Hey there anglers and welcome to my post where we will check my three best ice fishing picks to keep ourselves safe with this year. Although we aim to have a good time as we ice fish, there is still the possibility of danger hence we should have some safety equipment with us.
Our ice fishing jacket may have some flotation features, but if the situation arises that we fall into the water we may need something to hold on to escape the freezing temperatures. In this situation, ice fishing picks can be very helpful indeed.
As usual however, there are a number of options on the market today so to help you out, I have had a good look around and come up with three good options below. Let’s check them out…
My three recommended ice fishing picks
I will review these in more detail below however if you just want to get moving without all the carry-on, my recommended products are listed here for your convenience:
| Â | Ice Fishing Picks | Price | Get it |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Boaton Ice Picks | $ | CURRENT PRICE |
 | Clam Floating Ice Picks | $ | CURRENT PRICE |
 | Rapala Ice Safety Spikes | $$ | CURRENT PRICE |
What are ice fishing picks?
Ice fishing picks are essential to self-rescue if you stand on thin ice. Also called ice safety picks, they are a pair of steel pikes measuring around 1 inch each with a 5 or 6-foot stretchable cord that connects them to your jacket or belt or even tied around your neck.
The idea is that if you fall into the water, you can use the picks to assist in pulling yourself out back onto the ice.
What should you be looking for?
The following factors should be considered as you hunt around for a good pair of ice fishing picks.
- Construction material
- Type of picks
- Weight
- Handles
- Additions
Construction material
The recommended material used for ice fishing picks is a hardened steel that allows you to dig into the ice firmly to pull yourself out. Also, hardened steel can generally withstand corrosion brought about by continuous exposure to water.
Type of picks
There are two types of picks – retractable and non-retractable.
- Retractable ice picks are those that can be drawn inside for safety purposes. This design protects the angler from accidental punctures, and in case of emergency, they are quicker to use.
- Non-retractable picks have exposed points but are covered by protective sheaths. They do give protection to the user, but when the worst-case scenario occurs, pulling out the sheath manually may cause a delay.
Cord
When it comes to the product’s cord, it may come in the form of regular rope or coil cords. Rope cords are useful in making loops to tie around the ice fishing pick to your body. Some products come with a carabiner to clip the product to your ice fishing jacket.
On the other hand, coil cords are designed like a spring; their length may be long or short, depending on how you stretch them. Ice fishing picks with coil cords are easier to use because they can be placed around your neck and give plenty of room for self-rescuing.
Weight
Ice fishing picks should be lightweight enough that they can float in the water. This quality is essential if you fall into the ice; you should be able to retrieve the safety picks quickly since they are just floating near you.
Handles
The handles of ice fishing picks must be non-slip and ergonomically designed. The reason for this is so that you could have a firm grasp of the items when the unexpected happens.
Additions
Other potential additions include:
- Whistle: If you find difficulty in rescuing yourself, this item could signal persons nearby of your location, and they can help you get out of the dangerous situation.
- Pick cover: This conceals the picks that can inflict damage to your jacket or even wound your hands.
My three recommendations broken down
So based on the information above and my own experience, I recommend the following options:
1. Boaton Ice Picks
This first ice safety pick option is equipped with all the essential items you need for self-rescuing. It is lightweight, capable of floating in the water and built with an ergonomically designed grip. See its specifications below:
- Brand: Boaton
- Construction material: Stainless steel
- Cord: Rope
- Weight: 0.30 pounds
- Dimensions: 8.27 x 2.95 x 1.97 inches
Other inclusions:
- Carabiner
- Safety whistle
- Pick cover
Why have I chosen it?
This ice safety pick comes with a whistle that can help you inform others of your location and a carabiner hook so that you can easily attach it to yourself during ice fishing. When not in use, the protective case prevents accidental punctures. This is great option for ice fishing in hard ice locations.
2. Clam Floating Ice Picks
This second option is highly functional to help you go through the ice following an accidental fall. It has a simple yet efficient design, which is perfect for ice fishing emergencies. See its specifications below:
- Brand: Clam
- Construction material: Stainless steel
- Cord: Coil cord
- Weight: 0.30 pounds
- Dimensions: ‎7.4 x 3.8 x 1.6 inches
Other inclusions:
- Floats on water
- Moulded handles for easy grip
Why have I chosen it?
The picks are designed to stay together as they hang around your neck when not in use. The cord is coiled, which is a good choice as it allows you to stretch the line further when you need to and not take up all that extra space when you don’t. It is also unsinkable, making it visible to you in the freezing waters.
3. Rapala Ice Safety Spikes
My final option gives you an incredible edge to overcome the frigid waters with ergonomic handles for a firm grasp of the product. The sharp tips are also retractable for safety. See its specifications below:
- Brand: Rapala
- Construction material: Hardened steel
- Cord: Coil cord
- Weight: 0.60 pounds
- Dimensions: ‎‎10.5 x 5.6 x 1.6 inches
Other inclusions:
- Retractable spikes
- Contoured handles
Why have I chosen this?
The tips are made from hardened steel, making them highly durable to outlast fishing seasons. When an emergency arises, the contoured finger grip handles provide the angler with a secure grip and the 22-inch extendable cord comes in handy for self-rescue. This is a great strong option for all conditions.
Conclusion
There you have it, my three best ice fishing picks to assist when emergencies arise. I would be pleased to know how this article helped you, and as usual, let me know of your experiences with them.
Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, corrections, or would like me to check anything else out for you.
Until next time.
Have fun
Paul
