Ice-fishing Friday: 2025’s best new hardwater shelters, electronics, apparel, tackle and more

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Is your ice-fishing gear in need of an upgrade? Worry not. Our annual survey of the latest crop of tackle and accessories for hardwater anglers is here to help make sure you have an action-packed winter.

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PANOPTIX PS22-IF ICE FISHING BUNDLE

This portable sonar package ($2,699.99) features Panoptix sonar offering both LiveVu Forward and Down modes via a pole mount-free transducer. Along with a keyed-assist touchscreen, the seven-inch chartplotter includes Navionics+ maps of 20,000 Canadian lakes.

Learn more: Garmin, www.garmin.ca

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HATCHET SPOON

Designed to provoke reaction strikes from aggressive fish, this spoon ($7.99 to $8.99) boasts plenty of action and vibration, along with an oversized holographic eye, marabou teaser tail and super-sharp VMC treblehook. It comes in 10 patterns and three sizes.

Learn more: VMC, www.rapala.ca/vmc

MAPLE LEAF

Designed for outdoor fun in the extreme cold, these made-in-Canada women’s boots ($275) feature Baffin’s flexible, cold-resistant Arctic Rubber shell and grippy Polar Rubber outsole. Available with brown or black leather uppers, they come in women’s sizes six to 11.

Learn more: Baffin, www.baffin.com

XPS 8X14 PRO THERMAL ICE SHELTER

Supported by solid fibreglass poles and extra-durable hubs, this insulated pop-up ($849.99) offers 168 square-feet of fishable area, plus two large doors, an internal anchor system, air vents, a wide snow skirt and a port for a propane hose.

Learn more: Bass Pro Shops, www.cabelas.ca