Best Ice Fishing Suits of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Ice fishing requires consideration to gear appropriate for chilly, windy, and snowy circumstances. At the highest of the gear record is discovering the perfect ice fishing go well with to match the place, how, and when you ice fish. 

Besides the place within the Ice Belt you reside—and common winter temperatures and wind chills—it’s vital to match the go well with to how you’ll be ice fishing. Will you be fishing exterior within the parts primarily, hole-hopping, and fishing within the chilly and wind? Or will you spend your time in a transportable or everlasting ice shelter? 

If you’re like many ice anglers, you’ll be doing each on numerous days, so versatility is vital. You might have a super-warm go well with that’s layered for temperature management so you possibly can costume appropriately to fish aggressively exterior the place the go well with acts as a cellular shelter you put on—in addition to inside with the elimination of an out of doors jacket shell. 

As for when you’re ice fishing, do you enterprise out on laborious water throughout early and late ice? If so, it’s important to contemplate a flotation-assisted ice fishing go well with in the event you break by way of the ice. As you’ll uncover within the following evaluate, many flotation fits are being provided at present. However, chances are you’ll not want a flotation go well with in the event you fish primarily throughout safer mid-ice circumstances. 

With the assistance of mates, I examined the perfect ice fishing fits to provide the info it’s essential to discover the appropriate jacket and bib for you.

How I Picked the Best Ice Fishing Suits

During December, January, and February of 2023, I examined lots of the fits listed with the assistance of a number of fishing buddies and household. We fished northern Minnesota waters like Lake Winnibigoshish and Leech; the lakes of West-Central Minnesota; Fort Peck, Montana; and metropolitan fisheries. We even did some testing on open-water in the course of the mid-winter river thaw, fishing walleyes in a ship to find out the double-duty facet of some fits. 

The Best Ice Fishing Suit Reviews and Recommendations 

Best Overall Flotation Ice Suit: Striker Climate Jacket and Bib

 Key Features 

• 3-in-1 jacket system – Climate G2 Softshell Jacket liner might be eliminated for hotter days on the ice or worn as a separate jacket 
• 300D polyester shell with DWR end
• Two massive top-loading storage pockets
• Zippered vents all through the jacket
• Sections of reflective cloth areas for added security on & off the ice
• Line cutter zipper pull
• Hydrapore Waterproof 5,000mm / Breathable 5,000g
• 150g Sureflote flotation help
• Waterproof Zippers
• Crotch panel reinforcement
• Adjustable inseams secured by Velcro, zippers, and snaps
• Knee and seat padding
• Removable hand wipe towels

Pros

• Incredible versatility
• Four wearable methods in a single, from ice fishing to rainwear to waterfowl, and informal put on
• Very dry
• Awesome knee & seat padding for kneeling on ice or all-day sits

Cons

• Price 
• Slightly heavy & cumbersome
• Removable hand wipe towels on bibs simply unsnapped & misplaced
• Jacket runs small (dimension up); bibs acceptable for dimension description

While on the costly aspect, what you get with the Striker Climate Jacket and Bib is well worth the funding. It’s truly 4 fits in a single. 

First, it’s a well-designed flotation ice fishing go well with for very chilly and windy climate. Second, by eradicating the bib liner and softshell jacket liner, it’s a really succesful winter, spring, and fall open-water rain go well with. As nicely, it doubles as a waterfowl or late-season deer searching ensemble (albeit a bit noisy) in the event you’re in a pinch. While the camo sample isn’t your typical Realtree or Mossy Oak, it’s satisfactory with a lot of brown cloth to maintain you comparatively hidden within the marsh or woods. 

Lastly, you possibly can take away the Climate G2 Softshell Jacket liner and put on it casually off-the-ice. It’s not very heat by itself, however completely appropriate for hotter, windy days as a light-weight jacket over a t-shirt.

For its versatility, heat, and total design, the Striker Climate Jacket and Bib in Veil Stryk Transition Camo will get our decide for “Best Overall Flotation Ice Fishing Suit”. 

