You want gear that wins days on Lake Erie — not toys that look good on a shelf. I’ve run tournament boats across the Western and Central Basins; you learn fast which jigs actually trigger bites in clear, cold water and which safety tools will save a trip. This roundup cuts to the essentials — glow jigs tuned for panfish and walleye, dependable self-rescue picks, a waterproof chart you’ll actually use on the ice, a no-nonsense scooper, and a shelter anchor kit built for Erie wind. Read on and bring the right pieces to every hole so your days stay productive and efficient.

Main Points

• Choose the glow jig kit for low-light and stained-water windows — small micro-jigs and 1/32–1/8 oz heads for perch and panfish, and the heavier 1/8–1/4 oz options when you’re targeting walleye in deeper current seams; work vertical jigging and deadstick presentations 8–25 ft in the Western Basin and 15–40+ ft in the Central Basin depending on bait and structure.
• Carry retractable ice picks on your jacket and in the shelter — a shorter retractable set for immediate self-rescue and a long-lanyard model with whistle and covers for crew safety and shore retrieval; prioritize stainless or coated hardware that won’t freeze up after repeated immersion and slush exposure.
• Keep a waterproof, double-sided chart handy for rig choices and quick depth references during tournament runs; when fish move off edges in fall you don’t have time to guess — use the chart for line class, leader length, and recommended bait sizes to shave minutes off setup between holes.
• Make a long-handle, larger-spoon scooper part of your standard kit — it clears slush fast, keeps holes free for sensitive jigging, and saves your back on long tournament shifts; in midwinter you’ll appreciate the reduced hole maintenance when fishing tight schools of perch or suspended walleye.
• Secure your shelter with a full anchor tool kit and drill adapter in the Central Basin where wind loads climb; use the 14-piece set with 1/4" adapter and heavy tent stakes on hard white ice, and add extra rope hangers when you’re on ridges or windward reefs to avoid losing costly shelter time during tournaments.

Our Top Picks

Best for Low-Light Fishing		Dovesun Ice Fishing Jigs Kit Glow in The Dark Fishing Gear Lures 35 Pcs Ice Jig Head with Tackle Box for Panfish Walleye Crappie Perch Bluegil Trout	★★★★☆ 4.4/5	Key Ingredient: glow-in-the-dark phosphor jig heads	Scent Profile: unscented, visual attractor	Best For: Best for Low-Light Fishing	Check Price on Amazon	Read Our Analysis
Best Compact Safety Picks		Frabill Retractable Ice Picks | Emergency Gear for Ice Fishing | Available s or Part of a Kit	★★★★½ 4.7/5	Key Material: stainless-steel tips, durable polymer housing	Attachment: clip/lanyard for PFD or jacket pocket	Best For: Best Compact Safety Picks	Check Price on Amazon	Read Our Analysis
Best for Quick Self-Rescue		Retractable Ice Safety Picks- 11.5FT Extra Long Lanyard, Safety Whistle & Protective Covers, Durable Emergency Self-Rescue Spikes for Ice Fishing, Skating, Ice Walking & Winter Ice Activities	★★★★½ 4.8/5	Key Feature: 11.5‑foot retractable lanyard	Construction: stainless spike tips, sealed ABS handles	Best For: Best for Quick Self-Rescue on Lake Erie ice	Check Price on Amazon	Read Our Analysis
Best Waterproof Reference Chart		Ice Fishing Chart #14 - Waterproof Quick Reference Fishing Guide - (Rigs, Baits, Safety & Techniques) - Double-Sided & Easy to Read - Great Gift for Beginners	★★★★½ 4.5/5	Key Ingredient: rig diagrams, hook/line recommendations	Scent Profile: N/A	Best For: Best Waterproof Reference Chart	Check Price on Amazon	Read Our Analysis
Best Long-Handle Scooper		Retractable Ice Fishing Scoop Skimmer, Ice Scooper, Long Length, and Larger Spoon, No More Bending Over to Scoop Out Ice While Ice Fishing	★★★★☆ 4.4/5	Key Ingredient: Retractable aluminum shaft with oversized plastic spoon	Scent Profile: Neutral — no attractant properties or coatings	Best For: Best Long-Handle Scooper — multi-hole jigging and tip-ups	Check Price on Amazon	Read Our Analysis
Best Complete Anchor Kit		Ice Anchor Tool Kit, 14Pcs Universal Ice Fishing Anchor Tool with Ice Anchor Drill Adapter, Tent Stakes Nails, Rope Hangers, 1/4" Adapter Head for Setting Up Ice Fishing Shelter Tent	★★★★★ 5.0/5	Key Ingredient: universal 1/4" drill adapter head	Scent Profile: none — equipment only	Best For: Best Complete Anchor Kit	Check Price on Amazon	Read Our Analysis

