Ice Fishing Tackle
Hooks
Type: There are different types of hooks designed for different baits and fish.
Size: The sizing starts in the middle at size 1 and works its way out. Smaller hooks size from 1-30 with 30 being the smallest and larger hooks size from 1/0 - 27/0, pronounced “27 aughts.”
Cost: $1 - $10
Most Versatile
Size #10 - #4 octopus or Aberdeen hook
Weights
Type: There are different types of sinkers designed for different rigs, baits and fishing type.
Weight: Sinkers come in a wide range of weights depending on your use, commonly from 1/32 oz. to multiple ounces.
Cost: $1 - $5
*Depth and current can influence the weight you’ll want/need for ice fishing.
Most Versatile
1/8 oz – 1/2 oz split shot weight
Bobbers
Type: There are slip and fixed bobbers. Slip bobbers allow line to pass through it until it hits a “bobber stop” (a small colored knot on your line) and bead –this is ideal when fishing in depths where you want your bait to be > 4’ deep. Fixed bobbers are clipped on the line and remain in place, they’re perfect when you only need to put the bait a few feet down.
Size: Bobbers come in a variety of sizes depending on how much weight you need it to hold up.
Often ice bobbers are made of foam so that you can easily cut or rip them to their desired buoyancy.
Cost: $1 - $5
Most Versatile
Several foam slip bobbers with bobber stops and beads.
Bait
You can bait hooks with wax worms, worms, live minnows, dead minnows, smelt or artificial baits made of plastic.
Cost: $1 - $10
Spoon
Size: Ice fishing spoons come in a variety of sizes (1/16 oz. up to 1 oz.+), colors and features including ones that rattle, glow or even light up. Spoons should be tipped with a wax worm, live or dead minnow, or minnow head.
Most Versatile
A few spoons in a variety of colors and weights (1/8 oz. – 3/8 oz.)
Common Ice Fishing Rigs
Hook and Bobber
Sets bait at a certain depth, ideally use live bait that moves around a little. Set the bobber stop to allow the bait to sit 1-3’ off the bottom.
Tip-up Rig
A common tip-up rig in North Dakota is designed to target northern pike, so use a colorful blade, a treble hook and some large dead, frozen bait (e.g. smelt). You can make your own or purchase pre-made rigs. But, you can rig tip-ups with anything you’d like (e.g. plain hook and minnow for smaller fish).
Spoon
Spoons should be tipped with a wax worm, live or dead minnow, or minnow head. This rig usually involves dropping the spoon all the way to the bottom and jigging it up and down 1-3’ off the bottom.
Hook and Bobber Rig
Tip-up Rig
Spoon