Warmest, Battery-Assisted Flotation Ice Suit: Norfin Explorer 2 Float Jacket and Bib

 Key Features 

• Shell with detachable, heated internal liner jacket
• Rated to -45 levels Fahrenheit
• Nortex breathable materials w/10,000 mm waterproofing
• Breathability: 8,000 grams/m²/24 hours
• Hollofil insulation
• Taped seams
• Zippered handwarmer pockets
• Reflective printing
• Battery-operated Norfin warmth system for warmth in again & hip areas
• Requires a 2.1 aH minimal energy financial institution (not included)
• Built-in, inner ankle gaiters for snow & slush safety
• Taped seams
• Removable inserts on the knee and seat

Pros

• Lightweight for a flotation go well with
• Numerous pockets in all the appropriate locations 
• Electric warmth system for sub-zero circumstances
• Articulated knees and sleeves
• Small-3XL sizing

Cons

• Power banks for jacket & bib should be bought individually

While battery-assisted attire is nothing new—with corporations like Cabela’s and Milwaukee Tool providing choices—the Norfin Element 2 Flotation Ice Fishing go well with is the primary ensemble we all know of for hardwater use that provides lithium-power financial institution heat-assist expertise. 

In a nutshell, the Norfin Element 2 Flotation Ice Fishing go well with is designed for severe abuse within the worst and coldest circumstances conceivable. Even with out turning the heating parts on, the go well with is past heat. 

With origins in Russia and recognition throughout the Baltic area and Scandinavia, Norfin merchandise at the moment are obtainable stateside and have develop into the de-facto alternative with skilled, aggressive ice anglers. 

While I wore the go well with on a few outings, I let my pal and former colleague (and NAIFC competitor), Shawn Bjonfald, do the vast majority of the go well with testing. 

“The lightweight design is great, and it still offers floatation,” says Bjonfald. “It fits well. It’s not bulky or cumbersome like some floatation suits, and the pockets-design is great. The pockets are where they should be and easily accessible so you can organize all of your tackle and tools when you’re fishing on-the-fly outside.”

“I fish on foot a lot during the NAIFC tournaments,” continues Bjonfald. “I’m not hunkered down in one spot, so my suit becomes my mobile shelter and my tackle box, so the Norfin pocket design is ideal. I had everything I needed on me in the suit for easy access and organization. From searching out fish on the ATV, then fishing by foot, and frequently moving from spot to spot, it’s probably the best suit I’ve ever worn.”

“I’ve gone through a lot of ice fishing suits over the years that didn’t fit well, were too bulky, or just didn’t feel right, which fatigue and wear you down. That’s not the case with the Norfin design.”

With regards to heat, Bjonfald says it could actually’t be crushed.

“One of the times I wore the suit, it was -5 and gave off more heat than I needed. I recommend wearing the power bank-assisted base layer jacket with the outside shell for conditions below zero. For conditions above zero, all you need are the bibs and the outer shell jacket. I have yet to engage the heating on the bibs, but it’s there if I need it. Plus, the Velcro on the ankle/boot cuffs stays in place and doesn’t come loose, which is great for the slushy conditions I often compete in,” remarks Bjonfald.

Bjonfald concludes: “In terms of durability, I haven’t seen one lick of wear yet.”

Read Next: Best Heated Vests

Most Rugged Ice Fishing Flotation Suit: Eskimo Roughneck Jacket and Bib

 Key Features 

• Proprietary Eskimo UPLYFT breathable flotation-assist; sweat and moisture are allowed to flee the material and transfer away from the pores and skin
• Lightweight, robust, and sturdy DURADRY cloth; windproof with DWR, and 5k/5k waterproof/breathability scores
• Fully-taped seams for full waterproof safety
• Lined with Sherpa fleece
• Reinforced put on factors at shoulders, knees, ankles, and elbows
• YKK zippers
• Contoured, padded knees
• Full leg zippers w/ venting on the hip

Pros

• Affordable
• Warm however light-weight
• Jacket isn’t cumbersome
• Minimal bulk for flotation bib
• Built-to-last
• Ease of motion
• Padded knees in bib for kneeling on laborious, jagged ice

Cons

• Only one hip pocket per bib aspect; Eskimo Keeper bib has two

My fishing buddy, Ty Macheledt, examined each the Eskimo Roughneck and Scout fits. Macheledt works day by day from 5 a.m. till 2 p.m. and fishes nearly every day from 2:30 till darkish—each on the ice and through open-water months.

