Ice Anglers Gift Guide

The recently released Jigging Shadow Rap ($16.49) has a broad silhouette and erratic darting action that’s irresistible to walleye, lake trout, northern pike and other predatory fish. New for this ice season are five ultra-realistic finishes: Baby Aspius, Bleak, Live Bleak, Muikku and Smelt on the Beach.

The Rippin’ Blade ($14.99) represents the next evolution in bladebaits. Perfectly balanced and designed to produce instant vibrations, even at slow speeds, it comes in premium colours and features three line-tie positions for customizing its action. Great for lake trout, pike, walleye and whitefish.

Panfish can’t resist the Tungsten Larv Eye Jig ($7.99). The latest addition to VMC’s popular ice jig collection, the Larv Eye always maintains a 90-degree position, ensuring a perfect presentation whether tipped with live or artificial bait. Oversized 3D holographic eyes and enticing Ultra Glow patterns amp-up the appeal of these 1/32 and 1/16 ounce jigs.

Celebrating its second ice season, the Bull Spoon ($4.79+) is a fast-sinking lure with an erratic, wounded baitfish action. Available in 1/16 and 1/8 ounces. The perfect tool for teasing strikes from all kinds of fish.

Do anglers on your holiday shopping list love catching walleye, lake trout, northern pike and whitefish? Then be sure to get them some of the Suspect, Jerk and Freeloader ($8.99+) from the CrushCity collection of ultra-durable soft baits. Just released this past summer, these advanced plastics are as effective at catching fish under the ice as they are during the open-water season.

If browsing ice fishing lures isn’t your cup of tea, we’ve got an easy shopping solution for you — get them some VMC jig and spoon kits. Bundled in the hottest colour patterns, these kits take the guesswork out of gift giving for anglers. Check out the Tingler, Tumbler, Flash Champ, and Rattle Spoon Kits ($17.99+), as well as the Waxy, Tungsten Mongo and Tungsten Tubby Jig Kits ($10.99+).

VMC’s panfish ice fishing jigs and finesse spoons now come in more great colours. Glow Black Wonderbread, Glow Juicy Lucy, Glow Metallic Red and Glow Metallic Rainbow enter the Tungsten Mongo Jig and Tungsten Tubby Jig ($7.49+) collections. Tingler Spoons ($6.79+) and Flash Champ Spoons ($7.69+) get Glow Black Wonderbread, Glow Juicy Lucy, Glow Pink Squirrel and Glow Slimy Lime colour additions.

Lures that have stood the test of time and consistently catch fish always make great gifts. Some to consider are the Jigging Rap ($8.99+) Jigging Shad Rap ($9.99+), Snap Rap ($12.99), Slab Rap ($10.99), Cast Champ ($10.49+), Flash Bang Spoon ($11.49) and Lil’ Foxee Jigging Minnow ($5.79+).

Looking for some stellar stocking stuffers for ice anglers? The RedLine Drop Shot Hook ($8.99) is perfect for soaking bait on a set-line for walleye and panfish, while the Bladed Hybrid Treble ($8.49+) is an easy way for anglers to add extra flash, vibration and needle-sharp hook points to their favourite ice fishing lure.

The Rapala Fish Towel ($4.99) comes with an easy-to-use carabiner clip, so its easy to keep the towel within reach. Best to get them a couple because wet, cold hands take the fun out of ice fishing.

If the angler on your shopping list is a fan of yellow perch, crappie, whitefish and stocked trout, you’ve should get them the new Glow Pick 6 ($14.99). Simple in design but oh-so handy, this 2-in-1 tool has a forked punch remover for fast, easy de-hooking of fish. Just as useful is the powerful, LED UV pinch light for charging glow baits. 

Despite today’s ice rods being built with durability in mind, they’re not indestructible. Using Ice Rod Sleeves ($9.99) is one of the easiest ways to prevent broken rod tips. These handy ice fishing accessories also prevent line tangles among multiple rod setups. Available in 24”, 30” and 38” sizes.

Fresh line fishes better and helps feel more bites, so consider stuffing their stockings with some spools of Advance Ice Fluorocarbon ($13.99), Advance Ice Monofilament ($8.79) and 832 Advanced Ice Braid ($13.49).

Help them stay sure footed on slippery ice conditions with a pair of Winter Boot Sport Grippers ($11.49) with galvanized studs for increased traction. Ice Claw Safety Spikes ($15.49) are another gift-worthy ice fishing essential.

Keeping live-bait in good shape in harsh, winter conditions isn’t a challenge when using the Bait Puck ($11.49+) and Bait Puck Plus ($10.99). Specifically designed for ice fishing, these handy ultra-durable bait containers easily slip into the pocket of jackets or bibs.

