Ice-fishing Friday: The season’s best new hardwater tackle, apparel accessories and more

Modern ice anglers expect more from their equipment, and manufacturers continue to deliver. This season’s line-up of new gear includes precision-engineered tackle, shelters, apparel and more, all designed to ensure your ice time is more productive and comfortable than ever.

ELLIOTT RIPPINEYE’S XL

Designed for targeting walleye with reaction baits and heavier spoons, this 36-inch, carbon-fibre, medium-power, fast-action ice rod (US$135) from Elliott Rods sports a proprietary light, durable and sensitive Syncork handle.

Learn more: www.acmetackle.com

XPS COMPACT ICE FISHING TABLE

With its folding steel frame and lower shelf, this sturdy fabric table ($40.99) offers a handy solution for age-old hardwater frustrations such as dropping tackle into the snow and precariously setting beverages on the ice.

Learn more: www.basspro.ca

X-1200 THERMAL

This insulated double-hub shelter ($1,999.99) boasts a whopping 188 square feet of fishable space and a centre height of 7½ feet. Features include two doors, heavy-duty poles and an oversized skirt for snow banking.

Learn more: www.rapala.ca/clam

ARCTIC CREST HYBRID FULL ZIP JACKET

Featuring Columbia’s Omni-Heat Arctic insulation to capture solar heat, this lightweight fleece ($199.99) has a stretchy hem and cuffs, zippered pockets and sleeve thumbholes. It comes in three colours, and men’s and women’s versions.

Learn more: www.columbiasportswear.ca