Living in western North Dakota, he’s used to numerous wind and chilly and was the right candidate to check these candidates for the perfect ice fishing fits, which declare extraordinarily rugged and heat options. He additionally makes a number of journeys to Fort Peck, Montana, to chase lake trout by way of the ice, the place he additionally examined the fits this winter. 

“The Eskimo Roughneck suit is warm without the bulk and weight of a typical flotation suit,” says Macheledt. “Then imagine the knee pads you’d put in your football pants. That’s the quality and thickness of the pads in the Eskimo Roughneck Bibs, which you can leave in or remove via pockets inside the bib. I’ve never seen anything comparable in other bibs. Plus, you’ve got big hip pockets on the bibs, which is handy for tackle and other gear. The bibs also have ankle gaiters to prevent slush from getting in, but I don’t use them because my boots are so tall that I don’t need them.” 

“I wore the Roughneck down to about 5 degrees and was perfectly warm. I just had a sweatshirt on under the jacket and blue jeans under the bibs. I was fine.” 

Lightest Ice Fishing Suit: StrikeMaster Surface Jacket and Bib

 Key Features 

• SOS (Stay on Surface) Flotation Technology – floats for two hours when worn as a pair
• Fleece-lined warming pockets
• Inside zip pocket for cellular phone, pockets, and so on. 
• YKK zippers
• Magnetic flap on predominant zipper
• Removable hood
• 100% nylon oxford cloth – 100% nylon tasion cloth
• 100% Polyester/PU Coating – 100% Polyester Tricot Lining
• 120g padded insulation + EPE Foam – 40g equal)
• Waterproof (8000mm); Breathability (8000mm)
• Zip-to-Hip aspect zippers

Pros

• Affordable
• Extra-small to 4XL sizing
• Lightweight for a flotation go well with
• Not cumbersome
• Magnetic flaps
• Padded knees for kneeling on jagged ice
• Available in purple/black & blue/grey patterns

Cons

StrikeMaster has a protracted, revered historical past within the ice fishing world for manufacturing high-quality ice augers, equipment, and extra lately, ice fishing fits.

First off, the StrikeMaster flotation go well with received’t break the financial institution; it’s priced realistically. Testing it on a few outings earlier this ice season, I used to be amazed by the vary of movement you get, uncommon for a flotation go well with, which are usually heavy and hulking. I didn’t get fatigued sporting the StrikeMaster Surface jacket and bib in any respect. 

The go well with can be loaded with common sense options. Side zippers on the bib pull all the best way to the hip making slipping the bib on or off straightforward, even preserving your boots and cleats on. I additionally respect the padded knees, which make kneeling on jagged ice to set tip-ups, transfer a transducer, or land a fish far more comfy.  

My frequent ice fishing buddy Bruce additionally examined this go well with and fell in love with it instantly. 

“I can’t believe that a flotation suit can be this light,” remarked Bruce. “It’s easy to move around in and you don’t get tired from wearing heavy, bulky gear. Plus, it’s super warm. And when I get back to the hard-house from drilling holes and setting tip-ups, I just take off the coat and unzip the bibs to stay comfortable. I keep it on all day long, inside and out.” 

Best Value: Ice Runner Float Jacket and Bib

 Key Features 

• Waterproof & breathable 228T Tussor nylon cloth outer shell
• 100 grams of poly fiberfill thermal insulation
• Lightweight foam flotation fill
• 5 zippered pockets: jacket zippered decrease hand hotter, higher outer & internal accent pockets
• D-ring for lanyards 
• Full entrance jacket zipper w/ neck guard
• Adjustable & detachable drawstring hood
• Six bib pockets, together with two zippered gear pockets
• Thigh-height aspect zippers on bib legs

Pros

• Extremely reasonably priced flotation go well with
• Lightweight but heat
• Not cumbersome
• Very useful pocket placement
• D-rings for fishing equipment/instruments

Cons

My ice fishing buddy, Mike, examined this go well with in 3XL and was happy with its match and heat. We ventured out on a Northern Minnesota lake in -10 diploma air temp and -30 diploma windchill. I used to be sporting the SIMMS Challenger and he was sporting the Ice Runner. Neither of us have been chilly. 

