January 06, 2025
By Game & Fish Staff
Manufacturers constantly create new products to give anglers an even greater edge on the ice. Electronics and related accessories are more potent than ever before. New shelters and clothing make long days more comfortable, and new lures and rods and reels make tempting and landing fish easier. Meanwhile, accessories ranging from auger bits to bait buckets and portable heaters, generally simplify things for hard-water anglers. Here and throughout this special ice-fishing section, we’ll highlight some top new products to consider this season.
ELECTRONICS Garmin Panoptix PS22-IF Ice Fishing Bundle Garmin Panoptix PS22-IF Ice Fishing Bundle Garmin's Panoptix PS22-IF Ice Fishing Bundle ($1,999.99) sports a touchscreen ECHOMAP UHD2 7-inch chartplotter with keyed assist, a glove-friendly portable bag and LiveVu Forward and LiveVu Down sonar. The highlight is the new transducer that requires no pole mount and has a removable lens to adjust sonar beam angle.
Humminbird Ice Helix 5 CHIRP GPS G3 All-Season Bundle Humminbird Ice Helix 5 CHIRP GPS G3 All-Season Bundle Built for year-round use, the Humminbird Ice Helix 5 CHIRP GPS G3 All-Season Bundle ($619.99) has CHIRP sonar with 3/4-inch target separation, CHIRP Interference Rejection, adjustable sonar zoom, GPS mapping and a 5-inch, full-color LCD display. Dual-mode functionality makes it ideal for ice or open water.
Clam Outdoors Live Electronics Shuttle Clam Outdoors Live Electronics Shuttle The Clam Outdoors Live Electronics Shuttle ($149.99) works with live and 2D sonar and uses light marine-grade 11-gauge aluminum. It fits various batteries, has multiple ports/plugs, is customizable and fits in Clam’s Sonar Carry Bag. Also check out Clam’s Live Imaging Pole ($109.99), which has a strong yet light aluminum housing and bearing, rotates 360 degrees and collapses down or extends to 66 3/4 inches.
Advertisement
SHELTERS Clam Outdoors Ranger XT Thermal Clam Outdoors Ranger XT Thermal shelter Clam Outdoors' flip-style Ranger XT Thermal shelter ($879.99) has many popular Nanook XT Thermal features (small pack-down size, lightweight design, thermal insulation, accessories and ample room), but adds Clam’s 1 1/4-inch pole system for more durability and stability. A portion of sales proceeds benefits Folds of Honor.
Eskimo QuickFish HD Series Eskimo QuickFish HD Series shelter Eskimo QuickFish HD Series shelters ($349.99–$479.99) sport a “No-Trip Door” for easy access but retain the original QuickFish’s sub-minute setup. They come in two sizes, have wider doors than the brand’s Outbreak shelters in a more packable size and weight and offer more fishable area than original QuickFish models.
APPAREL Striker Climate Jacket and Bibs Striker Climate Jacket and Bibs. The Striker Climate jacket and bib ($349.99/jacket or bib, $699.98/both) offers all-season versatility with adjustable insulation—removable Adapt Insulated Jacket (jacket) and removable PrimaLoft insulation (bib)—and perforated Sureflote floatation-assist technology. This technology is permanently fixed in the suit’s outer shells to improve moisture management and breathability, making it perfect for both brutally cold and warmer conditions.
Advertisement
IceArmor by Clam RV3 Float Suit IceArmor by Clam RV3 Float Suit Clam’s updated Rise (RV3) Float Suit ($199.99/bib or parka, $399.98/both) has a reimagined pocket layout, with additional storage and hand-warming features. Motion Float Technology provides float assistance if an ice breakthrough occurs, and the suit has a 300D waterproof/windproof/breathable shell and 150 grams of fixed thermal insulation (50 percent more than the prior Rise Suit).