It’s always a good idea to own a couple ice scoops. The Compact Mega Scoop ($13.99) is a great, affordable ice fishing gift. Its large, fold-in scoop quickly clears away slush from ice holes. The Folding Ice Scoop ($4.99) and Metal Ice Skimmer/Scoop ($13.99) are other good picks.

Every angler needs a sharp, quality cutting tool for slicing fishing line when tying leaders and attaching lures. The Retractable Line Scissors ($17.49), EZ Stow Line Scissors ($11.49) and Fishing Clipper & Lanyard ($15.49) are three inexpensive, compact fishing tools they’ll appreciate owning.  

2. ICE FISHING GIFTS BETWEEN $20 TO $50

AMBITION COMBO

For children eager to unwrap an ice fishing rod and reel setup, look no further than the Ambition Combos ($49.99). These rugged, 24” ultra-light and 26” light power rod combos will help them ice plenty of fish this winter.

Delivering exceptional value and performance at a competitive price, Wicked Ice Rods ($36.99) come in ultra-light to medium-heavy configurations. Excellent all-round jigging rods for a range of species.

SmartHub System mounts and accessories help anglers customize shelters and organize gear, so you can rest assured any products from this collection are sure to be well received. 

One good option is the SmartHub Magnetic Tool Holder ($19.99+), which comes with a connector, and features tool storage drop-in slots with magnetic backers, tool hang hooks on either end and lure storage perimeter holds for hanging baits. Also gift-worthy is the SmartHub Line Spooler ($24.99), which helps make quick work of spooling a reel with fresh line.

Other popular picks are the SmartHub Track System 16 ($29.99), SmartHub Rattle Reel ($44.99), SmartHub Rod Holder ($22.99) and SmartHub Clamp Mount ($19.99) — but there are lots more great accessories to choose from.

Sticking with the theme of staying organized on the ice, the Jig Box ($23.99), Utility Box ($23.99) and Jigging Rap Ice Box ($20.99) are designed for storing ice fishing baits and jigs, yet are small enough to fit into jacket and bib pockets. 

For anglers preferring larger tackle trays for storing, Rippin’ Raps, Jigging Raps and other lures, you can’t beat Rapala’s heavy-duty Tackle Trays ($10.99+).

Rapala’s legendary fillet knives are a great choice for those who love eating fish. The Fish ’n Fillet Knife ($28.99+), Presentation Fillet Knife ($48.99+) and Soft Grip Fillet Knife ($25.99+) are just some to consider. For the ultimate fish preparation present, also get them a Fillet Glove ($29.99) for added finger and hand protection, and a Two-Stage Ceramic Sharpener ($6.99) for quick touch ups.

Mag Spring Pliers ($45.99) are fan favourites. Their ingenious patent pending Mag-Spring system keeps pliers open and ready, a fantastic feature for glove-clad anglers needing to quickly de-hook their catch and get back fishing in record time.

The 40” medium and medium-heavy Infrared ice rods ($48.99) are gift-worthy for anglers who chase lake trout, northern pike, trophy walleye and other big fish. These rugged, responsive fibreglass rods have a screw-in Evolve Custom Reel Seat for a secure hold of the reel and stainless steel guides. See next section for more rod, reel and rod combo options for ice fishing.

Want to keep things simple? Give them a warm insulated hat, like the Rapala Mesh Knit Beanie ($24.99) and 13 Fishing Full Moose ($29.99), or StrikeMaster’s Light-Weight and Mid-Weight gloves ($49.99). 

Note: For extreme temps, opt for StrikeMaster’s Heavy-Weight Gloves and Heavy-Weight Mitt ($79.99), if your shopping budget allows.

3. $50+ ICE FISHING GIFT IDEAS: FISHING TOOLS, ICE RODS & ICE FISHING APPAREL

R12 LITHIUM-POWERED FISHING TOOLS

The R12 Series of fishing accessories are powered using the same Lithium ION 2Ah battery and make great holiday gifts. The collection includes the R12 Heavy-Duty Lithium Fillet Knife ($199.99), R12 Lithium Spotlight Lantern ($84.99) and R12 Lithium Aerator ($84.99) — all fantastic options to give your favourite ice angler. 

Blackout Ice Combos ($64.99) pair a rugged, sensitive rod with a reliable spinning reel. Available in ultra-light, med-light and medium power, these affordable setups can be used for many ice fishing techniques. 