“Hard to believe they can sell this whole flotation suit for 200 bucks,” mentioned Mike. “And it’s super warm, doesn’t weigh much, isn’t bulky, and has tons of pockets. Perfect for me and my budget, that’s for sure. More anglers should know about this Ice Runner suit. And it’s got flotation, which for me at 300 pounds and 6’3” is a fairly actual consideration throughout early- and late-ice—or on huge, unpredictable lakes.”

Best Flotation Ice Fishing Suit for Plus-Sized Anglers: Eskimo Scout Jacket and Bib

 Key Features 

• Bomber Style Jacket
• DuraDry polyester cloth: light-weight, robust, and sturdy polyester cloth
• Windproof w/ DWR & 5k/5k waterproof/breathability scores
• Uplyft Breathable Flotation: Offers safety-enhancing proprietary Eskimo Uplyft flotation-assist; sweat and moisture are allowed to flee the material and transfer away from the pores and skin
• Fully-taped seams for full waterproof safety, shielding from wind, rain, snow, and ice
• Features (3) zippered pockets, and Molle with a D-ring on the higher proper chest
• 60 grams of insulation
• Wear factors on the elbows are bolstered with 600 denier materials
• YKK zippers all through the jacket w/ YKK AquaGuard heart entrance zipper
• A easy, 3-inch fold-up hem w/ hook-and-loop tape to regulate the pant size to your desire

Pros

• Affordable
• Lightweight however heat
• Perfect match for anglers with huge bellies, in contrast to full-length bibs
• Waterproof shell for double-duty on open-water
• Very cellular

Cons

• Without extension of pants over the again like bibs, shirt can get untucked & again can get chilly
• Pants aren’t overly heat
• Only one hip pocket per aspect on the bib; Eskimo Keeper bib has two

“I really like the Scout jacket,” says Macheledt. “But the pants aren’t overly warm. The other day I was fishing, and it was 25 degrees with a 15 mph wind, and I don’t think I would have wanted it any colder, unless I wore a bigger size and put on long underwear under my jeans.”

“My favorite ice fishing suit of all-time is the Eskimo Keeper jacket and bib, and now I’ve had the chance to test the Roughneck and Scout. What I can tell you is they all fit differently. The Keeper bibs are the same size as the Roughneck and Scout bibs, but they run bigger, which I like. I love the Eskimo Keeper for fishing day in, day out here in North Dakota. I’m used to two hip pockets on each side of the Keeper bib, which the Roughneck and Scout don’t have.”

“Besides warmer days on the ice, I think the Scout would be the perfect spring and fall bib open-water coat and bib for fishing out here on Lake Sakakawea,” provides Macheledt. 

One factor, Macheledt notes is that Eskimo Fishing’s customer support is excellent. He ripped the crotch out of his Keeper bibs whereas pulling off his boots and cleats they usually despatched him a brand new pair, which arrived in just a few days. Perfect for Macheledt, who fishes day by day…

Best Flotation Ice Fishing Suit for Women: Ice Armour by CLAM Womens RISE Parka & Bib

 Key Features 

• MovementFloat Technology w/ inner buoyancy help
• Long nap, free-hanging fleece internal lining
• 100 grams of mounted insulation
• Removable hood
• 3M reflective materials on parka
• Waterproof cellular phone pouch
• 100% waterproof
• Windproof cuff design
• Weatherproof YKK® Vision AquaGuard zippers
• Thumbholes in internal cuffs
• Available in two colours: Charcoal/Black/Teal & Black/Charcoal/Fuchsia
• Women’s sizing: small-3XL
• Adjustable inseam
• Waist cinch straps

Pros

• Affordable
• Form-fitting design
• Warm & waterproof
• Cell telephone pouch & pocket
• MovementFloat Technology w/buoyancy help

Cons

“I like how the suit is contoured to my curves and doesn’t look boxy like the workwear I typically wear on the ice,” says ice angler, Krysta Gregory. “Plus, it’s super warm and not bulky at all. I’ve got a good range of movement. And it doesn’t require a lot of extra layering unless it’s below zero outside.”

