15 Best Ice Fishing Lures in 2023 – Reviews

Planning to go ice fishing? Well, you need to know that frozen water reduces the metabolism of fish and in turn induces a state of inactivity in them.

However, this should not dampen your plans to fish in ice. What you need to focus on is making an investment in the best ice fishing lures. But of course, you also need to focus on the following:

  • Improving your timing
  • Honing your fishing techniques
  • Getting a fish-finder for better results

Once you have these sorted out, ice fishing will be a walk in the park for you. Let’s provide some quick insights for you.

Best Ice Fishing Lures

15 Topmost Ice Fishing Lures in 2023: Comparison Table

Just to provide you with the lay of the land, here’s a brief list with all the important details you may need to make a quick decision. Keep scrolling for our detailed reviews and verdict.

RankingNameColorWeight
1acme SW12/G SW12-G KastmasterGold0.3 ounces
2Bay de Noc Swedish PimplesNickel0.6 ounces
3Goture YMX1-C10712*4 Ice Fishing Lure0.8 ounces
4Rapala Rippin’ Rap 06 Fishing lureYellow Perch0.8 ounces
5Rapala WSR02SD 1-Inch Jigging Shad RapShad0.3 ounces
6Rapala Jigging Rap 07 Fishing lurePerch0.6 ounces
7Eagle Claw Glow Ice Kit0.8 ounces
8Dynamic Lures HD Ice Fishing LureRainbow2.4 ounces
9Sougayilang Ice Fishing LuresType2-4PCS2.9 ounces
10Bay De Noc 5BLACKICE 1-7/8-Inch Swedish Pimple Jig0.3 ounces
11Northland Forage Minnow SpoonSuper-Glow Perch0.3 ounces
12Custom Jigs SL18-P-214 Pro Slender SpoonGold/Firetiger0.8 ounces
13Live Target GS60SK210 4484-1123 Golden Shiner1.4 ounces
14Nils Master HAL25-AYF Hali25 Lure0.3 ounces
15Lindy LPTKS26 Perch TalkerFiretiger0.3 ounces

1. Acme Kastmaster 036608 Fishing Lure

This lure is made from solid brass. Therefore, it will not break when you are using it considering your catch may be big and heavy. Brass is non-reactive meaning the lure is good to use in all water types without fear of corrosion.

Besides its good distance casting ability, it has an aerodynamic design. This gives it stability in water and control. Once you cast it, a jig and spin are all you need to get your fish.

Pros

  • It retains the golden luster and attracts fish
  • This lure is strong and durable
  • You have a variety of sizes to choose from

Cons

  • You can only get one fish at a time

2. Bay de Noc Swedish Pimples BDNSPJL-P Jigging Lure

It comes in multiple sizes, different finishes and varying weights. You have a variety to choose from according to your fishing needs. This makes it excellent for jigging.

This lure comes in 33 different colors. As a result, you have more options to pick from in regard to your fishing environment.  Be it salty water or freshwater, Bay de Noc will work for you. Pick a color that almost resembles what your intended target species feeds on.

Pros

  • It works in both salty and freshwater
  • Also offers many options in terms of size
  • The best lure for jigging

Cons

  • The number of fish per catch is just one

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3. Goture YMX1-C10712*4 Ice Fishing Lure

Made from carbon steel, this lure is definitely strong and durable. For this reason, it will not snap in case the fish is heavy. Furthermore, it is sharp so your fish is unlikely to break free.

On its head, it has a diamond which reflects light. In addition, it is made from lead and has a drop-water shape. These unique features will guarantee you more fish.

Pros

  • This lure is durable and strong
  • The diamond it has attracts more fish
  • It offers you a variety of colors to choose from

Cons

  • The lure can only be used for small fish

4. Rapala Rippin Rap RPR07-CSD Lipless Crankbait Lure

Apart from its skinny and lipless profiled body that enables you to rip, crank, and jig or swing it, when it falls in the water, it flutters. This movement causes the fish to want to bite it.

There is a BB rattle system that is fitted to it. This enables it to vibrate resulting in capturing the attention of more fish including those hiding under thick covers.

Pros

  • It is good for long casting
  • You have a variety of colors to choose from
  • The two hooks on it mean more fish per catch

Cons

  • The BB rattle system is not good for clear water fishing

5. Rapala WSR Jigging Shad Rap

Its movement is more pronounced; the down action is in the form of slow circles and rises up in a snap. The resulting effect is your bait circles faster and hence more visible and enticing to fish.

In addition to the zinc weight on it for easy sinking, the shad profile has a natural glow and color patterns that are irresistible to fish. You jig it under the ice and fishing becomes fun.