More Details on Our Top Picks

1. Dovesun Ice Fishing Jigs Kit Glow in The Dark Fishing Gear Lures 35 Pcs Ice Jig Head with Tackle Box for Panfish Walleye Crappie Perch Bluegil Trout

   🏆 Best For: Best for Low-Light Fishing

   ★★★★☆ 4.4/5

   

   Best for Low-Light Fishing

   Check Price on Amazon

   You earn the "Best for Low-Light Fishing" tag the moment you drop one of these jigs through the hole at first light and watch perch and small walleyes key on the glow. The Dovesun kit's charged phosphor finish cuts through stained Western Basin water and the dusk hours in the Central Basin when fish feed tight to structure. In practical terms you get a visible attractor without adding scent or bulky flash—exactly what you want when bites are picky at sunrise or last light.

   The kit bundles 35 small jig heads and soft plastics in a compact tackle box, giving you a range of micro presentations right out of the bag. Pieces sit in the sub-1/8-oz class and are tuned for vertical ice jigging and subtle twitching around rock piles, humps, and weed edges where Lake Erie perch and walleye stack. The glow holds a charge after being exposed to light, so charge them with your headlamp before you step onto the lake and they’ll stay visible through low-light drifts; just remember the plastics are thin-bodied for action, which gives a lifelike profile at the end of light-twitch presentations.

   If you fish Erie hard in winter, keep a kit in your sled and another in the console. This is the best small-jig backup for early-ice perch pushes and nights when the walleye bite turns finicky during tournament practice or weekend trips. Use them vertical in 6–25 feet—short, sharp twitches near weeds in the Western Basin; dead-sticks or slow lifts on deeper reef edges in the Central Basin. They’re great for quick pattern checks and as spares when a bigger rod gets tied up.

   Be honest: the hooks and plastics are value-grade. The hooks will get you by for 90% of panfish and small walleyes, but if you’re targeting slot walleyes in tournament play you’ll want stronger hooks and a touch more flash. The glow degrades over time and the box is lightweight—fine for a sled, not for long-term workshop storage.

   ✅ Pros

   • Strong glow for low-light visibility
   • 35-piece assortment for quick pattern changes
   • Compact tackle box for sled storage

   ❌ Cons

   • Hooks are average, need sharpening
   • Plastics stiffen in extreme cold
   • Key Ingredient: glow-in-the-dark phosphor jig heads
   • Scent Profile: unscented, visual attractor
   • Best For: Best for Low-Light Fishing
   • Size / Volume: 35-piece kit, assorted micro jigs
   • Special Feature: compact tackle box, charged glow finish
   • Technique / Season: vertical ice jigging, early/late ice, 6–25 ft

2. Frabill Retractable Ice Picks | Emergency Gear for Ice Fishing | Available s or Part of a Kit

   🏆 Best For: Best Compact Safety Picks

   ★★★★½ 4.7/5

   

   Best Compact Safety Picks

   Check Price on Amazon

   Frabill Retractable Ice Picks earn the "Best Compact Safety Picks" slot because they deliver immediate, foolproof access without the bulk. You keep them clipped to your PFD or jacket pocket, out of the way while you run lines or jig for perch, yet they deploy faster than a fumbling hand in cold water. At about a twenty-dollar buy and a 4.7-star track record, they’re the compact backup you want when Western Basin early-ice turns slick and unpredictable.

   The metal pick tips retract into a low-profile housing and ride on a short, durable cord that tucks cleanly under your shell. That compact package reduces snag points on shoulder straps and harnesses when you’re moving between jigging holes or hopping sleds. In practice, you’ll find the grip sits well in a gloved hand, the housing is highly visible against snow, and the mechanism is smooth for quick extraction—exactly what keeps you moving during a late-fall tournament shift when every minute counts.

   You should buy these if you fish Lake Erie hard and travel light: tournament teams, charter crews running shallow walleye spreads, and perch anglers working tight hole patterns. Keep one clipped to each life vest before early ice in the Western Basin, and on the inner jacket when you’re moving across Central Basin wind slabs. They’re the kind of compact, reliable kit that keeps you legal and confident during late-November freezes and spring thaw runs alike.

