12 Nebraskaland • January-February 2024
IN THE FIELD
I teach ice-fishing clinics each year, and we spend
at least some time talking about staying warm.
You will never enjoy ice-fishing if you are cold, and
of course, layering is the key. There is excellent
clothing available these days made just for ice-
fishing. But don't forget — the same goes for a pair
of good boots, because, well, while ice-fishing, you
are always standing on the ice.
What makes a good pair of ice-fishing boots?
They must be waterproof, and they must be rated
for temperatures well below zero. In my opinion,
pac boots of some kind, made with waterproof
outers with felt pack liners, are the best.
True, a pair of good ice-fishing boots isn't cheap,
and while I generally believe that spending a lot
of money isn't required to get you started on ice-
fishing, a good pair of ice-fishing boots will last a
long time, and warm toes on the ice are worth every
penny. Sorel boots have been my ice-fishing boots
for many years — they are hard to beat.
Before you make the purchase, try on the boots
and make sure they are large enough, because
cramped toes are cold toes. Additionally, your boots
should be large enough to fit a pair or two of
heavy, quality socks. I usually wear a base pair
made of some type of synthetic blend, something
advertised as "moisture-wicking" to reduce sweaty
feet. Then, I layer with a thicker pair of wool or
wool-blend socks.
I was fooled with electric socks. I never liked
them — none of them ever worked as advertised.
Now, I expect electric socks and boot liners are a
whole lot better, but I've chosen to invest in quality
boots that don't require me to wear electric socks or
even foot warmers.
One last thing that has proven to be worth its
weight in gold — a boot dryer! If you're going to be
on the ice for consecutive d ays, you need to begin
each day with dry boots. The first boot dryer I tried
was given to me as a Christmas gift, and honestly,
I thought it was nothing but a gimmick — then
I found out it was no gimmick at all. I currently
have Cabela's Original PEET Boot Dryer, and I use
it religiously.
ICE-FISHING BOOTS
By Daryl Bauer
Fisheries Biologist and Outreach Program Manager
Ice-fi shing boots should be waterproof and rated for temperatures well below zero. JENNY NGUYEN-WHEATLEY, NEBRASKALAND
