10 Best Ice Fishing Lures 2025 in the United States

The Strike King Tungsten Thunder Cricket is a well-crafted ice-fishing lure that stands out due to its compact tungsten head, which provides excellent castability, particularly in windy conditions. Weighing in at 0.38 ounces and sized at 3/8 oz, its dense construction allows for a heavier feel without increasing the size, making it suitable for those looking to attract fish with minimal resistance. The lure features a hand-tied skirt that adds an impressive wiggle and dance in the water, paired with a tight-vibrating blade that effectively draws fish to strike. This superior action can be particularly beneficial when fishing around brush and vegetation, as it can easily maneuver through obstacles and entice fish hiding in cover.

On the versatility front, the Tungsten Thunder Cricket can be utilized in various fishing techniques, whether you're covering shallow waters quickly or slow-rolling near deeper structures. The integrated trailer keeper is a noteworthy feature, ensuring that your soft-plastics stay in place during vigorous strikes, improving your chances of landing a catch.

While the lure excels in many areas, it may not be the best choice for every angler. Some users may find the compact size limiting for larger target species, particularly if they're accustomed to bulkier lures.

The Strike King Red Eye Shad Fishing Lure is a lipless crankbait designed for versatility and effectiveness across different fishing techniques and seasons. At 3/8-ounce, it is compact and easy to handle, with a Natural Shad color that mimics the look of real bait. One of its standout features is the free-floating internal rattles, which create sound to attract fish from a distance. The 3D eyes add realism, enhancing its appeal to predatory fish like bass and walleye.

Additionally, the lure is equipped with premium size 4 treble hooks that are very sharp, ensuring a better catch rate. The expert design and extensive field testing by professional anglers contribute to its reliability and effectiveness, making it a staple for competitive and recreational anglers alike.

The Strike King Red Eye Shad is a valuable addition to an angler's tackle box, providing confidence and versatility for a variety of fishing conditions and target species. However, it may not be the best choice for those specifically targeting topwater fish due to its sinking nature.

The Rapala Ultra Lite Lure Kit is a thoughtful choice for ice-fishing enthusiasts, suitable for both beginners and experienced anglers. This kit features professionally selected lures that are designed to mimic swimming actions, which can be quite effective in attracting fish. The ultra-light size of the lures makes them easy to handle and ideal for ice-fishing, where delicate and precise movements are often necessary.

The kit includes a bonus item, adding extra value, and it is packaged in a way that makes it a great gift option for fishing enthusiasts. The multi-color lures offer versatility, potentially increasing your chances of success in various water conditions and fish preferences. The kit is compact, with item dimensions of 1 x 1 x 1 inches and a lightweight nature, making it easy to carry along on your fishing trips. It is made from durable stainless steel, promising longevity.

However, the Rapala Ultra Lite Lure Kit is ranked #170 in Fishing Topwater Lures, suggesting that there may be other more popular options available. Additionally, with a weight of only 4.54 grams, it might be too light for some users' preferences, especially in rougher water conditions where heavier lures might be more effective. Despite these minor drawbacks, this kit is a solid choice for those looking for a reliable and portable set of ice-fishing lures.