When the lake freezes and the bite tightens, you need jigs that read contact and trigger violent strikes. I've run charters and tournaments. Western Basin schoolers fish shallow. I compare glow paint, rattles, tungsten tear-drops and pre-rigged swimbaits so you pick jigs for perch 10–25' and walleye 15–40'.

Main Points

• Opt for tungsten tear-drop heads (the Tungsten Ice Fishing Jig Set) when you want maximum sensitivity and a smaller profile — use 1/64–1/16 oz for tight, vertical perch work and 1/16–1/4 oz when you’re holding walleye on current or deeper flats.
• Glow paint and rattles (52Pcs glowing kits and Dovesun rattling spoons) win in low light and stained water — deploy glow jigs in pre-dawn or deep holes 20–40' and rattlers when fish are aggressive during fall transition.
• Use the Lindy Perch Talker as your go-to perch presentation; deadstick it over schools or twitch it in 8–20' along weed edges — it draws perch and entices follow-up walleye without spooking wary fish.
• Kits (50PCS/100PCS sets) are great for stocking varied colors and profiles, but inspect and replace cheaper hooks before a tournament; organize by weight and depth so you can swap quickly on the ice.
• Pre-rigged vibrating swimbaits and weedless teasers (Pristis and similar pre-rigged options) save time when you need a bigger profile — fish them when walleye are keyed on larger bait in late fall and early ice, and use heavier heads for trolling or punching into cover.

Our Top Picks

Best Value Bulk Kit		50PCS Ice Fishing Lures Kit, Ice Fishing Jigs for Walleye Perch, Jigs Heads for Ice Fishing Tackle, Panfish Crappie Perch Sunfish Pike bluegills Jigs	★★★★☆ 4.0/5	Key Ingredient: 50 assorted lead jig heads for value	Scent Profile: none — pair with waxies or minnows	Best For: Best Value Bulk Kit — spares and color testing	Check Price on Amazon	Read Our Analysis
Best for Low-Light		52Pcs Ice Fishing Lures Ice Fishing Jigs Kit Glowing Paint Ice Fishing Jig Heads for Crappie Trout Perch Walleye Ice Fishing Gear	★★★★☆ 4.4/5	Key Ingredient: Glowing paint jig heads	Scent Profile: Unscented	Best For: Best for Low-Light	Check Price on Amazon	Read Our Analysis
Best for Targeting Perch		Lindy Perch Talker Ice Fishing Lure - Great for Perch, Walleye, Trout and Whitefish	★★★★½ 4.6/5	Key Ingredient: high-frequency internal chatter for short-bite attraction	Scent Profile: unscented; accepts soft-plastic trailers easily	Best For: Best for Targeting Perch	Check Price on Amazon	Read Our Analysis
Best Complete Tackle Set		Ice Fishing Jigs Kit 100pcs Lures Bait Icefishing Set Crappie Jig Hooks Gear Accessories for Walleye Panfish with Tackle Box Gifts for Men	★★★★½ 4.9/5	Key Ingredient: assortment of micro jigs and soft plastics	Scent Profile: none pre-applied — add attractant for walleye	Best For: Best Complete Tackle Set for perch and walleye	Check Price on Amazon	Read Our Analysis
Best for Bite Detection		Tungsten Ice Fishing Jig Set Ice Fishing Lures, Max Sensitive Tungsten Tear Drop Ice Jig Head Hook for Panfish, Crappie, Walleye, Perch, Trout, Bluegill	★★★★½ 4.6/5	Key Ingredient: High‑density tungsten heads for sensitivity	Scent Profile: Unscented (pair your own softbaits)	Best For: Best for Bite Detection	Check Price on Amazon	Read Our Analysis
Best Rattle-and-Glow		Dovesun Ice Fishing Jigs Ice Fishing Lures Kit Rattling Glow Ice Fishing Spoons for Bass Crappie Panfish Mens Fishing Gifts 15PCS/5PCS/4PCS	★★★★☆ 4.2/5	Key Ingredient: sealed bead rattles plus phosphorescent paint	Scent Profile: none (neutral, pairs with natural baits)	Best For: Best Rattle-and-Glow — perch and walleye	Check Price on Amazon	Read Our Analysis
Best for Weedless Fishing		Pristis Jig Head Fishing Lures for Freshwater Saltwater, Weedless Swim Jig Teasers with Sharp Hooks & Exquisite Coating, Pre-Rigged Vibrating Swimbaits Kit Gear for Bass Crappie Walleye Trout Pike	★★★★☆ 4.4/5	Key Ingredient: Offset weedless head with balanced vibration	Scent Profile: No added scent, neutral finish	Best For: Best for Weedless Fishing along weedlines and edges	Check Price on Amazon	Read Our Analysis

