Must Have Ice Fishing Gear
Cold weather has set in upon the U.S.'s northern reaches, and anglers all across the region are preparing to hit the "hard water" in droves. Ice fishing participation has steadily increased over the past several years, with equipment and technology advancements making it more appealing to anglers.
AFTCO pro team member Brian "Bro" Brosdahl is one of the foremost ambassadors of the winter pastime and is highly passionate about educating anglers on the intricacies of the sport. Getting new anglers on the ice is one of Bro's specialties, and he recommends these items as must-haves before you set out on your first ice fishing adventure.
1. Insulated Ice Fishing Suit
Staying both warm and dry while on the ice is paramount. Brosdahl recommends and relies on the AFTCO Hydronaut Insulated Fishing Jacket and Insulated Bib to get the job done. "The Insulated Hydronaut suit is my go-to during the cold months on the ice. It is waterproof, essential for kneeling on the ice to land fish and drill holes. The suit also has an ergonomic fit, creating less fatigue while kneeling, bending down, and moving around. The cuffs and zippers keep snow and moisture out while allowing me to fish all day long comfortably," said Brosdahl.
Hydronaut® Insulated Fishing Bib
The original Hydronaut already touts extreme warmth designed to handle blistering conditions, but staying in the snow requires even more protection from the elements. With snow and the start of ice fishing season, the Insulated Hydronaut has you covered.
The Hydronaut® Insulated Bib is being redesigned for 2026. Stay tuned.
Hydronaut® Insulated Fishing Jacket
It features a 2-layer 100% nylon shell with a 30k waterproof rating and a 100% polyester lining. Coupled with a synthetic 140 gsm fill for extra warmth, anglers are set to stay comfortable even in the coldest temperatures.
The Hydronaut® Insulated Jacket is being redesigned for 2026. Stay tuned.
2. Layer Up
Dressing properly for a day on the ice doesn't have to be daunting. Layering your fishing clothing using a base layer, middle layer, and outer layer allows you to easily regulate your body temperature as well as your comfort level. "Underneath my Hydronaut Insulated Fishing Jacket and Bib, I keep my layering simple. I typically stick with the AFTCO Adapt Phase Change Performance Shirt for my base, then utilize the Deckhand Pants and Armorloft Sweatshirt for the mid-layer, and top it off with the Reaper Sweatshirt. The Reaper Sweatshirt is a must-have for all anglers on the ice; pulling up the integrated face mask is a lifesaver when the snow gets to blowing out there on the ice," said Brosdahl.
3. Cold Weather Fishing Gloves
Not all fishing gloves are created equal. Finding the best cold-weather fishing gloves can be challenging, but they are a must to prevent your fingers from getting cold. We recommend layering our gloves for additional warmth. Check out our complete fishing glove guide here.
AFTCO Helm Gloves
As a base layer for hand protection, the Helm Insulated Fishing Gloves offer a 4-way stretch outer shell with microfleece insulation and a reinforced silicone-textured palm.
AFTCO Hydronaut Gloves
Combine the Helm Insulated Gloves with waterproof fishing gloves, and you have a functional cold-weather glove system that will keep your hands warm in freezing temperatures. The Hydronaut gloves are constructed with a 220D 4-way stretch shell and feature 3M™ Thinuslate™ insulation, water-resistant DWR, adjustable Velcro wrist straps, touchscreen-compatible index fingers with integrated screen wipes, and reflective accents for low-light conditions.
AFTCO Warm Wool Fingerless Gloves
Unlike most fingerless wool gloves that rely on bulky synthetic blends, these are crafted from premium merino wool for unmatched warmth and comfort. Ideal for cold-weather fishing, they keep anglers’ hands insulated without sacrificing dexterity. A high-definition silicone grip panel on the palm ensures a secure, sensitive hold on your rod or reel — even in wet conditions.
Shop Warm Wool Fingerless Gloves
4. Winter Fishing Headwear
While the idea that body heat loss occurs primarily through the head has been debunked, wearing the proper beanie on the ice can make all the difference. "I really like the AFTCO Breakwater Waterproof Beanie. It fits nicely over my ears without being too snug and has a soft rib knit fabric that's warm and comfortable," Brosdahl concluded.
5. Safety Gear
Safety should always be the number one priority while ice fishing. Before heading out on the ice, anglers should pack the necessary equipment to make their trip safe and successful. "Ice picks are a must-have safety equipment for ice fishing anglers. These picks are worn around your neck, and you can pull yourself out of the water if you fall through the ice. I typically pack an extra pair just in case I misplace mine or am fishing near a fellow angler who may have forgotten to bring them," Bro continued.
6. Technology
More sophisticated technology is one of the driving forces behind the recent boom in ice fishing popularity. Brosdahl has been hitting the ice for decades and has fished through several different generations of sonar and other tools to allow you to find and catch more fish while out on the ice. A few tools are standouts for Brosdahl that he highly recommends. "Two tools I will have with me every time I am on the ice nowadays are my Humminbird MEGA LIVE with GPS and my Aqua-Vu underwater camera. The forward-facing sonar and GPS combined with the Aqua-Vu camera allow me to be much more efficient and help me easily identify the size and species of fish I am targeting," said Bro.
With the ice fishing essentials covered, anglers should always check local ice conditions and weather forecasts before heading out to ensure safety remains the top priority. Don’t forget to review your state’s licensing and regulation requirements as well. For more cold-weather fishing tips and gear recommendations, click here — and good luck out on the ice!