“I also like that it offers flotation for peace of mind if my husband and I are fishing sketchy ice,” provides Gregory. 

Gregory concludes: “The other thing that’s kind of nice is there’s a place for my cellphone in both the jacket and the bibs, so I don’t need to worry about dropping it down the hole!” 

Best Flotation Ice Fishing Suit For Kids: DSG Outerwear Arctic Appeal 2.0 Ice Jacket and Bib

 Key Features 

• Durable Polyester shell w/ 2,000MVT/ 2,000g/m2 2/24hrs waterproof breathable coating with DWR therapy on the face of the material 
• 100% seal-taped seams
• FLOTEX® layered foam for insulating heat & flotation help mixed w/ a further 180 grams of insulation within the physique
• 120 grams of insulation within the stability of the jacket & hood
• Inside waist of jacket and sleeve cuff have quick drain mesh permitting water to move out
• Soft microfleece collar & chin guard
• #5 YKK® Front Zipper with snap wind flap closure for long-lasting sturdiness
• Underarm vent zippers for temperature regulation
• Removable hood w/ adjustable pull chord for an ideal match
• Internal powder skirt to maintain snow & wind out
• Interior Lycra wrist gaiters with thumb gap/adjustable hook & loop cuffs
• Reflective piping for night-time visibility
• 2 massive D-rings on higher chest for lanyards/fishing equipment
• FLOTEX® Flotation Assist System for as much as 2 hours within the water
• Youth sizing: XS-5XL
• Heavy-duty 840 Denier knee panels w/ 2,000MVT/ 2,000g/m2 2/24hrs waterproof breathable coating w/ DWR therapy on the face of the material
• Hem w/ quick drain mesh permitting water to move out
• Removable inner knee pads
• Drop-seat building utilizing YKK® AquaGuard® zippers
• #5 YKK® Front bib Zipper with snap wind flap closure
• Micro-fiber terry hand towel – detachable for simple washing
• Reflective piping on legs (back and front) for nighttime visibility
• Interior boot gaiter to maintain out snow & slush
• Adjustable inseam from 32.5” to twenty-eight.5”

Pros

• Extremely excessive construct high quality
• Very engaging
• Form-fitting for youth
• Excellent flotation help expertise
• Fleece collar & chin guard to maintain faces heat
• Internal pocket for electronics
• Lots of pockets and D-rings
• Drop-seat building for lavatory visits

Cons

When it involves taking youngsters ice fishing, consolation is vital to a full day on laborious water. So, I purchased his go well with for my daughter final fall, wanting her toasty heat and having enjoyable. Although a bit on the costly aspect, it’s been an excellent funding. 

She not solely wears the DSG go well with for ice fishing, she wears the jacket to highschool and enjoying exterior within the snow. She loves the way it appears, matches, and the way light-weight it’s. Plus, with high quality flotation help, I can relaxation assured that she can be superb within the occasion she fell by way of the ice. 

From my 10-year-old, “I love this suit, dad. It’s awesome!”

Warmest Non-Flotation Ice Fishing Suit: SIMMS Challenger Jacket and Bib

 Key Features (Jacket)

• Waterproof
• Fully-taped seams
• 3-point adjustable fully-insulated storm hood, w/ ice decide safe loops on again neck & reflective logos for security
• Center-front zipper w/ waterproof storm flap
• Zippered chest pocket w/ detachable sunglass chamois & inside zippered pocket for necessities
• Zippered handwarmer pockets w/ adjustable waist cinch situated inside
• Articulated sleeves w/ abrasion-resistant elbow panels & adjustable cuff
• Cinchable waistline & kill change D-loop 
• Shell: 100% nylon 2-layer Toray® w/ DWR
• Lining: 74gsm 50D 100% polyester w/ DWR
• Insulation: Primaloft® Rise 100g in legs and 80g in higher physique
• Knee & cuffs overlays
• High abrasion-resistant 275gsm 100% nylon 6.6 2-ply oxford weave  
• Adjustable suspenders w/ excessive again for comfy match
• Handwarmer pockets & thigh-pocket w/ plier sheath
• Reinforced high-abrasion oxford nylon seat
• Zippered knee-pad pockets w/ foam inserts
• 2-way thigh-high aspect zipper opening for simple on/off whereas sporting boots & cleats