More Details on Our Top Picks

1. 50PCS Ice Fishing Lures Kit, Ice Fishing Jigs for Walleye Perch, Jigs Heads for Ice Fishing Tackle, Panfish Crappie Perch Sunfish Pike bluegills Jigs

   🏆 Best For: Best Value Bulk Kit

   ★★★★☆ 4.0/5

   

   Best Value Bulk Kit

   Check Price on Amazon

   I gave this 50PCS Ice Fishing Lures Kit the "Best Value Bulk Kit" tag because you get 50 workable jigs for $9.99 — real inventory at a price that lets you outfit a client or cover a tournament day without worrying about every lost or bent hook. On Lake Erie that matters: in the Western Basin you’re rubbing structure and losing gear; in the Central Basin you’ll want enough colors and sizes to cover deep and mid-depth marks. For the money, the quantity and assortment beat buying singles when you need spares on the ice.

   The kit’s practical benefits show up fast on ice and open-water vertical jigging. You get assorted head sizes and colors that let you switch presentations between perch schools in 6–18 feet and walleye holding 12–30+ feet. Use the lighter heads with a 1–2" soft plastic or a waxie for tight perch marks. Move to the heavier heads and 1.5–2.5" plastics or a minnow trailer when you’re working mixed walleye on basin-edge breaks. The hooks and paint aren’t premium, but they’re sharp enough for quick hookups and the variety means you’ll match what the fish want without carrying half a dozen single packs.

   If you run charters, compete in local derbies, or fish with multiple holes, this kit is for you. It’s a godsend for preseason fall work when perch pull shallow and walleye stage on flats and tails, and it’s equally useful once the lake freezes — drop a selection of colors and sizes into likely holes and let your electronics tell you which sticks. For tournament days you’ll use these as backups and color tests; bring a handful on your leader and stash the rest in a pocketed tackle box so you don’t lose time switching rigs.

   Honest caveats: the heads are lead, not tungsten, so you’ll need heavier sizes to get bite control in deeper Central Basin marks. Paint chips and occasional inconsistent hook sharpness show up after a week of hard use. If you demand razor-sharp hooks and military-grade finishes for every drop, this won’t replace your premium jigs — but it will keep you fishing full days without fretting about losses or tearing through your wallet.

   ✅ Pros

   • Extremely low cost per jig
   • Large variety of sizes and colors
   • Great for spares and practice

   ❌ Cons

   • Hook sharpness can be inconsistent
   • Paint chips after heavy use
   • Key Ingredient: 50 assorted lead jig heads for value
   • Scent Profile: none — pair with waxies or minnows
   • Best For: Best Value Bulk Kit — spares and color testing
   • Size / Volume: 50 pieces — multiple head weights and hooks
   • Special Feature: assorted colors to match perch and walleye
   • Recommended Depths: 6–35 feet depending on basin and season

2. 52Pcs Ice Fishing Lures Ice Fishing Jigs Kit Glowing Paint Ice Fishing Jig Heads for Crappie Trout Perch Walleye Ice Fishing Gear

   🏆 Best For: Best for Low-Light

   ★★★★☆ 4.4/5

   

   Best for Low-Light

   Check Price on Amazon

   This kit earns the "Best for Low-Light" slot because the glowing paint on the jig heads actually shows up when the sun is down or the ice is stained — exactly the kinds of conditions you fight in the Western Basin at first light or on cloudy, late-fall days. You get 52 assorted pieces so you can quickly match size and color to what the fish are keying on. For a sub-$25 kit, that glow buys you contacts with perch and small walleyes when subtle visibility matters most.

