customizable. Being able to adjust power levels, frequencies, and interference makes a noticeable difference, especially in pressured areas.
Today, we pair our Vexilar flashers with our forward-facing sonar (Garmin Livescope 34LVS with an HD Innovations Shuttle for anyone wondering). Forward-facing helps us drill smarter and locate fish efficiently. Once we’re set up, FFS is turned off and the flashers allow us to dial in presentations and read fish behavior in real time. Together, they provide clarity without replacing instincts.
Shelter, Mobility, and Heat
We fish almost exclusively out of flip-over shelters because they fit how we fish. We stay mobile, active, and willing to move if the bite isn’t happening. This setup works especially well for how we travel on the ice, whether that’s with a four-wheeler or a snowmobile, which is our preferred method of getting around.
Our current shelter is an Otter Pro XS Lodge X-Over from Otter Outdoors, and it’s been a game changer. The headroom and fishable space make long days far more comfortable. We can run heaters, electronics, and still move freely without feeling cramped.
Accessories like Easy Frame Release Levers, the Storage Hammock, LED Lighting, Pro Travel Cover, Tow Hitch, Hitch Pivot, and HDX Hyfax runners all add up. Each accessory serves a purpose that saves time, reduces frustration, protects or stores your gear, and supports a more efficient system.
Heat is one of our non-negotiables. We rely on a Heat Hog heater on cold or windy days, and it completely changes the experience. Staying warm keeps energy up and allows us to fish longer. I really love the unit we have (the 18000 BTU) which has an ignitor button, making lighting easier.
Apparel and Comfort
Staying warm and dry directly affects how long I can fish. I bought a Prism Suit from Striker back in September before being asked to join their team in October. Their suits feature SureFlote floatation. The flexibility, warmth, and dryness have made a noticeable difference when compared to other suits I’ve worn. I feel that I can move more freely, run to tip-ups, and stay comfortable in some of the toughest conditions.
Footwear matters just as much. I rely on boots from Bogs, specifically the Whiteout Winter Boots for ice fishing. They’re lightweight, waterproof, and reliable without the bulk. They’re also seamless; meaning they’re one piece. No cracking, leaking, or splitting. Layered socks (2 layer – alpaca overtip merino) and a slightly sized-up boot create a warmth system that works all day.
Planning and Mapping
One of the biggest confidence boosters in my ice fishing gear setup is planning ahead using On X Fish. It has completely changed how I approach both familiar waters and new places, especially during winter when conditions can change quickly.
What truly sets On X Fish apart from other apps available is the fisheries data. I can view stocking reports, species presence, abundance ratings, and population insights directly on the map. That information helps narrow down where I want to fish before I ever step onto the ice. If I’m targeting a specific species, I can filter lakes based on what I’m after and whether I’m looking for higher abundance populations, including keeper or trophy potential.
The planning side is just as valuable. I use On X Fish to study lake contours, depth changes, and structure long before a trip. Being able to visualize how a lake lays out under the ice with the elevation feature helps me form a game plan for drilling, hole-hopping, and setting up efficiently once we arrive. It reduces wasted time and allows us to fish with intention instead of bouncing around aimlessly.
Safety is another reason On X Fish stays open on my phone all winter. Satellite imagery and tracking features help with navigation during early and late ice, when conditions can be unpredictable. If fog rolls in or visibility drops, I know exactly where I am and how to get back. I can mark pressure cracks, open water, hazards, and travel routes so we’re not relying on memory alone. Being able to track movement and retrace steps adds peace of mind, especially on larger bodies of water.
I also appreciate how easy it is to save and share waypoints. Whether it’s a productive area, a safe access point, or a spot we want to revisit later, having everything documented keeps us organized season after season. Over time, those saved locations become part of our long-term system.
Tackle That’s Ready to Fish
Reliable tackle matters. When fish show up on the screen, I want to know my presentation is solid.
I’ve trusted Northland Tackle for years. One of my go-to baits this season has been the Tungsten Forage Minnow Spoon. The smaller sizes (1/32-1/16) shine for crappies, bluegill, and finicky perch, while the heavier sizes (1/8-1/4) are consistent producers. Durable paint, quality hooks, and visibility on electronics all make a difference.
Beyond spoons, Northland’s panfish jigs and plastics are some of my most used offerings on the ice. Some newer offerings like the Rigged Broom Bug or Pin Fry are reliable when fish are schooling tight or hovering near structure. Their jig heads and plastics line covers a wide range of panfish presentations, so I can match what the fish want on any given day, from subtle twitches to more aggressive movements.