Eskimo Superior Suit Eskimo Superior Suit for ice fishing Eskimo's Superior Suit ($329.99/jacket or bib, $659.98/both) is a versatile 3-in-1 solution adjustable to any conditions. Waterproof outer shell pieces contain Uplyft Breathable Flotation and feature DuraDry stretch fabric for good range of motion. Insulating liners offer extra warmth (150 and 80 grams of Thinsulate insulation for the jacket and bibs, respectively) but can be removed on warmer days.
Striker Shield Float Vest Striker Shield Float Vest The Striker Shield Float Vest ($129.99), which features Sureflote flotation assist technology, can be worn as an outer layer or an insulating mid-layer and is perfect for either ice season or open water. It has Thermadex for lightweight warmth and a fleece-lined collar and hand pockets.
DRILLS AND BITS StrikeMaster Lite-Flite Lazer Drill USA 8" StrikeMaster Lite-Flite Lazer Drill USA 8" This new drill ($199.99) features patriotic red, white and blue colors and works with StrikeMaster’s 24V and 40V power heads and 18V or higher handheld cordless drivers. The unit’s Power Point keeps the drill in place, while twin serrated stainless steel Lazer Blades carve through ice.
Eskimo Pistol Bit 2.0 Eskimo Pistol Bit 2.0 ice bit Eskimo's Pistol Bit 2.0 drill-adaptive auger bit ($229.99–$249.99) uses Eskimo’s Turbo Cutting System to slice through ice more quickly and efficiently with cordless drills. Available in 8- and 10-inch models, these also fit Eskimo’s E40 power heads. Eskimo’s website lists minimum drill requirements for each bit.
RODS, REELS AND COMBOS Daiwa Kage LT Daiwa Kage LT ice-fishing reel The new 1000-size Kage LT ($249.99) is perfect for ice or open water. It features a strong, lightweight, high-density carbon resin ZAION construction; Daiwa’s aluminum digigear, AIR Rotor and AIR Bail; a two-ball-bearing ATD (Advanced Tournament Drag); and a machined aluminum screw-in handle.
Okuma Ceymar “A” Baitfeeder Okuma Ceymar “A” Baitfeeder ice-fishing reel Okuma's Ceymar “A” Baitfeeder ($79.99) has an auto-trip bait-feeding system to easily switch between bait-feeding and standard modes; multi-disc Carbonite drag washers; and 7BB+1RB stainless steel bearings. The Quick-Set anti-reverse bearing ensures solid hooksets, while the machine-cut brass pinion gear yields smooth, reliable operation.
Clam Outdoors Spooler Elite Combo Clam Outdoors Spooler Elite Combo The Clam Outdoors Spooler Elite Combo ($79.99) pairs Clam’s Spooler Elite Reel with a custom-built rod. With 3+1 ball bearings and a 2.3:1-ratio, the reel couples perfectly with the rod, which features Clam’s Tsuka handle and fly-style guides and comes in three lengths and actions.
13 Fishing FreeFall Ghost Aluminum Ice Fishing Reel 13 Fishing FreeFall Ghost Aluminum ice-fishing reel 13 Fishing's FreeFall Ghost Aluminum Ice Fishing Reel ’s ($99.99; rapala.com) aluminum spool lets lures fall quickly while its FreeFall trigger offers precise control when stopping baits. It has an ultra-smooth competition drag, 3+1 stainless steel ball bearings and a 2.5:1 gear ratio. Consider the company’s FreeFall Trick Shop Reel ($149.99) for an even more feature-rich inline reel, or the Heat Wave Combo ($29.99) for a solid, affordable spinning rig.
Shimano Convergence Ice Series CVCE40MHA Shimano Convergence Ice Series fishing rod. Shimano's Convergence Ice Series casting rod ($39.99) is ideal for jigging big lakers and pike or as a set rod in automatic hook-setting devices. The medium-heavy-power rod uses a flat, custom-cut EVA rear grip for extra leverage and features Zirconia guides.
