Cool Gear for Ice Anglers

FROM LURING IN LUNKERS TO PUNCHING HOLES, THESE HARDWATER ACCESSORIES GEARED FOR ICE HAVE YOU BY THE EDITORS COVERED

UH-OH. YOU just pulled your ice-fishing gear out of storage and noticed a few things are missing, and the accessories you still have are, well, a little the worse for wear. Talk about a fantastic excuse to update your hardwater arsenal. To that end, we’ve been surveying the latest and greatest new offerings for ice anglers, and these are our favourites.

BULL SPOON

Sporting a minnowshaped profile and 3-D holographic eyes, this quick-sinking spoon ($5.49) is designed to impart an erratic action mimicking a wounded baitfish. It comes in 12 different colours (including UV options for maximum visibility) and 1⁄16- and 1⁄8-ounce sizes. VMC, (905) 571-3001; www.rapala.ca/vmc

LIVESCOPE PLUS ICE FISHING BUNDLE LI

This sonar unit ($4,229.99) is packed with features, including the LiveScope Plus System with both down and forward (up to 200 feet in any direction) livescanning. It also comes with the Echomap UHD 95sv chartplotter, a lithium- ion battery, and more. Garmin, 1-866-4299292; www.garmin.ca

ALPHA

Weighing less than 22 pounds, Ion’s latest electric ice auger ($699.99) features the Turbo high-speed cutting system, with a choice of eight- or 10-inch blades. It promises to bore through up to 1,200 inches of ice on a single charge, at 2.2 inches a second. Ion, 800-345-6007; www.ioniceaugers.com

HAND AUGER

The lever-locking flipup handle on Jiffy’s latest auger ($119.99) makes for easy storage and carrying. The drill assembly extends up to 24 inches, and uses two shaver blades for fast cutting. It’s available with either six- or eight-inch blades. Jiffy Ice Drills, (920) 467-6167; www.jiffyonice.com

YUKON XT THERMAL

The insulated, lightweight two-seat Yukon flip-over (US$999.99) boasts Clam’s new XT side-door system, so anglers don’t have to step over gear or ice holes when entering. With a packed length of 63 inches, it will fit in a shortbox pickup. Clam Outdoors, 1-800423-3474; www.clam outdoors.com

KEEPER JACKET AND BIBS

Tough and lightweight, Eskimo’s Keeper jacket and bibs (US$249 to $259 each) are designed for ease of movement. Available in men’s and women’s sizes, they have 80 grams of Thinsulate insulation, Uplyft flotation assistance and numerous zip pockets. Eskimo, 1-800-345-6007; www.geteskimo.com

MICK-E TUNGSTEN JIG

This fast-falling tungsten jig (US$5.49) sports a clear silicone bill that’s shaped like Mickey Mouse ears to impart a unique wriggling and darting action. It’s available in 15 colours, and a choice of #8, #10 or #12 hooks. Acme Tackle, 1-866-244 2277; www.acmetackle.com

XPS 6-ROD ICE CASE

Featuring compartments for six rigged ice combos, this 33-inch-long softsided case ($49.99) also has exterior storage pockets, as well as oversized zippers, carrying handles and a shoulder strap. It comes in sassy grey/ pink (pictured) or basic black. Bass Pro Shops, 1-800-265-6245; www.basspro.ca

VORTEX PRO RESORT

Along with a light- and wind-blocking outer shell, insulated quilted inner shell and reinforced corners, this hub shelter ($829.99) for six to eight anglers features a full door, so there’s no more tripping over a sodden or frozen threshold. Otter Outdoors, 1-877466-8837; www. otteroutdoors.com

ICE FISHING TOOL KIT

This handy hardwater kit (US$84.99) includes Smith’s RegalRiver four-inch stainless folding fillet knife with a non-slip handle, 6½-inch stainless steel pliers, a nine-inch jaw spreader, scissors with sheath, line clippers, and a mesh storage bag. Smith’s, 1-800221-4156; www.smiths products.com

AMBITION SPINNING ICE COMBO

Designed for youths, this cheerfully coloured spinning combo ($49.99) has a durable fibreglass rod with stainlesssteel guides, plus a skeleton reel seat and contoured knob for small hands. It comes in 24-inch ultralight, and 26-inch light models 13 Fishing, (905) 571-3001; www. rapala.ca/13-fishing

OC

EXTREME GLOVES

Designed for extra protection from the cold and wet, these lightweight gloves (US$49.99) have a water-repellent softshell outer, a leather-reinforced polyurethane palm and Primaloft insulation for warmth. They come in sizes small to 2XL. Ice Armor by Clam, 1-800-4233474; www.clam outdoors.com