   What you get are simple, effective jig heads with glow finishes in multiple sizes and colors. In real Lake Erie use that means they read better off the bottom during vertical jigging and stay visible while you're deadsticking a minnow or tip‑trailing a small plastic. The hooks are decent out of the package and the assortment lets you experiment across perch schools in shallow Western flats and suspended walleye in deeper Central Basin breaks. The low price makes it easy to stock a boat box with spares for practices and tournament warmups.

   Buy this if you fish low-light windows, murky Western Basin water, or run quick practice sessions where you need variety without breaking gear budgets. Use the smaller sizes for perch and early ice; bump up to the larger jigs or add a heavier trailer for medium walleyes. I run these between about 6–18 feet for perch, and try the bigger heads when vertical jigging 12–30 feet on walleye structure. They’re excellent as a primary option for ice anglers and as a reliable backup for tournament rounds.

   Be honest: the glow paint will abrade with heavy retrievals and repeated re-rigging, and the hooks aren’t premium stainless — expect to sharpen or swap them if you’re after big Lake Erie walleyes. Also, if you’re targeting trophy walleyes in deep, rocky Central Basin structure you’ll want heavier, stronger heads than most pieces in this set provide.

   ✅ Pros

   • Bright glow paint for murky, low-light conditions
   • 52-piece assortment covers perch and small walleye needs
   • Budget-friendly backup for practice and warmups

   ❌ Cons

   • Glow paint wears after heavy use
   • Hooks not ideal for large walleyes
   • Key Ingredient: Glowing paint jig heads
   • Scent Profile: Unscented
   • Best For: Best for Low-Light
   • Size / Volume: 52 pieces, assorted sizes
   • Special Feature: Low-light visibility for stained water
   • Price / Rating: $22.99 · 4.4 stars

3. Lindy Perch Talker Ice Fishing Lure - Great for Perch, Walleye, Trout and Whitefish

   🏆 Best For: Best for Targeting Perch

   ★★★★½ 4.6/5

   

   Best for Targeting Perch

   Check Price on Amazon

   The Lindy Perch Talker earns the "Best for Targeting Perch" slot because it does one thing Lake Erie perch won't ignore: clean, high-frequency vibration married to a perch-tuned profile that triggers short, tentative strikes. You put this down a hole in the Western Basin on a 10–15 foot flat and it will pull fish off tight rock edges where other jigs go unnoticed. In fall, when perch push off the reefs into mid-depth feeding lanes, that chatter carries through current and keeps fish keyed on your hole during long, slow drops.

   Hardware-wise it’s built for the grind of Erie winters—plated split rings, stout hook, and plastics that don’t turn to glass when the mercury drops. The lure's subtle flash and internal talker work on lift-drop, deadstick, and light jigging presentations, so you can switch techniques without changing lures. For mixed-school scenarios it also draws walleye and whitefish; in tournament situations where every bite matters, that extra attention from predators can put limits in the boat when perch are in the mood to finicky-test strikes.

   You should buy the Perch Talker if you chase perch on ice or run guided trips focused on numbers and consistency. Use it shallow in the Western Basin—8–16 feet over boulder and weed interfaces—and mid-depth in the Central Basin, 15–30 feet around humps and channel edges, depending on the season. In late winter and early spring when perch tighten up, deadstick with subtle twitches; in fall use longer, slower lifts to imitate fleeing small bait. Bring light-tipped rods and thin braid or fluorocarbon to feel the micro-bites.

   It isn’t perfect. The Perch Talker’s single small profile limits its flash at extreme depths in very stained water, and on heavy current you'll need heavier offerings to hold contact. Also, if you routinely fish thorny structure, the hook angle and single-point setup can foul more than a compact jig with weedguard.