The 29” Snitch Pro Combo ($114.99) is perfect targeting panfish using ice jigs, size 2 to 5 Jigging Raps, VMC Tingler Spoons and other small lures. Equally proficient at putting whitefish, walleye and trout on the ice.

Wicked Ice Hornet Ice Combos ($124.99) come in ultra-light to medium-mag rod power ratings. They have a hi-vis tip for detecting strikes, soft-touch reel handle knobs and instant anti-reverse.

V3 Inline Ice Combos ($179.99) are available in ultra-light, light and medium-light rods, all of which feature PC2 Flat Tip construction for reduced overall weight and enhanced sensitivity. Comes with a fine-tuned inline reel perfect for today’s most popular ice fishing presentations.

Crafted to tame big walleye, lake trout and other predators, Omen Black Inline Ice Combos ($219.99) feature medium and medium-heavy graphite rods and the Black Betty Free Fall XL has a 9.9-pound drag and showcases 13 Fishing’s top inline reel technologies.

Inspired by the pursuit of trophy fish, the medium and medium-light Wicked Pro XL ice rods ($89.99) represent the perfect two-rod system for catching trophy pike, lake trout, walleye, whitefish, yellow perch and crappie, to name just a few. Exclusive to Canada, these 38” ice rods have a custom-tuned blank, long fighting butt for added control, Custom Evolve Reel Seat with Soft Touch Finish able to hold a large spinning reel.

The 47” Wicked Deadstick XL medium and medium-heavy rods ($79.99) are made for live minnow and dead-bait presentations. Sensitive with a limber tip and plenty of backbone, these technique-specific rods will make a great present for anglers who like catching walleye, pike, lake trout and other big, powerful fish.

Longtime fan favourites, the refreshed Tickle Stick Ice Rods ($84.99) are better than ever. Adjustments to the Custom Evolve Reel Seat and handle materials improve ergonomics, balance, sensitivity and durability. Unchanged is the iconic PC2 Flat Tip Blank Construction and Hi-Vis Tip features, which give these rods their legendary jigging precision, durability and off-the-charts sensitivity.

Widow Maker II Ice Rods ($109.99+) are crafted for anglers who demand flawless performance from their fishing equipment. This expansive collection includes technique-specific models, such as an the ultra-light Noodle and Tennessee Handle Flat Tip finesse panfish rods, along with universal medium-light to medium-heavy rods.

The 2023 Special Edition Black Betty ($229.99) is a quality, high-end inline reel. Limited in number, they showcase stylish Trick Shop Spool, Star Drag and Handle components, along with 13 Fishing’s most advanced inline reel technologies and deliver uncompromising performance.

For anglers preferring less pizzazz, the Black Betty FreeFall Carbon Northwoods Edition ($184.99) is sure to please thanks to its iconic Northwoods spool design and array of high-performance attributes.

The Puff Vest ($99.99) is guaranteed to make a great gift for the ice fisherman on your shopping list. This vest can be worn on its own or layered for added warmth. Checks all the boxes for style, comfort and warmth.

Anglers in need of an ice fishing outerwear upgrade will be over the moon to receive some new StrikeMaster clothing this holiday season. The brand’s popular winter Surface Jacket ($349.99) and Surface Bibs ($349.99), and Pro Jacket ($424.99) and Pro Bibs ($424.99) are collections both featuring SOS Flotation Technology, along with a lengthy list of thermal, comfort and ice-fishing specific features anglers love.

The Lithium 40V Lite ($949.99+) is the best electric ice drill on the market. This ice-shredding machine showcases innovative ice drill advantages and long-lasting lithium battery technology. Powerful, rugged and quiet, it comes standard with the new Lite-Flite Magnetic Snap Cover, designed for hand-free push-in attachment and foot pads for easy detachment. 

The award-winning Lithium 24V Auger ($629.99+) is also gift-worthy, especially for those who move often and cover a lot of icy terrain in a day. The Lithium 24V is the lightest, most compact peak performer in its class — the 6” model weighs only 13.3-pounds, the 8” 14.3-pounds.

If the angler on your shopping list already owns a StrikeMaster Lithium 40V powerhead and regularly fishes for giant walleye, huge pike and epic-sized lake trout, then consider upgrading their drilling setup by giving them the new Lazer Lite 10” Drill Unit ($324.99), the lightest 10” drill assembly on the market.

Hopefully, the above gift ideas help make your holiday shopping hassle-free this year. The featured gear will be available at Canadian tackle retailers across Canada. Be sure to visit and shop at Rapala.ca during Black Friday week, starting November 24th. We’ll have featured gift with purchase, free shipping on orders $99+, bundle deals and hundreds of products on sale with savings of up to 60%!