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Michaels Ice Fishing Shanty
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items Ice fishing gear I actually use inside my shanty. From shelters and heaters to fish finders and jigs, this list helps you stay warm, find fish faster, and stay safe on the ice. If you love ice fishing, you’re in the right place. You’ll find gear I tr...helpful articles from my main site so you can learn more and get more from your time on the ice.
Sections
4
Inside The Shanty
Safety Essentials
Fishing Necessities
The Best Ice Jigs
Inside The Shanty
Inside the shanty, comfort meets survival. When the wind picks up and the temperature drops, the gear in this section keeps you warm, organized, and able to stay on the ice longer. These are the items I rely on every trip, plus a few upgrades that ma...
Blocks wind, traps heat, and makes long days on the ice manageable. A good shelter and sled combo keeps your gear dry and your trip comfortable.
Ice Fishing Shelters and Sleds
Serious space for long days on the ice. I use a shelter this size when fishing with friends or running multiple holes, because it keeps everyone warm and the gear organized instead of piled in the snow. Best for group trips, families, or anglers who ...
THUNDERBAY Ice Cube Series Pop-Up Portable 6-8 Person Ice Fishing Shelter
Built for anglers who bring serious gear onto the ice. I like the interior storage and overhead net because they keep rods, tools, and essentials off the floor and within reach, making the space safer and easier to manage during long sessions. Best f...
Otter Vortex Pro Monster Lodge Thermal Ice Shelter
Drills clean holes with less effort than most hand augers, and the option to pair it with a cordless drill makes it even more versatile. I like having the choice to go manual on early ice and switch to power when the ice thickens or I’m drilling mult...
Nils Hand Ice Auger
This small adapter turns a Nils hand auger into a drill-powered setup in seconds. I keep one in my gear because it saves time and effort when the ice gets thick or I need to punch multiple holes fast. Best for anglers using cordless drills who want m...
Clam Nils Auger Adapter
Fast, consistent hole drilling without the hassle of gas or separate drill setups. I like having a dedicated electric auger when I’m drilling a lot of holes or fishing with a group, because it saves time and keeps the day moving. Best for anglers who...
Jiffy E6 Lightning Electric Ice Augers | Cabela's
Folds down to save space on the sled without giving up cutting performance. I like this option when I’m packing light or covering a lot of ground, because it’s easier to transport and still works with a cordless drill when needed. Best for mobile ang...
Nils USA Folding Cordless Convertible 4.5`` UR450CF
Keeps holes clear of slush and refreeze so you can see your line and detect bites faster. I use a skimmer like this all day to maintain clean holes and chip away buildup when the temperature drops. Best for anglers who fish long sessions or deal with...
Scheels Outfitters Ice Fishing Skimmer Chipper
Reliable power for fish finders, lights, and other electronics inside the shanty. I use a lithium battery like this because it holds a charge in cold weather and keeps my gear running all day without the weight of traditional batteries. Best for angl...
Tracker 12V Lithium Iron Phosphate Accessory Battery | Bass Pro Shops
Keeps you and your gear off the cold, wet ice inside the shelter. I like using floor mats when I’m spending long hours in the shanty or staying overnight, because they add insulation, improve comfort, and help keep everything dry. Best for anglers wh...
Bass Pro Shops Ice Shelter Floor Mats
Adds visibility below the ice and can help draw fish into the area after dark or in stained water. I picked this model because it works with the batteries I already use, keeping my setup simple and avoiding extra chargers. Best for night fishing, low...
Underwater Green Fishing Light for Milwaukee M18, 13W, 1512 lumens
A small heater that fits in a standard cup holder but delivers surprising warmth. I like using this in a sled seat or chair when I need quick heat without hauling a full-sized heater. Best for solo anglers, early-ice trips, or anyone looking for a co...
Mr. Heater Portable Cup Holder Propane Heater, 4,000 BTU
Reliable heat that turns a freezing shelter into a comfortable space. I use a heater like this on early mornings and overnight trips because it keeps hands warm, prevents gear from icing up, and makes long sessions far more manageable. Best for angle...
Mr. Heater Portable Buddy Propane Heater
Bright, reliable light for early mornings, late nights, and working inside the shelter. I like this lantern because the BatteryGuard feature prevents drain during storage, so it’s ready when I need it without surprise dead batteries. Best for overnig...
Coleman 800 Lumens LED Lantern with BatteryGuard, Black - Walmart.com
Soft, steady light that adds warmth and calm inside the shelter after dark. I like using a candle lantern on overnight trips because it creates a more relaxed atmosphere than harsh LED light and provides a small backup heat source. Best for campers, ...
UCO Original Candle Lantern | REI Co-op
Safety Essentials
Ice conditions can change fast, and no fish is worth risking your safety. These are the tools I carry to check ice, stay visible, and handle emergencies if something goes wrong. Whether you’re fishing early ice, exploring new water, or staying out af...
A reliable way to check ice thickness before committing to a spot. I use a spud bar when moving across unfamiliar or early-season ice, because it gives quick feedback and adds a layer of safety you can’t get from guessing. Best for first ice, changin...
Eskimo Redneck Economy Ice Chisel
One of those tools you don’t think about until the ice shifts or your hole starts to freeze in. I keep this saw in the sled to quickly widen holes, clear refrozen edges, or deal with uneven ice without fighting it. Best for late-season ice, thick ref...
Lakco Folding Ice Saw | Mack's Prairie Wings
A critical self-rescue tool if you ever break through the ice. Worn around the neck for quick access, they help you grip the surface and pull yourself out instead of slipping on wet ice. Small, lightweight, and something I never leave behind during e...
