All too often when choosing Christmas presents for loved ones, we resort to big ticket items. This is okay. But don’t overlook smaller, yet important items often referred to as stocking stuffers. True Santas make effective use of their dollars and provide additional gifts equally important in their own way.

Ice fishing provides an opportunity to learn about nature, safely and in a fun way. It is a safe family sport that requires little cost and often makes use of equipment that doubles in other sports. Major items like shanties and electronics can be expensive. But they are not the only items welcomed by the ice angler of today.

Beginning with safety, consider things like personal flotation devices. Although you do not expect to need it, there is always the possibility of falling through the ice. PFDs that inflate when needed are probably best. They allow freedom of movement when not in the water and are particularly important year-round to a youngster or person who is not a strong swimmer.

Other safety items include slip-on treads for the feet for walking on ice. Frabill also has retractable ice picks. This is a modern version of the old safety item of two ice picks on a piece of rope hung around your neck.

Once you fall in a hole in the ice, it is difficult to climb back out as the ice on the edge of a hole can break away. With ice picks, you can gain traction by sticking them into the ice and pulling yourself belly first onto the ice and to a thicker area. The modern version retracts into a handle, safely out of position from any accident until needed.

Tackle is an inexpensive stocking stuffer. A beginning ice angler can outfit a basic tackle package with $25 to $150. All the ice angler needs to get a basic start are rod, reel line, a couple of jigs and some worms/bait. He/she can expand from there.

There are several $25 rod and reel combos on the market under major manufacturer’s brand names. Line and tackle are even less expensive. Hooks, sinkers and artificial lures also appear in the websites of major manufacturers. If you are not an angler, tackle and bait shop personnel are glad to assist you in making choices.

For the more advanced angler, consider some upscale, modern tackle. Chief among these are tungsten sinkers and jigs. They allow for a smaller profile with the same weight and allow one to catch virtually any species of fish through the ice.

There are any number of tools that the ice angler will appreciate, such as needle nose pliers, forceps, and items of clothing.

Remember when, as a child, Christmas always meant scarves and socks as gifts? Ice anglers still appreciate them. Coats and hats are good gifts, too. Clothing is important because fishing requires comfort. And it is possible to ice fish without looking like a puffball.

Ice fishing is a fun family experience. It also adds some nice, healthy fish for the table.

You’ll find information on what’s happening in the world of fishing and hunting in every issue of MidWest Outdoors, available by subscribing on our website.