Other Tools That Make a Big Difference
Small tools matter even more in ice fishing because space is limited. You’re carrying gear on your person or working out of tight areas like a truck or flip-over shelter. Because of that, everything needs to be accessible, reliable, and easy to use with cold hands.
I keep my most-used tools tethered to my suit using a RoboHawk Wingman. On that tether, I carry Line Cutterz Micro Scissors, hemostats, jaw spreaders, a Cold Snap Toothpick hook remover, a UV light, and a drop weight. Having these tools immediately available allows me to handle fish quickly and responsibly. In my pockets I have extra sinkers for tip-up line markers, extra treble hooks, and chapstick of course.
This season, I was fortunate to make Milwaukee Tool’s PR List and have added heated gear including their Heated Winter Gloves and an M12 Women’s Heated Axis Jacket. The gloves provide warmth without sacrificing dexterity (with heat IN the fingers!) and the jacket has become part of my everyday layering system on and off the ice.
Another fun thing we’ve added to our arsenal this year courtesy of AquaVu is the AV822 HD. This underwater viewing system features a bright, 8″ HD color LCD screen and a 1080p camera, letting you actually see what’s going on beneath the ice in real time. It’s perfect for scouting fish, identifying structure, and watching how perch and other species behave around your baits and lures.
We’ve had a blast using it on Gogebic and Mille Lacs (trip blogs linked), watching perch cruise through the water column and even seeing how they respond to our presentations before we ever felt a bite. That kind of insight makes fishing feel more interactive and teaches you a lot about how fish are positioned, especially on slow days when knowing what’s happening below the ice can change your strategy entirely.
We are running a Milwaukee M18 FUEL™ 1/2” Hammer Drill paired with an Eskimo 8″ pistol bit for our auger setup. Switching this has made hole-hopping easier, lighter, and far less tiring.
What a Dialed Ice Fishing Gear Setup Looks Like
An easy day on hardwater starts before the auger ever hits the ice. Knowing everything is packed, charged, and ready removes stress right away. When the system is dialed, setup is quick, movement is easy, and there’s far less second-guessing.
Comfort matters. Being warm and organized changes how long we can fish and how patient we stay. Cold or windy days feel manageable instead of frustrating, and getting into the shelter feels comfortable, not like a chore.
Mobility is just as important. When fish aren’t cooperating, packing up and moving takes minutes. That flexibility keeps the day enjoyable and efficient.
At the end of the day, a good setup doesn’t complicate ice fishing. It simplifies it, so the focus stays where it belongs.
Transparency and Partnerships
I want to be clear and intentional about how I share gear and resources. My ice fishing gear setup is built around products I genuinely trust through real use on the ice. In many cases, I used these products long before any partnership existed, and only later did some of those relationships grow into collaborations. I’ve never accepted work with brands I didn’t already buy, believe in, or wouldn’t use on my own.
Some of the brands mentioned here are partners I’m proud to work with, while others are simply tools and gear I rely on because they’ve earned their place through performance, durability, and consistency. Either way, everything included in this setup reflects how I actually fish.
When it comes to sourcing and restocking much of this gear, Fleet Farm plays a big role. It’s been my favorite retailer and a great partner since 2021, and it’s often where I find or replace the gear I depend on most. From fishing equipment and electronics accessories to propane, batteries, gloves, and all the small essentials that matter in winter, Fleet Farm has consistently been a one-stop shop and a reliable part of my routine.
Trust matters to me, both with the brands I work with and the places I shop. Everything shared here has earned its place through time on the ice.
Looking Ahead to 2026
My 2025-2026 season has already proven how valuable a dialed system can be. With postponed trips, changing conditions, and unpredictable insane weather, being prepared allows me to stay flexible and keep enjoying the process.
Ice fishing has given me connection, calm, challenge, and joy. Having a system that supports that experience lets me stay present and grateful for every day on the ice, no matter how the bite shakes out.
If this post helps someone fish more confidently, stay warmer, or enjoy winter a little more, then it’s done exactly what I hoped it would.
Codes for you:
Striker: Friends & Family – please shoot me an email for a DM and I would be happy to provide this for you.
On X Fish: KOZ will save you 20% any On X Fish Subscription.
Lakewood Products: SKOZLOWSKIII will save you 10%
Thank you for reading, friends! Tight Lines!