Pros

• Lightweight
• Warm in sub-zero temps
• Waterproof 
• Jacket width permits straightforward layering, if wanted
• Padded knees for kneeling on jagged ice
• Supplied knee pads might be changed with thicker foam pads

Cons

• Jacket should be cinched on the waistline to keep away from chilly

I’ve worn the identical pair of SIMMS waders for over 15 years with none leaks, so I assumed I’d purchase the SIMMS Challenger cold-weather go well with for this ice season, after giving freely my outdated Frabill fits to fishing buddies. Good resolution. 

Featuring 120 grams of PrimaLoft® Rise insulation, the SIMMS Challenger jacket and bib is light-weight however heat. The jacket is roomy sufficient to permit layering for very chilly temperatures, however I haven’t wanted to try this all season, sporting the go well with sans base layers in temperatures right down to -10 with -30 diploma windchill. 

The Challenger is light-weight and provides nice vary of movement when fishing exterior, setting tip-ups, hole-hopping, and so on. Even when cruising throughout the lake on a snow machine, it’s been heat. The solely downside is it doesn’t provide flotation, however even with out, makes an excellent mid-winter, safe-ice jacket and bib. 

One factor I actually like in regards to the Challenger bib is the bolstered knees with inner zippered pockets that embody foam knee pads. While the knee pads that come within the bib are completely superb, I added further foam building pads to double up on the padding since I kneel rather a lot on exterior to fish. 

Another factor I’ll point out is SIMMS customer support. I didn’t unzip the bib legs all the best way as much as my knees and tried to drag my tall, insulated Norfin rubber boots by way of the openings and ended up ripping a gap within the crotch. I known as SIMMS they usually despatched me brand-new bibs free-of-charge with none return crucial. After some sloppy stitching, I now have two pairs of Challenger bibs, one for fishing and one other that lives behind my truck with the remainder of my winter emergency gear. 

Best Basic Non-Flotation Ice Fishing Suit: Blocker Outdoors Outdoor Pursuit Reliant Parka and Bib

 Key Features 

• Waterproof/breathable/windproof efficiency
• Woven poly/spandex flex stretch shell w/ DWR for max mobility
• Micro-fleece lining for added heat
• 200g PrimaLoft® Silver insulation for heat with out bulk
• 13 whole pockets for final storage & heat
• Articulated hood design with built-in adjusters

Pros

• Extremely reasonably priced
• Significant heat by way of 200g Primaloft Silver insulation
• Lightweight
• Not cumbersome
• Excellent construct high quality
• Lots of pockets – 13
• Classic beauty – obtainable in black or grey 

Cons

Designed for ice fishing and any exterior winter exercise (shoveling, snowmobiling, chopping wooden, late-season searching, trapping, and so on.), the Blocker Outdoors Outdoor Pursuit Reliant waterproof and windproof jacket and bib combo is a good choice for that all-around winter go well with alongside the traces of an improved workwear-style go well with like Carhartt. Plus, the Blocker Outdoors Pursuit Parka and Bib is reasonably priced, which permits outfitting the household—like I did. 

The jacket and bib are constructed robust. The bib is abrasion-resistant and designed for a few years of use. Both function a breathable water and windproof membrane and 200g thermal-mapped PrimaLoft® Silver insulation and microfleece lining for heat with out the majority of some fits. SIMMS makes use of PrimaLoft®, too, however the Blocker Outdoors is decrease in value. 

My two oldest daughters each put on the Blocker Outdoor Pursuit Reliant jacket and bib—one in black, the opposite in grey to forestall mixing up their clothes. 

“I love the way they look and how warm they are,” says my eldest daughter. “Plus, the suit’s not just for ice fishing. I wear it everywhere when it’s really cold in the winter. The suit has been great for walks outside, helping dad shovel, and even skiing. And it’s definitely a lot more fun ice fishing in a warm suit.” 