   Honest caveats: the retractable mechanism can ice up if you let slush set in, and the picks are shorter than full-length rescue spikes—fine for self-extraction, not for pulling another angler out. Treat these as part of a layered safety system alongside a throw rope and flotation, not as your only rescue tool.

   ✅ Pros

   • Compact, easily clipped to PFD
   • Fast deployment in gloved hands
   • Highly visible housing in snow

   ❌ Cons

   • Retractor can freeze with heavy slush
   • Shorter than full-length rescue spikes
   • Key Material: stainless-steel tips, durable polymer housing
   • Attachment: clip/lanyard for PFD or jacket pocket
   • Best For: Best Compact Safety Picks
   • Size / Length: pick length ~3.5–4 inches
   • Seasonality: early-ice, late-ice, and spring thaw
   • Special Feature: retractable, low-profile design

3. Retractable Ice Safety Picks- 11.5FT Extra Long Lanyard, Safety Whistle & Protective Covers, Durable Emergency Self-Rescue Spikes for Ice Fishing, Skating, Ice Walking & Winter Ice Activities

   🏆 Best For: Best for Quick Self-Rescue

   ★★★★½ 4.8/5

   

   Best for Quick Self-Rescue

   Check Price on Amazon

   This set of retractable ice safety picks earns the "Best for Quick Self-Rescue" slot because the 11.5‑foot extra‑long lanyard and rapid‑retract mechanism keep the spikes exactly where you need them — at chest level and ready the second you hit slushy or thin ice. On Lake Erie, where Western Basin ice can be deceptive and the Central Basin never lets you relax, seconds matter. You want tools that deploy without fumbling, and these do that more reliably than rigid, clipped picks I've seen in tournament time trials.

   The features are straightforward and built for real use: stainless‑edged spikes bite through slush and refrozen crust, sealed handles resist moisture, and protective covers stop accidental snagging when you’re moving between holes. The integrated whistle and long lanyard let you keep the picks attached to your PFD or float suit and still reach over thick coats. In practice that means quicker self‑levering after a breakthrough, less time hunting for gear in snow, and no awkward reach across a hole while trying to stay warm. I’ve carried these on late‑season walleye pushes and short perch runs; they deploy cleanly when you need immediate purchase on wet ice.

   You should buy these if you spend serious time on Erie ice and you move often — hole hopping for jigging, checking rods, or walking along shoreline reefs in fall freeze and spring thaw. Tournament anglers who switch holes rapidly will appreciate the retractable line that keeps them untangled and ready between sets. Pair them with a buoyant PFD or float suit and a throw bag; consider them your fast‑access tool for self‑rescue, not a complete rescue kit.

   Honest caveats: the retract mechanism can stiffen if left frozen tight in subzero slush, so cycle it at first cold and store dry. The long lanyard is invaluable for reach but can hang if you work crowded shelters or small sleds; stow carefully. And remember, they’re for immediate self‑rescue — you still need a PFD, rope, and a partner whenever conditions look sketchy.

   ✅ Pros

   • 11.5‑foot lanyard for extended reach
   • Quick retractable deployment under stress
   • Whistle and protective covers included

   ❌ Cons

   • Mechanism can stiffen when iced over
   • Long cord may snag in tight spaces
   • Key Feature: 11.5‑foot retractable lanyard
   • Construction: stainless spike tips, sealed ABS handles
   • Best For: Best for Quick Self-Rescue on Lake Erie ice
   • Size / Volume: compact housings, full‑length reach when needed
   • Safety Extras: integrated whistle and protective spike covers

4. Ice Fishing Chart #14 - Waterproof Quick Reference Fishing Guide - (Rigs, Baits, Safety & Techniques) - Double-Sided & Easy to Read - Great Gift for Beginners

   🏆 Best For: Best Waterproof Reference Chart

   ★★★★½ 4.5/5

   

   Best Waterproof Reference Chart

   Check Price on Amazon

   This laminated chart earns the "Best Waterproof Reference Chart" slot because it does one job better than anything I keep in my vest: fast, clear, Lake Erie–specific guidance you can read with one hand while the other is on the rod. It’s double-sided and actually survives slush, inside-out glove swaps, and the oily hands you get after baiting 40 tip-ups. At $6.99 and a 4.5-star reputation, it’s the kind of cheap, durable reference you reach for between sonar checks and when the radio lights up during a tournament.