Eagle Claw Ice Safety Kit
Essential self-rescue tool for early and late ice. Lightweight, easy to wear, and invaluable in an emergency.
Frabill Ice Picks
Adds reliable traction on slick ice so you can walk confidently while hauling gear, drilling holes, or moving between spots. I use cleats like these on glare ice and windy days when the surface turns into a skating rink. Best for anglers pulling sled...
Adult Korkers Ultra Ice Cleats
Compact rescue rope designed for emergencies on the ice. I keep one in the sled because helping someone from a distance is far safer than getting too close to weak ice. Bright color makes it easy to spot, and it deploys quickly when seconds matter. B...
Sportsman's Warehouse Throw Rope/Bag
Fishing Necessities
This section has everything you might want or need for your icy adventure.
A great choice for anglers who want a little more reach and finesse without spending much. The 36-inch light-action rod helps detect subtle bites from panfish and crappie, while the small size 20 reel keeps the setup lightweight and easy to handle in...
Ugly Stik ICE RUNNER Spinning Combo, 36" Light Fishing Rod, 20 Size Reel
This combo is tough, reliable, and perfect for anglers who want dependable performance without overspending. The GX2 rod has the durability Ugly Stik is known for, with enough sensitivity to detect light bites from panfish and perch. Paired with a sm...
Ugly Stik GX2 Ice Spinning Fishing Combo, 28" Medium Rod, 2000 Size Reel
Clear, real-time sonar that helps you locate fish and track your lure without guesswork. I like having a flasher like this when moving between holes because it shows activity instantly and helps me stay on productive spots. Best for anglers who want ...
Humminbird Ice 55 Flasher 407040-1 Fish Finder
A proven flasher that shows fish movement and lure position in real time. I rely on a unit like this to see how fish react, adjust depth quickly, and stay on active fish instead of guessing. Best for anglers who want instant feedback and dependable p...
Vexilar FL 18 Genz Pack Ice Fishing Flasher with 12 Degree Ice-Ducer and SLA Battery
Lets you see what’s happening below the ice in real time, whether you’re scouting structure, watching fish behavior, or checking how they react to your lure. I like using a camera to confirm fish are present and adjust my presentation instead of gues...
Portable Underwater Fishing Camera w/ 4.3" LCD
This light helps draw in baitfish, which in turn brings in the predators you’re actually targeting. I’ve found it especially useful during low-light periods and overnight trips when visibility drops and fish tend to roam. Drop it down the hole, give ...
Bass Pro Shops Portable Underwater LED Fishing Light - Green LED
These mittens are built for serious cold. The insulation keeps your hands warm during long sits, while the flip-back design lets you expose your fingers quickly to tie knots, rebait, or handle fish without taking them off. That balance between warmth...
Men's Fish Monkey Yeti Premium Ice Fishing Mittens
This inline reel keeps line twist to a minimum and gives you smooth drop control when targeting panfish and perch. The free-spool trigger makes quick depth adjustments easy, especially when fish are suspended and constantly moving. It’s become one of...
13 Fishing Descent Inline Ice Reel
A solid cold-weather jacket that’s built for long hours on the ice. The insulation traps heat without feeling bulky, and the wind-resistant outer layer helps cut the bite when you’re moving between holes or setting up the shelter. I like it for those...
Norfin Thermo Pro Jacket for Men | Bass Pro Shops
When the wind cuts across the ice, this trapper hat earns its place fast. The plaid lining adds warmth without bulk, and the ear flaps seal in heat during long sits in the shanty or when hole hopping. I keep mine on all day once temps drop.
Kanut Sports Plaid-Lined Trapper Hat
Tough sled for hauling gear across snow, slush, and rough ice. A must-have for staying organized and mobile.
Eagle Claw Jet Sled | Bass Pro Shops
A compact tool that makes unhooking fish safer and faster, especially when you’re wearing gloves in cold conditions. I keep this within reach to grab hooks, trim line, and handle quick releases without fumbling around with numb fingers.
Mustad Fishing | 4" 3-1 Folding Mini Tool
The Best Ice Jigs
A glow tungsten jig that stays visible in low light and deeper water. I like using glow patterns at dawn, dusk, or when fishing deeper holes because they help fish locate the bait faster. Best for panfish, low-light conditions, and days when visibili...
Widow Maker Lures Tungsten Fly Glow Ice Jig
A tungsten jig with a buggy profile that creates extra movement and visibility in the water. I reach for this style when fish want something with more presence than a simple plastic, especially in stained water or low light. Best for panfish, aggress...
Widow Maker Lures Tungsten Bugger Jig
A compact tungsten jig that gets down fast and triggers bites when fish are finicky. I like using wax tails when the bite slows because the subtle movement and profile often outperform larger presentations. Best for panfish, pressured waters, and day...
VMC Tungsten Wax Tail Jigs
A simple, reliable tungsten jig that gets down quickly and covers everyday ice fishing situations. I keep a few of these on hand as dependable go-to options when I’m exploring new water or introducing someone to ice fishing. Best for panfish, mixed c...
Bass Pro Shops Tungsten Ice Jig 2-Pack | Bass Pro Shops
A larger profile jig that creates strong movement and visibility in the water. I reach for bucktails when targeting bigger fish or when I need a presentation that stands out in stained water or current. Best for walleye, perch, and aggressive panfish...
Mustad Fishing | Big Eye Bucktail Jig