LURES & BAITS Clam Outdoors Psycho Shad Clam Outdoors Psycho Shad lure The Psycho Shad ($6.99) rattles (thanks to stainless steel BBs) and shakes when jigged and mimics a dying minnow when falling. Available in three sizes, the durable PVC bait works for panfish, walleyes, pike, lakers and more. For finesse presentations, consider Clam’s Niku Flutter Fly ($5.79/6-pack), a hand-injected, freshwater-shrimp-scented, 1.75-inch plastic with four flapping wings that produce a subtle gliding, waving action.
Northland Fishing Tackle Tungsten Buck-Shot Spoon Northland Fishing Tackle Tungsten Buck-Shot Spoon lure Northland’s top ice spoon keeps its ticking, thumping and clicking sound but gets a tungsten upgrade ($9.99; northlandtackle.com). It’s 70 percent heavier than lead, features reflecting fish scale patterns and comes in three sizes and 12 colors. Check out Northland’s stamped brass Thumper Spoon ($6.99) for more flash, flutter and finesse or the Tungsten Slim Spoon ($7.99) to get deep fast.
VMC Bladed Bull Spoon VMC Bladed Bull Spoon lure for ice fishing This lure ($5.99) has an erratic, wounded-baitfish action, minnow-shaped profile, lifelike 3D holographic eye and bladed hybrid VMC treble hook for maximum flash and vibration. It comes in two sizes and eight colors. VMC’s Hatchet Spoon ($5.49) is another aggressive spoon, while the Tungsten Roach Jig ($6.99/2-pack) is a great finesse option.
Z-Man Fishing LarvaZ Z-Man Fishing LarvaZ ice-fishing lure This soft plastic ($4.99/8-pack; zmanfishing.com) has bulging eyes, a broad ribbed body and thin segmented tail that undulates underwater. It withstands repeated abuse due to its ElaZtech construction and comes in eight colors.
VMC Bladed Predator Rig “Wire Y Harness” VMC Bladed Predator Rig “Wire Y Harness” ice-fishing rig This rig ($10.29–$12.59) adds flash and vibration to tip-up and rattle reel setups with VMC’s Bladed Hybrid Trebles Forged Hi-Carbon Steel Wide Gap Hooks. It’s perfect with live or dead bait and available in four different hook sizes.
ACCESSORIES Clam Outdoors Heaters Clam Outdoors Heater Available in three models (4,200 BTU, 10,000 BTU and 16,000 BTU), these heaters ($79.99–$149.99) are rugged, stabile and versatile. The two larger units feature a variable heat range (one adjustable output range on the 10,000 BTU model; two on the 16,000 BTU unit) and run on one 20-pound or two 1-pound propane tanks. The smallest unit runs only on 1-pound tanks.
Frabill Collapsible Bait Bucket Frabill Collapsible Bait Bucket Frabill's Collapsible Bait Bucket ($49.99/bucket with aerator, $29.99/bucket only) expands to 6 quarts to accommodate bait and collapses to the size of a standard Plano 3700-size StowAway for storage. The clipped handles snap into the base to prevent unwanted collapse.
Sufix 832 Advanced Ice Braid and Ice Magic Sufix 832 Advanced Ice Braid ice-fishing line Sufix’s 832 Advanced Ice Braid ($11.99/50 yards) and Ice Magic ($5.99/100 yards) monofilament now come in Fire Camo and Glacier Blue, respectively. The braid resists abrasion and freezing, while the mono resists water absorption and freezing. Braid comes in 4-, 6-, 8-, 10-, 20- and 30-pound test, while the mono is available in 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 6- and 8-pound test.
Rapala SmartHub Accessories Rapala SmartHub Rapala expands its SmartHub line with new accessories: a Utility Pouch ($27.99), a Waste Pouch ($27.99), a Line Spooler ($19.99), a Magnetic Tool Holder ($14.99) and a Coat Hook ($9.99). The Utility Pouch, shown here, has multiple storage pouches to organize tools and has a carabiner/lock release to secure it to a SmartHub Mount.
Correspondents Scott Mackenthun and Matt Breuer contributed to this report.
This roundup was featured in the Midwest edition of the December-January issue of Game & Fish magazine. Click to subscribe .
