General Ice Fishing Definitions
The sport of ice fishing is similar to most pursuits in life, there is a lingo all its own. Below is a list of ice fishing definitions that run the gamut of what is talked about while on the ice chasing fish. Feel free to comment if you think that I missed anything.
A sonar fish finder that allows for the ice angler to see the depth he is fishing in, as well as what depth his lure and fish are at. They are invaluable in catching fish through the ice. The most popular brands are Vexilar and Marcum, but other names have emerged recently including Humminbird and Lowrance.
Glow Jig
A small fishing lure that emits light when exposed to the sun or LED lighting. Especially useful in stained lakes as well as low light/ night time fishing.
GPS
Global Positioning System. Uses satellites above the earth to triangulate the coordinates of where a person is on the earth’s surface. Very useful when teamed up with Lake Contour software to pinpoint high quality spots on a lake. They also allow for saving the spot you have caught fish for ease in returning to the spot at a later date.
A tool used to cut through the ice and create a hole to fish through. The ice is shaved until a hole is made. They come in hand powered models as well as electric and gas powered models.
Ice Cleats
Metal spikes placed over boots to ensure safe footing on the ice.
Ice Fishing Electronics
Refers to ice fishing flashers, underwater cameras and GPS units. These three electronic items allow for quickly moving and understanding if fish are present. More time fishing productive water leads to more fish caught.
A building which allows for keeping heat in and the elements out. These can range for a baseline tent style model to mini houses that are nicer than a hotel.
Another term for ice house.
Another term for ice house.
Lake Contour Software
A computer program that can be added to your GPS to give you the bottom depths over lakes. When used in conjunction with a GPS you have a combination that allows for quickly finding your spot.
How an ice angler uses all the most recent equipment and techniques to catch more fish. Focuses heavily on mobility and comfort and leans heavily on electronics to catch fish.
An ice house that is lightweight and transportable, normally meant to be moved by hand. They models are put up and taken down each time you go ice fishing. Allow for the ice angler to be very mobile yet comfortable.
A heater which uses propane to output heat. These models are designed to be highly transportable and lightweight, yet output impressive heat to keep you warm on the ice. The two most popular brands are Mr. Heater and Coleman.
Reel
A tool used to retrieve fishing line quickly and efficiently. Allow for playing the fish with optimum control.
A stick like tool used to string your line through that allows for jigging your lure as well as fighting the fish. Today’s models are designed for maximum control and sensitivity.
Spring Bobber
A piece of metal attached to the end of a fishing rod to allow for ultra sensitive detection of fish bites. They allow for detecting a bite much earlier than with an ice rod.
Tip up
A tool that allows for some bait to be lowered down and when a fish hits a signal (flag) is raised to alert the fisherman that there is a fish on. These are especially popular for fishing northern pike.
Trap
A different term for tip up.
A video output is placed on a TV screen of the world below the ice. This tool allows for understanding what is actually happening down where your bait is.
A permanent ice house that is set on wheels. It is pulled behind a vehicle to the spot where you fish. These ice houses are generally well decked out and easily transportable.
