Ice Fisherman’s Gear Guide 2021
Whether you’re looking for an ice-fishing gift or gearing-up for yourself, Rapala and Rapala Respected Brands have everything you need for the hard-water season. Here’s a look at some new and best-selling lures, line, accessories, rods and reels, apparel, ice drills and shelters sure to please any ice angler.
Lures, Line And Other Gifts Under $20
Jigging Shadow Rap
The new Jigging Shadow Rap ($10.49) is THE hot lure to have this winter! Perfect for perch, walleye and trout, it comes in six standout colour patterns.
New Jig Kits
The always popular Flash Champ, Rattle, Tingler and Tumbler spoons now come in Assorted Jig Kits ($16.49+) in the hottest fish-catching colours. Packs are either 1/16- or 1/8-ounce spoons, except for Tumblers which are 1/12 ounces.
Favs of panfish anglers, Tungsten Mongo, Fly and Bullfly jigs now come in 6-pack Kits ($16.99+), ranging from 1/64- to 1/16-ounces.
Get Glowin’
More good news. The ultra-potent Tungsten Bullfly and Tungsten Fly jigs ($7.99+) are now available in glow purple in convenient 2-packs. Fussy panfish are not match for these tiny morsels.
Go Soft On Hard-Water
Any serious ice-angler has soft-plastics in their tackle collection. For instance, rig a 3.5” Churro ($8.49) or 3”/4” Largo Shad ($7.99) on a VMC Hybrid Swimbait Jig ($6.49) and you have a winning combination for lake trout.They’re a perfect stocking stuffer combo!
Fantastic Finesse Plastics
Danced on a tungsten jig, Bernie ($4.99), Coconut Crab ($4.99) and B.A.M.F ($4.99) finesse plastics consistently catch panfish.
Fan Favourites
Following fishing trends and buying new baits helps show fish something different, which can get more bites somedays. But, it’s also important to remember tried-and-true lures. The Jigging Rap ($8.49+), Snap Rap ($11.49), Rippin’ Rap ($11.49), Slab Rap ($10.49), Cast Champ ($9.49+) and Lil’ Foxee Jigging Minnow ($4.99) are just a few A-List hard-baits every ice angler needs.
Cold-Weather Fishing Line
Using fishing line designed to perform in extreme cold makes a huge difference in an angler’s overall success. Expect nothing less than reliable, excellent sub-zero performance from Advance Ice Monofilament ($7.99), Ice Magic ($4.99), InvisiLine Ice Fluorocarbon ($10.49) and 832 Ice Braid ($12.49). Makes an easy gift as every ice angler needs some dependable ice fishing line.
Ice Scoops
A quality scoop is a must for removing ice hole slush and preventing freeze-up. The Folding Ice Scoop ($4.99) is a compact choice vs the Mega Scoop ($26.99). A more rugged option is the Metal Ice Skimmer/Scoop ($13.99).
Compact Cutters
Retractable Line Scissors ($16.49) cut fishing line easily with their super sharp blades, which then slide back into a “V” cavity when not in use. Ergonomic, easy-to-use design and carabiner are other notable features.
Bucket Rod Holder
Simple in design but oh-so handy, the Bucket Rod Holder ($6.49) slides over most pails for easy rod storage. Offering two positions, upright is great for travel while the 45-degree angle is perfect when fishing.
Bonafide Bait Storage
Tipping a presentation with fresh, live-bait is a surefire way to make fussy panfish bite. The ultra rugged, impact-proof Bait Puck ($10.49+) and lite styrofoam, two compartment Bait Box ($13.99) are the ideal containers for storing maggots, wax worms and other creepy critters.
#secureyouriceshack
Ice Anchors ($12.99) are screw-in spikes used for securing a shelter in place in windy conditions. Ever see a portable shelter sliding across the ice like a tumbleweed and being chased by an angler? Trust us, it’s a scene best avoided.
Bucket Seat
The Swivel Bucket Seat ($17.99) makes it easy to convert a 5-gallon bucket into a comfortable seat. It’s well padded and won’t crack in the cold.
Mandatory Safety Gear
Every angler should own Sport Grippers ($9.99). Slipped over boots, their galvanized studs increase traction on slippery ice. Ice Claw Safety Spikes ($15.49) are another must-have.
Tackle Storage, Tools And Knives
Lure Boxes
Fans of Jigging Raps (and who isn’t?) will appreciate the Jigging Rap Ice Box ($20.99), which is customized specifically for securing size 3 to 9 J-Raps and has a clear, easy open/close lid for quick bait selection.
Delivering incredible value and functionality, the Jig Box ($23.99) and Utility Box ($23.99) products come in small and medium sizes. These boxes are perfect for storing jigging spoons, ice jigs, soft-plastics and more. Features include four-sided tackle storage, slotted and ribbed foam, easy-open clear lid compartments, compression clips and waterproof seal.
Dig It!
No ice angler should be without the Performance 3 PC Shovel ($37.99). Great for ice fishing, but just as handy in your vehicle’s wintertime safety kit. Made of lightweight, durable aluminum and with a telescopic design, it’s easy to transport.
Cutters And Pliers
The Pinch Tool Combo with Light ($20.99) is a compact, useful collection of a light, line clipper and jig eye paint buster, all of which are held on a lanyard.
Mag Spring Pliers ($42.99+) make quick work of removing hooks and other tasks. The patent pending spring system keeps the pliers open and ready to use, even when wearing gloves. Soft-touch handles are another reason anglers love this tool.
Fillet Knives
With over 100 million sold, the Fish ’N Fillet Knives ($27.99+) are sure to please any angler. Classic birch handle, full-tang blade and leather sheath are standard. Available in 4”, 6”, 7-1/2” and 9” blade lengths. Visit rapala.ca for more fillet knife options, including electric models.
Ice Rod And Reel Combos
Affordable, Starter Set-Up
A reliable, comfortable combo at an incredible price, the new SoniCor Stealth Edition ($36.99) has an ergonomic handle, strong fibreglass blank and lightweight, graphite reel with contoured handle knob.
Best Bang For The Buck
Blackout Series Combos ($59.95) combine a durable yet sensitive rod with a reliable spinning reel. Available in ultra-light, med-light and medium power, these rod and reel combos excel for panfish, walleye, whitefish and trout.
Exceptional Quality / All-Round Performers
Wicked Ice Hornet Ice Combos ($119.99) are ready for any hard-water adventure. High-performance graphite blank, hi-vis tip, soft-touch reel handle knobs and instant anti-reverse are just some standout features of these agile, quality-driven combos. Hornet rods span ultra-light to medium-mag.
Premium, Finesse, Inline Reel Package
Fate V3 / FreeFall Ghost Combos ($174.95) are ideal for finesse presentations. Ultra-light, light and medium-light rods all feature PC2 Flat Tip construction reduce overall weight and enhance sensitivity
Muscle Combo For Predators
Big walleye, lake trout and other predators are no match for the Black Betty Free Fall XL / Omen Ice Combos ($219.95). These medium and medium-heavy, graphite rods deliver the perfect balance of strength and sensitivity. XL inline reels are feature-loaded and have a 9.9-pound drag.
Ice Rods
Wicked Ice Rods ($34.99) feature a toray graphite blank, thin wire guides and an Evolve reel seat for incredible sensitivity at a competitive price. Ultra-light to medium-heavy models available.
Tickle Sticks ($69.95+) are a fan favourite. Flat tip construction dramatically increases sensitivity for detecting both “up” and “down” bites, while strengthening the blank for flawless hook sets. Balance, ergonomic handles and quality components? Yep, Tickle Sticks have these covered, too.
Omen Ice ($74.95+) rods bring 13 Fishing’s legacy open-water series to the ice realm. Available in an array of powers and models (including spinning, inline and casting grip configurations), there are rod options for all popular target species.
Widow Maker II ($104.99+) premium ice rods are crafted for a range of hard-water applications. The ultra-light Noodle and Tennessee Handle Flat Tip rods are exceptional finesse rods for panfish. The technique-specific Deadstick models are a must when soaking minnows is in the game plan. While the medium-light to medium-heavy Widow Maker IIs are perfect for jigging tactics for anything from portly panfish to trophy predators.
Ice Reels
Treat the passionate ice angler on your shopping list to a premium inline reel and they’ll catch more fish thanks to quality components, zero line twist and fine-tuned performance. Good picks are the new Black Betty FreeFall Carbon Edition($154.99) and the Free Fall Ghost ($109.99).
Anglers preferring a spinning reel will be pleased with the smooth, reliability of the Kalon ($89.99+) series.
Ice-Fishing Outerwear And Thermal Apparel
Marvellous Mitts
Forget about cold fingers with the Heavy-Weight Mitt ($94.99). These ultra-warm beauties provide full-hand immersion protection and winter performance thanks to their durable polyester shell, waterproof lining and 40g 3M Thinsulate.
Great Gloves
Anglers preferring gloves will love StrikeMaster’s Light-Weight ($69.99), Mid-Weight ($69.99) and Heavy-Weight ($94.99) models, specifically designed for the rigours of ice fishing.
Puff Jacket
Warm but lightweight, the versatile Puff Jacket ($99.99) is a winner. A great choice on its own in mild winter weather, it also provides extra warmth layered under a jacket.
Floating Ice-Fishing Jackets And Bibs
StrikeMaster’s ice-fishing, floatation outerwear has set the ice belt ablaze. The men’s lineup includes the Pro Jacket($424.99) and Pro Bibs ($424.99), along with the Surface Jacket ($324.99) and Surface Bibs ($324.99). The Allie Jacket($324.99) and Allie Bibs ($324.99) are tailored specifically for a women’s comfort and performance. All garments feature SOS (Stay on Surface) Flotation Technology for two hours of flotation when the jacket and bibs are worn together. Other features include, waterproof outer shell, toasty insulation, pockets galore and premium YKK zippers. The Pro and Allie offer a 3-1 interchangeable Puff Jacket for additional warmth when needed.
More Apparel
Toques ($22.99+) and Hooded Sweatshirts ($79.99) provide three important qualities in winter - comfort, function and warmth. These stylish items are always a hit with anglers.
StrikeMaster Ice Drills
StrikeMaster raises the bar one again with the new Pro Lithium 40v Lite ($989.99) electric ice drill. This light, quiet ice-shredding machine has a new, longer-running 6-amp battery and many other features. Plus, because it runs on lithium technology, there’s no gas-related maintenance or hassle.
Another exceptional choice is the ICAST 2020 award-winning Lithium 24v Auger ($539.99). This powerful, compact ice drill is the lightest, most compact peak performer in it’s class. For those who are looking for absolute travel efficiency.
Rapala Shelters
The 2-person and 3-person Sherpa Series Pop-Up Ice Shelters ($319.99+) are quick to set-up. They pack-up just as fast. These durable, hub-style shelters have an extra large door, reinforced corners and tie down points, four removable windows and all the space anglers need to fish in comfort. Shoulder carry bag included.
The above gear suggestions are sure to be a hit among ice anglers. Definitely visit and shop at rapala.ca during Black Friday week, starting November 26th. We will be featuring gifts with purchases, lower shipping thresholds and thousands of products with savings of up to 60%!