The bountiful first ice period will be arriving soon. Indeed, the first weeks of walkable ice encompass some of the best action of the entire hardwater season. It is during this period that many panfish and gamefish linger in relatively shallow water, where remnant green weeds provide cover and ample forage. Oxygen levels beneath the ice remain high and pressure on those shallow fish is light, as many anglers remain focused on winged or four-legged quarry in the fields and woods. This is truly one of the best opportunities of the year to pull oversized fish through eight-inch holes in the ice. Here is a selection of gear prep tips that will help get you ready for another great hardwater season.

It's all about power

Modern ice fishing is propelled by power: electrical power. Our GPS/fishfinder combos, like the Humminbird ICE HELIX 7 G3N, require a steady diet of electrons from their batteries. Most of us have LED lights in our shelters to extend our time on the ice into the nighttime hours, and these, of course, are powered by batteries. And let's not forget about keeping our phones charged up for long days on hardwater. Compact 12V lead acid batteries were once the norm, but these are quickly being replaced by comparably sized lithium ion batteries that deliver all the power ice anglers demand in a lighter, longer-lasting package. Consider adding a 12V, 10 amp-hour lithium ion battery to power your Humminbird, and grab a second for your accessories.

Spool up with the good stuff

Plan to replace the line on your ice fishing reels at the beginning of every season. If you use monofilament or fluorocarbon lines, the small spool diameters of most ice reels will impart a wicked amount of memory on those lines during the warm months, causing the line to spill off the reels in unproductive, bite-repelling coils. I spool most of my ice reels with 20 lb test braided line, especially if I'll be fishing within a heated shelter. When using a braided main line, be sure to include a two to three-foot section of a 100% fluorocarbon leader to maintain a stealthy presentation at the lure or bait.

Tip-ups need lovin' too

Admittedly, most tip-ups fall at the low end of the technology spectrum, and I know many anglers that have been running exactly the same $15 flags for well over a decade. Yes, tip-ups can last a long time, but to keep them performing in "like-new" condition, you'll need to give them a little lovin' before the season starts. First, just like your reels, spool up with fresh line. Get rid of that old water-absorbing black dacron, and pivot to a high-quality contemporary line, like Sufix Performance Metered Tip-Up Ice Braid. This particular line is durable and fast-sinking, and changes color every five feet to make hitting your target depth easier. Second, make a habit of cleaning and replacing the lube on your tip-ups every year, as emulsified lubricant quickly loses its positive attributes and locks up tight in cold weather. Once your tip-ups are respooled and regreased, you're ready for another season of chasing flags and having a blast on the ice!

Gear Used

• Humminbird ICE HELIX 7 G3N
• Braided line
• Fluorocarbon Leaders
• Sufix Performance Metered Tip-Up Ice Braid