Lake-Link's Ice Fishing Holiday Gift Guide
Cool, new gear for the ice anglers on the nice list
by Lake-Link StaffIt's that time of year again... Everyone is rushing to find the perfect gift for that someone special. But sometimes finding that "perfect" gift for the ice fishing enthusiast can be a challenging one. The elves at Lake-Link have been going though a lot of gifts and decided to give you some recommendations that we know the angler in your life will enjoy...
Ice Fishing Rod & Reel Combo
St. Croix Panfish Ice Combos
MSRP: $95-$105St. Croix's new Panfish Ice Combos are the perfect solution for any angler looking an exceptional, complete, all-around ice panfish rod and reel system. And for friends and families who need multiple outfits, they're budget-friendly, too.
Ice Fishing Dead-Sticking Reel
Okuma Ceymar CBF-500 Bait Feeder
MSRP: $82.99As mentioned, we put in our time last winter fishing a dead-stick for wary walleyes. Coupled with a Croix Custom Ice Dead Eye rod, the Okuma Ceymar CBF-500 Bait Feeder Reel is the linchpin to today's modern set-line approach.
Ice Fishing Accessory
JT Outdoor Products Dead-Stick Rod Holder
MSRP: $24.99 This product may not seem like much, but take our word, it's critical for dead-sticking. An accordion-style dead-stick rod holder, the JT Outdoor Products Rod Holder is easily collapsible and adjustable - and will accommodate dead sticks between 24- and 48-inches long.Ice Fishing Tackle
VMC Rattling Roach Spoon
MSRP: $7.49-$8.49According to testers last season-including Lake Mille Lacs guide and bait co-designer, Tony Roach-the new VMC Rattling Roach Spoon caught tons of fish last winter. Its intense fluttering action combined with an exposed rattle chamber delivers maximum sound vibrations, grabbing the attention of nearby fish like no other spoon. The spoon is dressed with a marabou teaser tail, which conceals a super sharp VMC treble hook and also provides a minnow-tail-like appeal. It also features a holographic eye and is available in a variety of UV, holographic attractor and live baitfish patterns. VMC's Ultra Glow Rattling Roach Spoon colors last up to 15 minutes on a single charge! dead sticks between 24- and 48-inches long.
Ice Fishing Apparel
Strikemaster Pro Flotation Suit
MSRP: $259.99, Jacket; $259.99, BibsWe've tested a lot of ice fishing flotation suits over the years, and the StrikeMaster ® Pro Jacket and Pro Bibs is one of the warmest, lightest, and best-designed suits we've ever worn.
Breaking through the ice is no joke. Besides carrying a spud bar to test ice thickness, fishing with a buddy, carrying your phone in a Zip-Loc, and making sure you have a throwable, wearing a flotation suit is an absolute must.
The Strikemaster Pro Flotation Suit offers a lot of features. For starters, its SOS technology will allow an angler wearing it to float for up to 2 hours if he/she breaks through the ice. And available in sizes from extra-small (XS) all the way up to 4XL, there's a suit to fit every angler on the ice.
And the outer shell is breathable while remaining water repellant. Also feature fleece-lined hand warming pockets; a magnetic flat on the main zipper; removable hood; D-rings for fishing accessory attachment; reflective trim for safety; Inside Zip Pockets for Convenient Storage
Likewise, the bibs feature a smart design with 140 grams of 3M Insulation plus 40 grams equivalent of EPE Foam. The knees are reinforced, too, with 5mm of foam padding, which makes kneeling at the hole jigging much less painful on aging joints.
Zip-to-hip side zippers make getting bulky ice fishing boots on and off easy. Like the jacket, the bibs also feature a magnetic flap on the side with main zippers. Chest area features fleece-lined handwarming pockets and there's an adjustable hem on the bottom bib cuffs to ensure you're not dragging fabric through slush.
Ice Fishing Apparel
Whitewater Fishing Torque Heated Vest
MSRP: $219.99Although heated vests are nothing new-with companies like Cabela's and Milwaukee Tool-offering versions, this is by far the best we've tested.
80 grams of Primaloft® Silver insulation and a one-touch button delivers three levels of heat on demand via a built-in USB power cable in the pocket of the vest (5v/2A power bank sold separately).
A smooth polyester lining and Lycra binding produce a snug fit, while the DWR-treated nylon shell repels moisture. An extended cut keeps the lower back warm. Reflective logo touch points on the front and back stand out when you're taking on the fog.
Personally, we're buying a half-dozen of these heated vests as Christmas presents this year for kids and spouses.
Ice Fishing Boots
Norfin Klondike 2 w/built-in cleats
MSRP: $199.99Gone are the days of clunky, heavy, and subpar ice fishing boots. We tested the Norfin Klondike 2 ice fishing boots last winter and wouldn't consider wearing anything else now. Good to -40 degrees, they're amazingly feather-light, ride high up the ankles to keep snow, slush, and water out, and feature built-in ice cleats. Available in sizes from 3 to 14.
FISHING TOOLS/ACCESSORIES
Rapala Cerakote® 7-Inch Elite Scissors
MSRP: $48.99Tired of trying to cut braided and stiff fluorocarbon line with tiny, dull scissors not intended for the job? Then do yourself a favor and buy this be-all, end-all of fishing scissors. We did, and we couldn't be happier. In fact, we need to get another pair to have one in the boat and one in the tackle box.
ICE FISHING TOOLS/ACCESSORIES
EGO Waterproof Fishing Scale
MSRP: $69.99The EGO waterproof fishing scale is the ultimate digital fishing scale with 110 lbs. capacity and 100% waterproof body. The ergonomic handle makes it easy to hold and lift the scale even with heavier loads-and it also features a built-in measuring tape that flexes in a circular fashion when needed for accurate girth measurements, something you don't find in other scales on the market.
- Weighs up to 110 lbs.
- Waterproof
- Ergonomic handle
- Weighs in LBS, KG, OZ
- Tare / data lock function
- Stainless steel hook
- Strong ABS plastic body
- Built-in measuring tape that flexes for accurate girth measurements
- Includes user manual, screwdriver and 2 AAA batteries
- Size: 7"L X 4.75"W X 1.5"H
Ice Fishing Electronics
NORSK Lithium 32Ah battery
MSRP: $279.99Perfect for the avid ice angler, kayak angler, small boat angler, or general camping/off-grid enthusiast on your holiday list, the NORSK Lithium 32Ah battery to will provide more than enough power for individuals who need lots of juice to keep their electronics running on-the-water, in the woods, or just exploring outdoors.
Ice Fishing Electronics
Humminbird Ice Helix 9 MSI+ GPS G4N MEGA Live Bundle
MSRP: $3099.99Looking for your first forward-facing ice fishing sonar unit? After more than a season testing it, we strongly recommend the Humminbird Ice Helix 9 MSI+ GPS G4N MEGA Live Bundle.
Additional features designed specifically for the ice angler include AutoChart Live ICE, Jig Charge Mode, split-screen views, premium shuttle and 20Ah lithium battery separate this unit from all others on the ICE.