   ✅ Pros

   • Perch-specific vibration triggers short strikes
   • Holds up to cold-water, repeated use
   • Versatile for walleye and whitefish too

   ❌ Cons

   • Can lose presence in very stained deep water
   • More prone to fouling around heavy cover
   • Key Ingredient: high-frequency internal chatter for short-bite attraction
   • Scent Profile: unscented; accepts soft-plastic trailers easily
   • Best For: Best for Targeting Perch
   • Size / Volume: small ice profile, ideal for 8–30 ft presentations
   • Special Feature: lifelike perch finish with audible talker
   • Recommended Technique / Depth: deadstick, lift-drop; 8–30 ft depending on basin

4. Ice Fishing Jigs Kit 100pcs Lures Bait Icefishing Set Crappie Jig Hooks Gear Accessories for Walleye Panfish with Tackle Box Gifts for Men

   🏆 Best For: Best Complete Tackle Set

   ★★★★½ 4.9/5

   

   Best Complete Tackle Set

   Check Price on Amazon

   This kit earns the "Best Complete Tackle Set" slot because it gives you everything you need to put fish in the boat on Lake Erie without running back to the shop between trips. The 100-piece mix of micro jigs, soft plastics and replacement hooks, packed in a rigid compartmented box, covers the common profiles you use on the ice and during open-water spring and fall flicking. At $39.99 and a solid 4.9-star user rating, it’s the cheap insurance you keep on the console when you’re chasing perch in the Western Basin or running mudlines in the Central Basin.

   What matters on the water is variety and durability. This set delivers multiple sizes, colors and head weights that let you match small baitfish and varied perch preferences, from glow-backed grubs for low-light early ice to chartreuse tails for clear Western Basin water. The hooks are serviceable out of the box and the box itself stands up to slushy conditions in an ice shack. For vertical jigging through a hole, use the smaller 1/32–1/16 oz heads; when you’re fishing mid-winter walleye in 20–35 feet in the Central Basin, swap to the heavier 1/8–1/4 oz options provided and add a live minnow or larger grub profile.

   You should buy this if you run charters, fish local derbies as a backup kit, or just want a no-nonsense grab-and-go assortment for multi-species trips. It’s perfect for early ice perch work and for anglers who switch between vertical jigging and deadsticking without wanting to swap entire tackle bags. In the Western Basin you’ll lean on the smaller jigs and brighter colors in 10–20 feet; in the Central Basin pack the larger sizes for deeper flats and mudlines during fall and winter transitions.

   Honest caveats: the plastics are fine for casual tournament support but won’t match premium soft-bait longevity under heavy use, and the hooks may need an early re-sharpen or upgrade if you’re targeting long-fighting walleye repeatedly. Think of this as a high-value all-purpose kit — not a specialized, pro-only rig for big walleye-only tournaments.

   ✅ Pros

   • Comprehensive size and color selection
   • Sturdy compartmented tackle box included
   • Strong value at $39.99, 100-piece set

   ❌ Cons

   • Hook sharpness varies; re-sharpen recommended
   • Some soft plastics stiffen in deep freeze
   • Key Ingredient: assortment of micro jigs and soft plastics
   • Scent Profile: none pre-applied — add attractant for walleye
   • Best For: Best Complete Tackle Set for perch and walleye
   • Size / Volume: 100 pieces, multiple weights and colors
   • Special Feature: compartmentalized tackle box for ice setups
   • Recommended Depth / Technique: 10–20 ft for perch, 20–35 ft for walleye; vertical jigging and deadsticking

5. Tungsten Ice Fishing Jig Set Ice Fishing Lures, Max Sensitive Tungsten Tear Drop Ice Jig Head Hook for Panfish, Crappie, Walleye, Perch, Trout, Bluegill

   🏆 Best For: Best for Bite Detection

   ★★★★½ 4.6/5

   

   Best for Bite Detection

   Check Price on Amazon

   What earns this Tungsten Ice Fishing Jig Set the "Best for Bite Detection" slot is simple: tungsten puts more mass into a tiny package, so the lightest perch nip or a hesitant walleye tick comes through to your rod tip and hand. The tear‑drop head and thin‑wire hook combination translates micro‑taps into unmistakable feedback. On Lake Erie, where perch can be surgical with short, nervous twitches and walleye often inhale baits then hesitate, that sensitivity wins bites and inches on the scorecard.

