7 Best Gloves for Ice Fishing (Ranked by Pros & Cons)

While each pair of gloves above is great, you want the best ice fishing gloves for your needs. That means knowing how much they are, what features they have, and any downsides. Below I will break down each pair of gloves so that you can make an informed decision and get to ice fishing.

Why do I need special gloves for ice fishing?

Of course, you could just skip this list and bring that old pair of gloves you’ve had forever when you go ice fishing. Or you could try to tough it out bare-handed. While the old gloves will be better than nothing, you will be miserable.

The fact of the matter is that ice fishing is no longer all about putting food on the table. Today, it is a fun hobby and if you’re miserable because of cold hands you won’t enjoy it. 

Additionally, your hands will be stiff and slow if they are freezing cold. You won’t be as dexterous as normal. Not to mention the chance for frostbite. Keeping your hands warm will ensure that you don’t fumble with the light tackle when trying to reel in the catch of the day.

Any quality gloves will likely be enough to keep your hands warm, but the best ice fishing gloves are designed with the hobby in mind.

It is also important to note that you will want gloves instead of mitts. Mitts or mittens are great at keeping your hands warm since they keep all the fingers together. 

However, with ice fishing, you will need your fingers free to move around. You don’t want to have to take your mitts off each time you want to do something. That being said some of the gloves mentioned below can convert into mittens.

The 7 best gloves for ice fishing

These 7 gloves have been selected because they answer a range of ice fishing needs. Most are more universally useful while a few are more specialized. 

1. Palmyth Convertible Ice Fishing Gloves 

This first pair from Palmyth is a bit more expensive than the rest, but that is reflected in its quality. These gloves allow you to switch between gloves when you need your fingers and mitts when you want warmth with their convertible mitten cover.

Since the fingers are exposed you won’t slip like you would with bulky gloves. Additionally, there is an anti-slip pad on each palm to assist you. 

Your hands will be kept warm with 40 grams of 3M Thinsulate and fleece. Unfortunately, they aren’t fully waterproof but are water-resistant, and it’s conveniently available on Amazon. You can see their current prices by clicking here.

Pros

• Convertible
• Anti-slip pads
• Warm without being bulky
• Allows full finger dexterity
• Water-resistant

Cons

• Not waterproof
• More expensive

2. KastKing PolarBlast Convertible Ice Fishing Gloves 

With these KastKing gloves, you’ll be as happy as can be. These gloves are made with four different layers of protective material to keep you warm. The outer layer is designed to keep out both wind and water. 

Since they are convertible you can switch between fingerless gloves and mittens depending on your needs. They also have a thumb flap so that you can use your thumb. The wrists are tightened by a drawstring that can be used with one hand.

To ensure longevity the palms are reinforced for extra durability. Additionally, they have anti-slip pads for grip.

Pros

• Convertible
• Durable
• Windproof
• Waterproof
• Anti-slip pads

Cons

• Bulkier than others

3. Glacier Glove Waterproof Slit Finger Pro Angler Gloves

Glacier Glove has designed some very useful ice fishing gloves. They are made of neoprene and would be completely waterproof if they didn’t have the finger flaps. Each glove has flaps on the index finger and thumb.

Since these flaps are there you cannot submerge the gloves without water seeping in, but they are great for grabbing a wet fish. Though they come with that drawback, the finger flaps allow you extra dexterity when tying knots.

These gloves also have an adjustable wrist so that you don’t get cold air coming in from the opening. The inside of the glove is fleece lined so they will be warm, but since the gloves aren’t as thick they won’t be as warm.

Pros

• Mostly waterproof
• Finger flaps
• Flexible
• Grippy

Cons

• Not completely waterproof
• Not as warm

4. Big Worm Fishing Men’s Neoprene Gloves

This pair of gloves from Big Worm Fishing is more specialized. They are designed to be waterproof first and warm second. 

The neoprene they are made of lets no water in except for at the opening of course. It also provides a nice gripping texture on the fingers and palm that will keep fish in your hand. 

Unfortunately, they are not as thick as some others on this list. This results in them being slightly less warm. They do fit well so your hands will be nice and snug.

Pros

• Waterproof
• Grippy
• Flexible
• One size fits most

Cons

• Not as warm as others

5. KastKing Mountain Mist Fishing Gloves

Here is another great pair of gloves from KastKing. This pair is not convertible like the previous KastKing pair. However, it does have flaps for the first two fingers and thumbs on each glove. You won’t have access to all of your fingers, but should be able to do more than without the flaps.

This pair comes with a few utility options such as anti-slip palms and touch phone friendly fingertips. Not to mention the adjustable velcro around the wrists to keep your hands snug.

As for waterproofing, these aren’t as good as some other options. They are water-resistant to a point. You should be fine in light rain or similar conditions, however.

Pros

• Water-resistant
• Anti-slip palms
• Smartphone friendly fingers
• Finger flaps

Cons

• Not waterproof

6. Fishfun Neoprene Winter Fishing Gloves

This next pair of gloves serves as an excellent all-around glove. It is made with neoprene for water resistance and fleece for warmth. There is an adjustable wrist with velcro tightening to keep your glove snuggly secured.

The first two fingers and thumb on each glove have a finger flap so you can use your fingers without taking the gloves off. Additionally, the palms have anti-slip pads.

These gloves are useful for a variety of activities including ice fishing. If you’re looking for an all-around useful glove, this is it. Best of all, this is one of the cheaper gloves on this list so it’s great for a budget.

Pros

• Water-resistant
• Finger flaps
• Anti-slip pads
• Grippy

Cons

• Velcro on the wrist can snag

7. Stormr Strykr Neoprene Gloves

Stormr brings ice fishers a great glove in their Strykr series. This pair of gloves is rip-resistant, waterproof (until fully submerged), flexible, and grippy. 

The neoprene that these gloves are made of has been treated with a water-repellent finish that will ensure that no water is getting through. The seams have also been treated to be water-tight. 

Stormr designed these gloves with fishermen in mind. The palms and fingers are covered in a durable grippy material. You will be able to do everything as if you weren’t wearing gloves.

Pros

• Flexible
• Grippy
• Rip-resistant
• Waterproof

Cons

• Seams aren’t fully waterproof