Pros

  • This lures movement attracts more fish
  • Works so well under ice
  • It has tree hooks meaning more catch

Cons

  • It can get snagged because of the many hooks

6. Rapala Jigging Rap 07 W7-GT Glow Ice Fishing Lure

This lure is good to use in summer and winter as it has zinc on it to make sinking easy. For this reason, it can go deeper into the ice and entice hidden fish.

The minnow profile makes it the best to attract fish. The glowing and minnow movement is effective in attracting and drawing fish to you.

Pros

  • The minnow profile is great for enticing fish
  • It has many hooks so more fish
  • This lure is good at jigging

Cons

  • It can easily get snagged

7. Eagle Claw IKGNL19 Classic Ice Fishing Kit

It comes in a kit with 16 assorted jigs that glow. This means you have varied options to suit your fishing environment and attract different fish species.

The hooks are razor-sharp. As a result, the fish will not escape once caught.

Pros

  • This product offers you a variety of glows to choose from
  • Its hooks are razor-sharp
  • It attracts more fish

Cons

  • It is for catching small fish

8. Dynamic MPN Vertical Jigging Lures

This lure has evenly distributed weight for easy jigging and it will bounce when appropriate. Once you have dipped it in at the right spot, jig it and it will work wonders to get you fish. Its bright colors get to fish that are deep in the ice.

It is made with coated ABS plastic and is of slender design. This, coupled with the solid construction, ensures it is durable and strong.  There is no risk of breaking under the fish weight.

Pros

  • It has well-set hooks
  • This lure can be used for all depths
  • The bright colors attract fish

Cons

  • It can get stuck under the ice

9. Sougayilang Ice Fishing Lures with 3 Sharp Hooks

It has a new design where the head and tail have hooks and there is a third one in the middle. It is brightly colored. After attracting and catching fish, there is no risk of it escaping.

Moreover, it is made of lead thus strong and long-lasting. This gives it a high-performance characteristic and reliability. You will enjoy its services for a long time.

Pros

  • It is long-lasting and strong
  • There is no risk of losing your fish
  • The bright colors attract more fish.

Cons

  • It is prone to snagging

10. Bay de Noc Lure Swedish Pimple Ice

This lure comes in multiple sizes. You have the freedom to choose the size that best suits your fishing adventures. The right size of lure is important as it determines your end results.

Its weight and finishing also vary according to how deep you wish it to go. The heavier it is, the deeper it will go into the ice and attract more fish. You need to jig it to enjoy the experience.

Pros

  • This lure is strong and does not snap
  • You have a variety of sizes to choose from
  • It is good for jigging

Cons

  • Snagging is one of its weaknesses

11. Northland Forage Minnow Spoon

It is uniquely designed to mimic most desired forage. This minnow-shaped lure flutters and flashes to drawing fish from their hideouts. You just need to find the right spot for fishing.

This fish lure has a holographic baitfish design that goes a long way in fooling the fish. You, therefore, have an easy task once you have jigged in your lure.

Pros

  • This lure has a variety of colors to choose from
  • It has a unique design
  • The lure can mimic desired forage

Cons

  • It has one hook

12. Custom Jigs and Spins Slender Spoon Jig

Ultra-light gives this lure the ability to flash. It falls slowly due to its slender design. For this reason, it attracts more fish and you are able to catch them.

It has size 1 and 2 snaps which enhance fluid movement. This makes your work very easy as it will move in water and get to the depths where the fish hide.

Pros

  • Its slender design enhances efficiency
  • This lure is best for jigging
  • It attracts more fish

Cons

  • Its hooks can snag

13. Live Target Golden Shiner Lure

This lure has 3D tools and a multi-layered paint that makes it look real. This feature is good for bringing you fish. This makes it the best choice for your fishing trips.

It is also available in the most popular forage bases to match your target fish diet. Once you have decided which species you are going for, pick your lure and you are good to go.

Pros

  • This lure has two treble hooks
  • It can be used for both fresh and salty water
  • Provides you with forage bases

Cons

  • It can snag in the ice

14. Nils Master HAL25-AYF Hali25 Lure

From the way it is made, it lasts long and is unlikely to snap and break. Its slender profile boosts its movement in the water. You do not risk losing your catch.

Its design is relevant for ice fishing as it will not stick on to logs or ice at the bottom. Its slender body easily sinks into water and jigging makes it efficient in catching fish.

Pros

  • This lure is designed for ice fishing
  • It is durable
  • The glow it emits attracts fish

Cons

  • It can only get one fish at a time

15. Lindy Perch Talker Ice Jig

It is made with brass beads that click and rattle to send out vibrations that definitely get the attention of fish. You need this for ice fishing as the fish tend to stay at the bottom of the water.