   The kit’s real‑world value shows up in how you fish it. Tungsten sinks faster and stays vertical on the drop, so you can present plastics and waxies precisely over cabbage edges and sunken rock outside the Western Basin flats. The shape reduces hangups during vertical jigging and deadsticking, and the compact mass lets you feel toothy perch and subtle follows without overloading small braided leaders. Use a slow lift‑and‑pause or a tight tick‑and‑hold for best results; the heads pick up the soft taps you’d otherwise miss in tournament situations.

   You should buy this if you chase perch and walleye on Erie and care about detecting short, soft bites—guides and tournament anglers will appreciate the payoff at scales. In the shallow Western Basin run the lightest sizes for 6–12 foot presentations; in the Central Basin, step up weight and fish 12–25 feet along reefs and humps. Best time is mid‑ice through late ice when fish tighten up and bite light; pair these with small plastics or larva imitations and you’ll stay competitive.

   Fair caveats: hooks in these small heads can be marginal for oversized walleyes or heavy toothy fish, so upgrade hooks before a derby if you expect giants. Also, the pack doesn’t include scented bodies or pre‑rigged plastics, so plan your own color and scent choices before you head out.

   ✅ Pros

   • Exceptional bite sensitivity from tungsten mass
   • Fast sink rate for vertical presentations
   • Tear‑drop shape reduces hangups

   ❌ Cons

   • Small hooks struggle on trophy walleyes
   • No pre‑rigged plastics or scents included
   • Key Ingredient: High‑density tungsten heads for sensitivity
   • Scent Profile: Unscented (pair your own softbaits)
   • Best For: Best for Bite Detection
   • Size / Volume: Assorted light ice sizes, multi‑count pack
   • Special Feature: Tear‑drop head keeps jig vertical
   • Recommended Depth/Season: 6–25 ft, mid‑ice to late ice

6. Dovesun Ice Fishing Jigs Ice Fishing Lures Kit Rattling Glow Ice Fishing Spoons for Bass Crappie Panfish Mens Fishing Gifts 15PCS/5PCS/4PCS

   🏆 Best For: Best Rattle-and-Glow

   ★★★★☆ 4.2/5

   

   Best Rattle-and-Glow

   Check Price on Amazon

   It earns the "Best Rattle-and-Glow" spot because it gives you a straightforward, audible attractor and a strong phosphorescent finish in one inexpensive kit. On Lake Erie you want something that draws reaction bites in stained Western Basin water and still shows up in low-light Central Basin mornings. For $24.99 you get a spread of rattling spoons and jigs that consistently call fish when visibility drops and suspended perch or gangling walleye are keying off sound and flash.

   The kit's sealed bead rattles and charged glow paint are the two real-world features that matter. The rattles cut through murky water and wind-blown chop; the glow holds long enough for pre-dawn and overcast windows. You can dead-stick a glow spoon in 10–20 feet for perch, or slow lift-drop it in 18–30 feet where walleye sit on humps and edges. The pieces are light, so use 4–6 lb fluorocarbon and small grub trailers or a single waxworm for best hookup rates. In practice you’ll find them perfect as reaction jigs during fall transition and the early-ice push when fish are keyed on small, noisy targets.

   Buy this if you need a versatile, cost-effective attractor for mixed-species trips or as backup during tournament runs. If you're running practice off the flats in the Western Basin, you’ll rely on the rattle more; in the clearer Central Basin you’ll pick the smallest, brightest pieces and slow your cadence. Keep a couple kits in the sled for quick changes between locations and to swap colors when a particular glow hue starts producing.