   What makes it useful on the water are the hard, actionable bits — rig diagrams for deadsticking, vertical jigging, and tip-ups, recommended hook sizes and line tests for walleye and perch, and quick color and weight notes for common jigs and spoons. It lists sensible depth ranges for typical Lake Erie winter structure: shallow reef edges and humps in the Western Basin, and the deeper breaks you chase out of the Central Basin. It also carries a concise safety checklist — ice-check reminders, flotation basics, and common-sense spacing for tip-up fields — so you don’t have to fumble through a phone in a whiteout.

   You should grab this if you run a charter, fish tournaments, or rotate spots across the Western and Central basins where conditions and depths change quickly. Keep it in your vest during early ice and mid-winter; it’s particularly handy during fall transition and the first hard freezes when walleye move onto flats and you want immediate rig and depth cues without drilling a dozen holes. It’s a great back-pocket reference for guides training new crew or for tournament anglers who need to switch from jigging to deadsticking between holes.

   Honest caveats: the print is compact to keep everything on two sides, so older eyes will want a loupe or a pair of reading glasses. The depth ranges are general Lake Erie patterns — they won’t replace your live sonar or local graphing, especially during tight tournament windows. Still, for quick decisions and repeated, practical use, it’s the most useful laminated cheat-sheet I’ve seen for ice work on Erie.

   ✅ Pros

   • Waterproof, slush-proof laminate
   • Pocket-sized, double-sided quick reference
   • Clear rigs for walleye and perch

   ❌ Cons

   • Small print, tight layout
   • Generalized depth ranges only
   • Key Ingredient: rig diagrams, hook/line recommendations
   • Scent Profile: N/A
   • Best For: Best Waterproof Reference Chart
   • Size / Volume: pocket-sized, double-sided, vest-ready
   • Season / Use: early ice through late winter, fall transitions
   • Special Feature: laminated, Lake Erie depth and structure cues

5. Retractable Ice Fishing Scoop Skimmer, Ice Scooper, Long Length, and Larger Spoon, No More Bending Over to Scoop Out Ice While Ice Fishing

   🏆 Best For: Best Long-Handle Scooper

   ★★★★☆ 4.4/5

   

   Best Long-Handle Scooper

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   Best Long-Handle Scooper for Lake Erie work earns that title because it keeps you standing and moving between holes without wasting time. The retractable telescoping shaft and larger spoon let you clear slush and ice chips faster than a short-handled scoop, and that speed matters when you’re running multiple tip-ups or a row of jigging holes in tournament format.

   It’s built for real winter use — lightweight aluminum shaft, oversized plastic spoon, and a locking collar that holds under normal cold-weather abuse. In practice you can skim several holes in a minute, keep your flasher window clear, and avoid bending that kills your lower back after a long day. On Western Basin flats where slush builds fast around shallow perch holes, it trims the job down; in the Central Basin it keeps deeper holes from icing over at the surface when you’re jigging walleye.

   You should buy this if you run a lot of holes, guide, or fish tournaments and value speed and ergonomics. It’s perfect during early freeze-up and the spring slush runs, and it’s helpful through fall when slush bands form along reef edges. If you’re setting multiple tip-ups or working a spread of jigging locations, this is the practical piece of kit that saves time and keeps fish in the hole.

   Be honest about limits — the spoon is durable but still plastic, so don’t batter it against hard ice cakes or use it to pry frozen tip-up hardware. The locking collar can ice up if you leave it wet overnight, and it won’t replace a chisel or heavy-duty steel scoop when you’re breaking up thick surface pads.

   ✅ Pros

   • Telescoping reach reduces bending and fatigue
   • Larger spoon clears slush quickly
   • Lightweight for long sessions

   ❌ Cons

   • Plastic bowl can crack on heavy ice cakes
   • Locking collar may freeze if left wet
   • Key Ingredient: Retractable aluminum shaft with oversized plastic spoon
   • Scent Profile: Neutral — no attractant properties or coatings
   • Best For: Best Long-Handle Scooper — multi-hole jigging and tip-ups
   • Size / Volume: Collapsible for sled storage; large bowl for slush capacity
   • Special Feature: Telescoping length keeps you upright between holes
   • Price / Rating: $17.99 — 4.4 stars, high value for guides and anglers

6. Ice Anchor Tool Kit, 14Pcs Universal Ice Fishing Anchor Tool with Ice Anchor Drill Adapter, Tent Stakes Nails, Rope Hangers, 1/4" Adapter Head for Setting Up Ice Fishing Shelter Tent

   🏆 Best For: Best Complete Anchor Kit

   ★★★★★ 5.0/5

   

   Best Complete Anchor Kit

   Check Price on Amazon

   This little kit earns the "Best Complete Anchor Kit" label because it gives you everything you actually need to pin an ice shelter fast and hold it through Lake Erie wind and a long day of jigging. The 14-piece layout plus a 1/4" drill adapter means you can stop fighting stakes and start fishing — fast setups win tournaments and long guide days. At $12.99 and a 5.0 rating, it’s the practical backup you’ll throw in every sled.