Best Lightweight/Least Bulky Non-Flotation Ice Fishing Suit: Blackfish StormSkin Gale Pullover Jacket & StormSkin Gale Bib

 Key Features 

• Stormskin™ expertise: 100% windproof. 100% heat. 100% waterproof
• Perfect for all seasons 
• Premium windproof, waterproof soft-shell cloth & free-hanging, long-nap fleece internal lining traps warmth inside 
• Thermal Snare Technology™ combines a layer of premium fleece & windproof/weather-resistant outer layer that retains warmth contained in the garment
• Soft-shell garment that retains your core temperature heat whereas offering distinctive consolation in chilly and windy circumstances

Pros

• Affordable
• Extremely light-weight
• Design prevents overheating, like some fits
• Excellent mobility & vary of movement
• Windproof & waterproof
• Great go well with for fishing inside moveable & hardhouses

Cons

• Not splendid for sub-zero circumstances

The first time you slip on the Blackfish Gale Pullover and Bib, you instantly understand the go well with weighs virtually nothing. I examined this go well with out on quite a few ice fishing events and it’s additionally develop into my go-to winter go well with for basic work across the yard. 

I’m an enormous man—6’1” and 240 kilos —so a 2XL was the right match. What I actually like in regards to the Blackfish Gale pullover and bib is it gives simply the correct amount of warmth whenever you’re energetic exterior in temperatures hovering round zero levels and above, which we’ve had numerous this winter in Minnesota. I are likely to get overheated in some ice fishing fits, operating from inside a transportable or hardhouse and out of doors to set and verify tip-ups, drill new holes, and so on. 

So, in the event you’re going to be energetic on the ice, the Blackfish Gale ensemble is a stable contender to forestall getting too scorching, typically the case in ice fishing fits. It’s additionally a great go well with to put on in portables and hardhouses in the event you prefer to hold the temperature on the cooler aspect to preserve propane. 

I may also see double-duty use for open-water fishing within the boat or from shore throughout early spring and late-fall temperatures throughout walleye river bites. I’m unsure how the Blackfish Gale will deal with rain, however the specs record waterproofing so I’m hopeful. 

How to Choose a Jacket and Bibs for Ice Fishing

Again, it’s essential to take into consideration when, how, and the place you ice fish. Will you be venturing out on early- or late-ice? If so, a flotation go well with is certainly so as. If not, you possibly can in all probability select a non-flotation ice fishing jacket and bib. 

Exterior Material Design

Then comes a detailed have a look at building, beginning with the outside materials of the go well with. Whenever attainable, select a go well with with a excessive DWR (Durable Water Repellency) ranking. Seams must also be sealed. Drawstrings across the waist or jacket backside are good, too, to maintain the wind and chilly out. If attainable, it’s greatest to decide on a go well with that may operate as cold-weather rain gear as nicely, not simply an ice fishing go well with. 

Interior Insulation

Obviously, you’re studying this proper now since you wish to keep heat on the ice. That mentioned, search for high-quality insulation, which doesn’t need to be thick to get the job executed. With at present’s high-tech supplies like PrimaLoft® Rise, Gold, Silver, and Black; PrimaLoft® Aerogel (developed by NASA); in addition to older time-proven supplies like Hollofil, there are numerous insulating supplies utilized in ice fishing fits to offer heat.  

Flotation

As far as I do know, not one of the ice jackets or bibs in the marketplace are USCG-certified as a private flotation machine. However, they might save your life by preserving you afloat and considerably heat in chilly, icy waters in the event you fall by way of—and lengthy sufficient till somebody can toss out a security rope and PFD or get the authorities to the scene. 

FAQs

Final Thoughts on the Best Ice Fishing Suits

Fact is, nearly each ice fishing attire producer is making a jacket and bib that’s the proper alternative for anglers relying on when, how, and the place they fish. Some price greater than others. Some are very reasonably priced. For me, I actually just like the SIMMS Challenger and Blocker Outdoors fits for non-flotation choices; and for flotation – restricted to what I personally examined—I might go for the Striker Climate go well with given its versatility on the ice, within the area/marsh, or as a rain go well with for spring and fall fishing. After years of sporting “snowmobile suits” as a child, Carhartt workwear, after which now-defunct Frabill fits, it’s been enjoyable to check out what’s at the moment in the marketplace