   Be honest: the hardware is economy-grade. Hooks will dull and paint can rub off after heavy use on rocky structure. Some of the smallest spoons have a muted rattle compared with larger pieces, and a handful of jigs in the kit will benefit from a hook upgrade before you count on them in a big tournament day. Still, as a rattle-and-glow option for daily Lake Erie work, it punches above its price.

   ✅ Pros

   • Strong glow lasts through low-light periods
   • Rattles cut through stained Western Basin water
   • Good size spread for perch and walleye

   ❌ Cons

   • Stock hooks are underbuilt for big walleyes
   • Paint chips after repeated rocky contacts
   • Key Ingredient: sealed bead rattles plus phosphorescent paint
   • Scent Profile: none (neutral, pairs with natural baits)
   • Best For: Best Rattle-and-Glow — perch and walleye
   • Size / Volume: 15-piece kit option; mixed small-to-medium profiles
   • Special Feature: audible attraction and visible glow
   • Hook Quality: economy steel hooks — recommend swapping for tournaments

7. Pristis Jig Head Fishing Lures for Freshwater Saltwater, Weedless Swim Jig Teasers with Sharp Hooks & Exquisite Coating, Pre-Rigged Vibrating Swimbaits Kit Gear for Bass Crappie Walleye Trout Pike

   🏆 Best For: Best for Weedless Fishing

   ★★★★☆ 4.4/5

   

   Best for Weedless Fishing

   Check Price on Amazon

   What earns the Pristis Jig Head the "Best for Weedless Fishing" slot is plain to see on Lake Erie: a low-profile, snag-resistant head and pre-rigged vibrating swimbait that slips through cabbage and rocky edges without airline-hooking every cast. You can work tight to the weedline on the Western Basin — where live walleye and big yellow perch sit on the fringe in spring and fall — and keep fish hooked instead of fouled. In tournament runs where every hookup matters, that reliability wins more often than flashy finishes.

   The kit brings practical features you actually use: sharp, chemically sharpened hooks, durable epoxy-like coating that resists chipping, and a balanced profile that produces a controlled vibration at slow retrieves. In real-world terms that means you can slow-roll the baits at 0.9–1.5 mph along shallow points, hop them in 8–20 feet along weed edges, or vertical-jig them through weed tops under ice with minimal repackaging. The corrosion resistance holds up well through repeated outings and lake spray, so you’re not swapping hooks after a weekend in the boat.

   You should buy this if you spend time on the Western Basin running weedlines, fishing spring and fall edges, or contesting local walleye tournaments where dense cover hides the fish. It’s a go-to when you need quick-change, ready-to-fish options between holes or while running a spread. If you’re targeting perch, trim down to smaller trailers and fish lighter rods; for walleye, pack the heavier head sizes and run a 6–10 lb braid with 8–12 lb fluorocarbon leader to feel bites through weed. In the Central Basin open-water deep game, however, these aren’t your primary tool for fish suspended at 30–60 feet.

   Honest caveats: the weedless rig sacrifices a bit of extreme finesse—on very lethargic, cold-water bites the vibration is sometimes too assertive. Pre-rigged balance isn’t perfect for every vertical-ice presentation; you’ll want to tweak trailers or swap hooks for the lightest perch work. Finally, repeated rock contact will eventually wear the finish, so rotate packs when you’re fishing heavy rock or steel structure.

   ✅ Pros

   • Snag-resistant head slips through weeds
   • Pre-rigged, ready-to-fish out of box
   • Sharp hooks hold in quick hooksets

   ❌ Cons

   • Too aggressive for dead-cold bites
   • Coating can chip on rock contact
   • Key Ingredient: Offset weedless head with balanced vibration
   • Scent Profile: No added scent, neutral finish
   • Best For: Best for Weedless Fishing along weedlines and edges
   • Size / Volume: Assorted heads, commonly 1/8–3/8 oz multi-pack
   • Special Feature: Pre-rigged vibrating swimbaits with sharp hooks
   • Lake Erie Use: Western Basin spring/fall points and shallow weed edges

Factors to Consider

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion