Ice fishing is growing in popularity with each passing year, but what are the necessary requirements when it comes to outfitting yourself for a day on the ice? Justin Hoffman from OntarioFishing.net suggests the following to get you started.
Hoffman says, an auger is a definite necessity, with a simple hand model being all you’ll need. The larger the hole diameter, the harder the effort required to ultimately drill through the ice, he says. He suggests a six-inch model, which will work fine for pinfish, walleye and pike, without hurting your arms and back too badly. He also recommends keeping a metal ice scoop on hand to clean slush out from the drilled holes.
For those starting out, Hoffman suggests an initial purchase of two separate rod and reel combos. An ultra light model that’s standard in length (approximately 28-inches) with a fast-action tip is mandatory for pinfish, he says.  A medium-action rod is perfect for walleye, small trout and pike, and will work well as your second combo, Huffman says. He says to look for a graphite rod that’s about 28 to 30-inches in length, with a solid backbone throughout the lower 2/3rds. Hoffman strongly recommends purchasing rods made by well-known manufacturers since they are extremely important out on the ice.
An ultra light reel is your best choice when ice fishing. Hoffman says it will compliment the rod in weight and size, and will allow the line to run truer through the rod guides. He says if you already have ultra light reels that are used for open water fishing, you can use these on the ice. He suggests cleaning out the grease inside, as this can freeze when the temperature really dips, seizing up the entire unit. Some ice fishing reels come standard with “cold weather lube,” but are very expensive, he says. Rods and reels can often be bought as combos, saving you the added expense of buying each separately.
Line is an important link in your ice fishing outfit. Hoffman suggests going with 2 to 4 lbs test for pinfish and 6-8 lbs test for walleye, trout and pike, and sticking with a reputable brand.
When it comes to lures, Hoffman says keep a small assortment that includes spoons, jigging cranks, jig heads and plastics for tipping. When you’re just starting out, stick to the basics, he says.
Hoffman says a tip up allows the stationary presentation of live or dead bait, and can be a useful tool to have while jigging. He recommends a Polar Therm-style to keep your hole free of ice and snow. Spool up with tip up line or Dacron, he says and have a prepared minnow spread or simply tie on a weight and hook.
If you plan on using live bait, either for jigging or for set lines, you will need to purchase a minnow bucket, he says. You don’t need to get anything fancy - just a plain bucket will work. You will also need a minnow net for fishing your bait out, he says.
Hoffman says you’ll need a sled or toboggan in order to drag your gear to and from the ice each day. Again, nothing fancy, but make sure it has strong ropes.
Make sure you have something to sit on while you’re out on the ice. Hoffman says many people use a large five-gallon pail for this purpose.  You might even think about getting one with a sport-padded lid. Pails are also useful for carting and storing your gear. Folding camp chairs also work well for this situation, being more comfortable and providing more back support.
Ice picks are a safety tool that should be standard equipment for those that venture on the ice.  Hoffman says they are inexpensive and could literally save your life out there. Keep a long length of rope close at hand in case an accident occurs, he says.
Hoffman says these necessary items will probably only set you back around $300. He says once the “ice bug” has bit, you might end up spending money on portable huts, electronics and gas augers. While those “luxuries” make things more pleasant on the ice, they aren’t needed to get you out there. Have fun and enjoy the ice!