Must-Have Ice House Accessories
When spending the day on the ice, having the right ice house set-up is important so that you can have an enjoyable experience. But what exactly are the best accessories for your ice house? SCHEELS Pro Staff, Jason Mitchell, highlights what ice house accessories he likes to use to customize his set-up without adding a lot of weight.
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Expert Tip: Prepping Your Ice House for Easy Towing
If you’re towing your ice house with a side-by-side or snowmobile, attach runner kits to protect the sled. Also, consider weight distribution and avoid adding excess weight, especially when moving the house on foot early in the season, when mobility is key to finding and staying with the fish.
1. Fish Finder
Whenever you’re ice fishing—early, mid, or late season—a fish finder is a must-have ice fishing accessory. It’s important to note the electronics are fragile, so be sure they're properly stored before going out on the ice.
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2. Emergency Throw Rope
A throw rope is especially important when fishing during the early season, but safety should always be top-of-mind. It’s a good idea to invest in quality ice fishing jackets and bibs that feature float-assist technology too.
Related Expert Content | Best Ice Fishing Jackets & Bibs >
3. Ice Fishing Skimmer & Chipper
Another essential ice house accessory is an ice fishing skimmer and chipper. This is important to keep your hole clear and prevent ice from building up around your line.
4. Portable Heater
Ice shelter fabric technology has come a long way in preventing heat from escaping and keeping anglers warm, but on cold, windy days, Jason makes sure to pack a portable heater and extra one-pound tanks.
Related Expert Content | Choosing an Ice Fishing Heater >
5. Bucket
A bucket has many uses when out on the ice from holding fish to added storage.
6. Shovel
Keeping a shovel in your ice house is important to help with banking up snow to block the wind or if you find yourself stuck in the snow. Plus, with an ice house shovel, you’ll be able to collapse the handle with a push of a button for compact storage.
7. Lithium-Ion Battery
Aside from additional batteries to power your auger, it’s a must to have a reliable Lithium battery too. These are great power sources for charging your cell phone, Go Pros, or other electronic devices.
8. Rod Holders
If you’re deadsticking, you’ll want to have reliable rod holders mounted to the tub.
Make the most of your ice fishing experience, with some of the best ice house accessories that are trusted by our Pro Staff Angler, Jason Mitchell. If you have additional questions about how to customize your ice house, stop by your local SCHEELS to speak with a Fishing Expert.
About our Experts
Jason Mitchell is an industry-leader in both ice and open-water fishing. He enjoys fishing for a variety of different species in the Midwest. He has been a partner with SCHEELS for over 10 years.