Similar to open-water anglers, ice fishermen devote serious time, money and resources to their fishing transportation.

When it comes to ice fishing gear, conversations surrounding electronics, rods and reels, and tackle rule the roost—for good reason. Plenty of other matters, like on-the-ice transportation, often fall into a more neglected category.

In northern areas where thick ice is common, many anglers rely on their day-to-day vehicle to get them around on the ice. Historically speaking, that was the case: When the ice thickness allowed, anglers would use their trucks or SUVs to get them to and from the community holes. However, the ice machines of today are far more advanced. Similar to open-water anglers, ice fishermen devote serious amounts of time, money and resources to their fishing transportation. Rigs valued in the tens of thousands of dollars feature all the bells and whistles.

Now, more than ever, anglers see the value of a machine reserved solely for ice fishing. In fact, there are some real advantages. Anglers can access frozen bodies of water earlier in the ice season and remain on the ice closer to spring thaw. And their abilities to reach untapped fisheries are superior to that of more traditional methods.

Choosing the right ice machine is a delicate task. Consider several factors when deciding which to purchase: The number of anglers needing transport, the typical weather conditions for an area, and the angler’s style of fishing are just a few. Every type of rig has its advantages, as well as its drawbacks.

In comparison with other enthusiasts, ice anglers are a creative bunch. For as long as ice transportation has been a concern, ice fishermen have striven to make things more reliable, more efficient and just downright convenient. Manufacturers took notice, and in recent years, developed aftermarket accessories to help any angler be more efficient on the ice.

Regardless of machine type, a handful of must-haves will enhance any angler’s ice transportation experience.

Electronics

As an angling community, we invest a great deal of money and resources into our electronics. We have them on our boats—so why wouldn’t we utilize them on our ice machines? It may seem like common sense, but a surprising number of ice anglers still don’t exploit these technologies on the ice. The benefits of electronic mapping are just as valuable, if not more, on the ice. Mobile-based applications are fantastic, but there’s something quite nice about seeing the full picture on a bigger screen. The ability to highlight depth contours and reference waypoints from the open-water season is immensely advantageous. And anglers can take full advantage of maps they created during the open-water season.

Anglers who want to utilize their open-water electronics should invest in an extra gimbal bracket and power cable; it’ll save a lot of time and headache when swapping units between ice and open water. Depending on the machine, the electronics can often be wired directly to the battery. If that option isn’t feasible, add in a small 12-volt battery, as even a low-capacity lithium battery will run an average unit for well beyond a day. This very minor investment can pay huge dividends over the course of the ice season.

Auger racks

An ice auger is one of our most important tools. As such, we should take care of them. Sure, you can haul your auger around in a sled or fish house—but the efficiency and security of a dedicated auger rack can’t be beat.

Several manufacturers have developed racks specifically tailored for ice fishermen. Two of the most popular options are the Digger Ice Auger Holder and the Jaws of Ice Auger Carrier—both of which are touted for their reliability. Other options on the market hold their own in this category. Take Kolpin’s Rhino Grips, for example. While they’re not specifically designed for an ice auger, they effectively hold most auger options and can be added to a wide range of ice rigs.

Storage capabilities

Unlike most open-water vessels, most machines used for ice aren’t built with storage capabilities in mind. In fact, most straight-from-the-factory rigs can barely haul all the necessary tools. Hence, the importance of storage when it comes to building the ideal ice rig. Thankfully for ice fishermen, there are endless options in this category.

As ice fishing rigs evolve, companies continue to develop new storage tools for ice fishing machines. Although they cater to racing and riding enthusiasts, retailers like Summit Racing or Dennis Kirk offer a smorgasbord of storage options. Whether you want a rack for attaching accessories, a storage box for the front or rear, or a basket for carrying the all-important 5-gallon pail—they have an option (or two).

For anglers looking to take their machine to the next level, companies like Pro Fab Outdoors, of Chippewa Falls, Wis., build high-end aftermarket storage solutions. Their ATV and UTV toppers are premium choices for ice anglers looking to add storage to their ice rig.

If store-bought options don’t meet your needs, this is the perfect opportunity to let the creative juices flow. In fact, there’s more opportunity for creativity in this category than any other. Design something that works for you and your machine; the possibilities are endless.

Extra lighting

With shorter days during the winter months, it’s not uncommon that anglers set up, take down, or even do both during the darker hours. Having some additional light can make a huge difference in how efficiently the setup and takedown processes go. Additional light can also make a world of difference in traveling on or off the lake. Obviously, machines come with some sort of lighting built in, but there’s often a need for something more.

A wide range of options on the market meet a variety of needs. In general, aftermarket lighting is classified into two categories—spot or flood. Spot lighting is designed with a concentrated light beam, which allows for greater visibility at a distance. Flood lighting, on the other hand, has a more dispersed beam to light up a wider area. For travel purposes, spot lighting is more beneficial, but for setup and takedown purposes, flood lighting may be better.

Aftermarket lighting can often be wired directly into a machine’s battery; however, the addition of a battery may be necessary. A small-capacity lithium battery similar to what’s used to power your electronics will last for days on end. The addition of a light bar can make a world of difference on the ice, especially when stock lighting, a headlamp, or lantern just won’t cut it.

Numerous accessories can help on the ice, but these main categories lead the charge in terms of finding the ideal mix of reliability, efficiency and convenience.

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