Manufacturers are turning good ideas into new products on a regular basis, and this year will be no exception. Baits, augers, shelters, outerwear and rods and reels are all in high demand, and you won't have any trouble finding the gear you're looking for. Whether you're replacing an old auger or looking for the latest in flashers, here's a look at what's in store for 2010.

ELECTRONICS
There isn't an ice angler on the lake who doesn't want to know what's below him. Fortunately, there are some products that allow us to peer beyond the ice.

(LEFT) MarCum Technologies LX-5 Ice System, (RIGHT) Vexilar's FL-20 Ultra Pack

The LX-5 Ice System is the newest and most feature-laden flasher created by MarCum Technologies. The three-color sonar unit includes a dual-beam transducer and allows users to switch between the 8- and 20-degree cone angles with the touch of a key.

A special Superfine Line lets anglers improve the unit's resolution, creating target separation down to three-quarters of an inch. The LX-5's display is visible even in bright sunlight, and it allows users to zoom in on any segment of water in the water column. The unit includes a soft-pack carrying case, a 12-volt, 7-amp battery, and digital charging system. (www.marcumtech.com)

To commemorate its 50th anniversary, Vexilar is offering a new limited edition Ultra Pack that includes every option the company offers. It's built around Vexilar's new three-color FL-20 sonar unit with a bigger display and two auto-zoom ranges. The 50th Anniversary Ice Pack Combo features an enclosed 12-volt, 9 amp-hour battery, a master switch that powers up the unit, remote charging posts for easy recharging, and a battery status indicator. The special system also includes an adjustable rod holder, cable storage cleats and even a tackle box. For convenience, the entire system fits inside a 5-gallon bucket. It comes already assembled and includes an instructional video. (www.vexilar.com)

ROD & REELS
Top marks this year go to Clam Corp's new Dave Genz True Blue Series ice-fishing combos. These solid graphite rods are loaded with an enhanced bite-detection tip and stainless steel guides and are available in four actions and lengths. The lightweight reels and infinite anti-reverse features make for a trouble-free trip and more fish in the bucket. (www.clamcorp.com)

(TOP) Frabill's Bro Series Rod And Reel Combo, (BOTTOM) Clam Corp's Dave Genz True Blue Rod And Reel Combo

The 32-inch Quick-Tip panfish rod is the newest addition to Frabill's Bro Series rod-and-reel combos. The series is named for and endorsed by ice-fishing expert Brian Brosdahl. The Quick-Tip adds muscle to the rest of the line for deep-water hooksets and a more measured line give, which equates to shock absorption on the line. The high-definition rod allows you not only to see the strike but feel it as well. (www.frabill.com)

BAITS
You never know what baits the fish will want on any given day until you're on the water. Rapala's new Jigging Shad Rap is a great start in tipping the odds in your favor.

The Jigging Shad Rap has been building a reputation among ice-anglers since its introduction and is now available in two sizes and 12 classic Rapala colors, seven of which incorporate glow technology. The size 03 is 1 1/2 inches and 3/16 ounces and the size 05 is 2 inches and 5/16 ounces. The bait was developed specifically for under-the-ice conditions and works beautifully with a sharp, snapping motion that causes it to circle or vibrate at any depth. (www.rapala.com)

1) Lindy Legendary Fishing Tackle's Slick Jig, 2.) Northland Fishing Tackle's Macho Minnow Jigging Spoon, 3) Rapala's Jigging Shad Rap, 4) Lindy Legendary Fishing Tackle's Darter, 5) Berkley Gulp! Alive! Fish Fry, 6) Berkley Gulp! Alive! Micro Minnow, 7) Berkley Gulp! Alive! Jigging Grub

The Lindy Legendary Fishing Tackle folks have been hard at work. The Slick Jig has been tested by Lindy staff throughout the northern U.S. and Canada with positive results. Word has it that there is no wrong way to fish this jig. Let it glide down naturally, bounce it near the bottom, lift and drop or just let Slick Jig glide away. The weight-forward design takes it into the weedbeds, submerged timber and other hard-to-penetrate cover, and a quick twitch will dart it back out into the open. Slick Jigs are available in 1/4-, 3/16- and 2/8-ounce sizes and six colors. (www.lindy-fishingtackle.com)

The Darter combines with Lindy's Slick Jig to double-wham the marketplace with another innovative tool for the ice-angler's tackle box. This bait combines warmwater features in a hard-body bait specifically designed to push the limit. Predators key in on the minnow-imitating action, and the bright finishes and colors seal the deal. The nine holographic patterns reflect light in low-light conditions, and the rattle chamber adds an unusual cold-water dimension. The action is in the name. (www.lindy-fishingtackle.com)

The Berkley Gulp! Alive! Micro Minnow is another hardwater advantage worth having. The new Minnow is a take-off from past successes and is the perfect substitute for the real thing. Gulp! Alive! Minnows can be fished under a bobber or on a jighead. Rig one on a size 2 Aberdeen hook, leaving the hook exposed through the nose. The 1-inch soft-plastic bait targets panfish and walleyes with a natural feel and Gulp! Alive! scent. The eyes and gills are accentuated to complete the deception. The baits come in several colors to match the water conditions. The Gulp! Alive! 1-inch Fish Fry and Gulp! Alive! Jigging Grub round out the new line-up for serious anglers. Put a Fish Fry on a small hook under a float or the Jigging Grub on a small ice jig, and don't leave the hole unattended. Gulp! Alive! Minnows, Fish Fry and Jigging Grubs come in re-sealable 2.3-ounce jars for easy storage. Re-charge baits by putting them back in the jar. The Gulp! Alive! formula is now 20 percent stronger than the regular Gulp! Alive! attractant. (www. berkley-fishing.com)

Last but not least, Northland's new Macho Minnow Jigging Spoon is sure to dig up some action. Tight-line the spoon to fish it vertically at any depth. The holographic realism and three-dimensional eyes combine in six weights and 10 colors, including Super-Glo tones. The spoon flips and flutters in unpredictable drops because of Northland's jointed KickerTail innovation. (www.northlandtackle.com)