This lure has a combination of many colors specifically for catching fish. In addition, it has brass discs that grab and displace water stimulating the fish’s lateral lines thus drawing them in with ease.

Pros

  • This lure has a long lifespan
  • It attracts a variety of fish types
  • The brass discs draw in fish

Cons

  • You can only get one fish at a time

Buying Guide for Best Ice Fishing Lures

Ask any angler and they will tell you that the right kind of lure can greatly improve your catch rate as well as increase your confidence. Here is how to pick the best ice fishing lures.

Pick the Correct Size

You first need to determine what kind of fish you are targeting. For instance, smaller lures are great for catching crappies and perch. For medium sized fish such as walleye, you will require lures that are three to six inches.

Use lure that measures between four to twelve inches to catch large fish such as musky or northern pike.

The Depth of Water

Depending on the season, fish tend to migrate to different spots. Naturally, these spots will have different depths so you have to pick the right lures for them.

When it is hot, fish will go into deeper waters so you will require deep running lures as well. They migrate to shallower waters when fall approaches.

Water Temperature

We are talking about ice fishing here and as we had mentioned before, cold water tends to render fish inactive. In that regard, you might want to use smaller lures and present them slowly.

When the weather is warm, the fish become more active and they feed often. You can then use bigger lures and throw them faster into the water then.

Color

Different theories exist regarding the color of lures. However, the general rule is that the clearer the water, the lighter the color of lure you should use. If you will be fishing in discolored waters, go for fluorescent colored lures.

Others will recommend the use of darker lures when the sky is overcast and lighter ones when the day is sunny and bright.

How to Care for your Fishing Lures

Generally, fishing lures do not require too much care but if you want yours to last longer, there are some things you can do.

Keep them dry

The best place to store your fishing lures is in separate boxes or cabinet drawers. It is important not to expose the metal parts to air otherwise, they will rust.

If your fishing lure is made of hair or feathers, ensure that you store it in an airtight container to prevent moths or other insects from getting to it.

Repair as needed

It is good practice to examine your lures once you buy them or when you intend to store them away for a long period.

If you are not confident about their condition, you should have them repaired immediately because if you procrastinate, the problem may deteriorate or you could end up with a malfunctioning lure in the middle of your angling adventure.

Separate them

Once you are done fishing, do not keep your saltwater lures in a tackle box without cleaning them. Separate them from unused lures because the last thing you want is to get salt water on your clean lures. Saltwater is capable of ruining your other lures.

Clean them 

The fact that your lure is used in water does not mean that it is automatically clean. It may accumulate minerals and salts from the water that may cause it to be less functional.

To be on the safe side, it is always good to soft brush your lure and wipe it down with a damp piece of cloth before drying it out.

Benefits of Fishing Lures

There is no better activity than fishing if you want to relax or spend quality time with a loved one. If you are a beginner in this pastime, here are some of the benefits you should expect to enjoy.

Convenience

Some anglers use live bait such as meat, insects, or worms to attract fish. The problem with that is that these kinds of bait are difficult to keep hooked and can leave a bad smell.

On the other hand, lures are replications of live bait and they are convenient to use because they will not rot and they are easy to keep hooked.

They maintain their size

With live bait, you can expect them to break down as you drag them through the water. With lures, you get to maintain their shape and size because they are made from durable material such as foam, plastic, and feathers.

Affordable

If you choose to use live bait, it means that you have to buy a fresh batch every time you go fishing. You will also need to refrigerate bait to keep it fresh while you are out fishing. These are things you do not need to worry about with lures.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When it comes to ice fishing, you are bound to have more questions than answers mainly because ice fishing is not a conventional kind of angling. Below, we have answered some commonly asked questions on the topic that can be helpful.

How do I attract fish when ice fishing?

There are different methods to do it. Some anglers will use the vertical to horizontal technique while others will use the line twist. These methods involve using bright colors to attract fish.

How do I ice fish for walleye?

When it comes to fishing for walleye, four particular types of lures have been proven to work well. Go for lures that imitate lipless crank baits, jiggling rapalas, spoons, and jigs.

What do I use for Ice Fishing?

It all depends on what you prefer to use. For tackle ice fishing, people commonly use tip-ups, jigs, ice files, hooks, and jigging rods. Others prefer to use live bait such as night crawlers, leeches, and minnows.

Our Editors’ Best Pick

At the end of the day, we could only pick one winner. In this case, we have nothing but kind words for the Acme Kastmaster 036608 Fishing Lure.  It is strong, durable and quite useful for winning the attention of reluctant fish.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, you want a good catch when you go out fishing and what better way to achieve that than with the right kind of lure? With this buying guide, you will be able to pick the right ice-fishing lure.

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