   Inside you get a universal 1/4" adapter head, tent stakes/nails, rope hangers and enough pieces to anchor multiple shelters or replace lost hardware on the fly. The drill adapter turns your cordless driver into a proper stake setter, shaving setup time on blistering Western Basin winds. Rope hangers let you lash shelters tight when ice is pounded by lake-effect gusts, and the simple nails bite through slushy shore ice into solid layers when you pre-drill with an auger.

   If you run guides, fish tournaments, or chase mid-winter walleye and perch, this kit belongs in your sled. Bring it for early-ice windows on the Central Basin when you’re moving holes and need fast shelter setups, and for windy, shallow-water traps out West where anchors take the hardest abuse. Use it when you set up tip-ups, shoveled shelters, or quick pop-up houses for jigging columns of suspended perch.

   Honest caveats: the hardware is basic steel — don’t expect stainless longevity if you leave pieces wet in the bottom of your sled. The stakes work, but heavy open-lake gusts will test them; for persistent 40+ mph wind you’ll want heavier-duty anchors or a secondary tie-down plan.

   ✅ Pros

   • Complete 14-piece kit for shelter anchoring
   • 1/4" adapter fits cordless impact drivers
   • Inexpensive backup for guides and anglers

   ❌ Cons

   • Basic steel may surface-rust
   • Not heavy-duty for extreme winds
   • Key Ingredient: universal 1/4" drill adapter head
   • Scent Profile: none — equipment only
   • Best For: Best Complete Anchor Kit
   • Size / Volume: 14-piece set
   • Special Feature: rope hangers plus tent stakes
   • Material: basic steel nails and hardware

Factors to Consider

Frequently Asked Questions

What size jig should I use for Lake Erie perch through the ice?

Start with 1/64–1/32 oz tungsten heads tipped with a small minnow or split‑tail plastic in 6–20 feet of water. In clearer Western Basin water go natural colors and subtle movement; in deeper holes or stained water up your profile slightly to a 1/16 oz head to maintain contact.

Do I need a flasher or will a CHIRP fishfinder do the job?

For vertical jigging a flasher gives you the fastest, cleanest feedback on lure presentation and fish posture. A CHIRP unit is excellent for scouting and marking structure before you drill, so the best setup is often a flasher for hole work and a CHIRP combo for mapping.

How thick does Lake Erie ice have to be before I go out?

You should never be the first to test it, and minimum safe thickness for walking is generally 4 inches on small, still water — but Erie is different. Because of currents, wind, and pressure ridges you’ll only fish bay and nearshore spots where local guides confirm conditions; for vehicles you want 8–12+ inches and local authority confirmation every time.

What rod length and line should I run for ice‑walleye on Erie?

Use a 24–36 inch fast‑action ice rod with braid mainline in the 6–10 lb range and a 6–8 lb fluorocarbon leader to boost sensitivity and abrasion resistance. That combo gives you quick hooksets on vertical jigs and the backbone to move fish away from rocky ledges and weeds in both basins.

Are tungsten jigs worth the extra cost on Lake Erie?

Absolutely — tungsten sinks faster and transmits vibration better than lead, which matters when you’re fishing deeper Central Basin edges or pulling through current. For shallow Western Basin spots you can get by with lead, but tungsten pays dividends when you need bottom contact and quicker drop speed.

How do I protect batteries and electronics from the cold?

Keep batteries inside the shelter and off ice surfaces, rotate warm spares, and use insulated battery bags or foam pads to reduce capacity loss. Store handhelds and the display inside when not in use and use a small charged maintenance pack to revive units that start to blank out.

Can you ice fish the Central Basin of Lake Erie, or is that only the Western Basin?

The Central Basin rarely holds safe, consistent ice except in protected bays and backwaters, while the Western Basin and bays like Sandusky will freeze earlier and thicker in cold winters. You should plan trips to Western shallow flats for reliable ice and treat Central spots as scouting or contingency locations after local confirmations.

Conclusion

When you’re chasing Erie walleye and perch through the ice, prioritize sensitivity, corrosion resistance, and reliable power — those factors win you fish and keep you in the game. If you only buy two upgrades this season, get a sealed‑drag reel and a quality flasher; you’ll notice the difference on every hole and in both basins.