By Lauren HollandUpdated November 2026
Choosing a spear for ice fishing comes down to what you plan to spear, how deep the water is and how much you want to carry across the ice. Spearing is one of the oldest ways to take fish through a hole, and it still works well on shallow bays, weed flats and tip-up lakes where you can see fish moving below. The six options below were selected by comparing manufacturer specifications, brand reputation and the patterns owners often report about tine count, handle length, durability and the quality of the points. Each one is a different kind of tool, so the goal is to match the spear to your target fish and your conditions rather than chasing a single “best” model.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallIce Fishing Spear- Spearing Prong Harpoon Gaffs Barbed Diving Spears Gig- Made in THE USAView on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for frogs and panfishSouth Bend Frog Spear, 5 TineView on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest for small kitchens and tight gear bagsB&M 7PKS Stainless Steel Spear Black, 8.5-InchView on Amazon - 4
Best budget pickB&M 9PK Spear, BlackView on Amazon - 5
Best for larger fishGPP® 5 Prong Fishing Salmon Barbed Diving Spear Gun Gig 8 mm HeadView on Amazon - 6
Best for a traditional steel finishB'n'M 6PK Frog and Fish Spear, Steel FinishView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Ice Fishing Spear- Spearing Prong Harpoon Gaffs Barbed Diving Spears Gig- Made in THE USA | General-purpose spearing | Barbed prong design for holding fish |
| South Bend Frog Spear, 5 Tine | Frogs and panfish | Five-tine head for wide coverage |
| B&M 7PKS Stainless Steel Spear Black, 8.5-Inch | Small kitchens and tight gear bags | Compact 8.5-inch length |
| B&M 9PK Spear, Black | Budget-minded anglers | Basic black finish, simple design |
| GPP® 5 Prong Fishing Salmon Barbed Diving Spear Gun Gig 8 mm Head | Larger fish | 8 mm head with barbed five-prong tips |
| B’n’M 6PK Frog and Fish Spear, Steel Finish | Traditional frog and fish spearing | Steel finish, six-pack value |
Ice Fishing Spear- Spearing Prong Harpoon Gaffs Barbed Diving Spears Gig- Made in THE USA
Ice Fishing Spear- Spearing Prong Harpoon Gaffs Barbed Diving Spears Gig- Made in THE USA
Best for: General-purpose spearing with a barbed prong head
This spear suits anglers who want one tool that can handle a range of fish sizes through the ice, from panfish to mid-sized gamefish, and who value a barbed prong design that holds fish once they are pinned.
Key specs
- Barbed prong harpoon-style head
- Listed as made in the USA
- Designed for spearing and gigging
Pros
- Barbed tines help keep fish from slipping off
- Versatile enough for several species
- Domestic manufacturing is a plus for many buyers
Cons
- Barbs can make removing fish from the tines slower
- Specific dimensions should be checked on the listing before buying
Bottom line: A good first choice for anglers who want one all-around spear with holding power, especially if they plan to take a variety of fish.
South Bend Frog Spear, 5 Tine
South Bend Frog Spear, 5 Tine
Best for: Frogs and panfish with a wide five-tine head
Anglers who fish shallow weed beds and want to cover more area with each thrust will find this model suited to their style. It is a classic frog-spear layout.
Key specs
- Five-tine head
- Designed for frogs and small fish
Pros
- Wide tine spread increases the chance of a hit
- Well-known brand name in outdoor gear
- Traditional design that many spearing anglers recognize
Cons
- Less suited to large fish than heavier gigs
- Fine tines can bend if forced into hard bottom
Bottom line: Pick this if your targets are frogs, panfish and other small species in shallow water.
B&M 7PKS Stainless Steel Spear Black, 8.5-Inch
B&M 7PKS Stainless Steel Spear Black, 8.5-Inch
Best for: Small kitchens and tight gear bags
Anglers who share a small sled or who pack light for walk-in access will appreciate the compact 8.5-inch length. The stainless construction suits anglers who want corrosion resistance.
Key specs
- Length: 8.5 inches
- Stainless steel construction
- Black finish
Pros
- Compact length fits easily in small bags
- Stainless steel resists rust
- Pack of seven gives spares
Cons
- Short length limits reach in deeper holes
- Smaller tines may not suit very large fish
Bottom line: A practical choice for anglers who prioritize packability and corrosion resistance over reach.
B&M 9PK Spear, Black
B&M 9PK Spear, Black
Best for: Budget-minded anglers who want spares on hand
This nine-pack suits anglers who expect to lose or bend spears over a season and want a supply of replacements without overspending.
Key specs
- Pack of nine
- Black finish
Pros
- Good quantity for the money
- Useful as backup tools
- Simple, familiar design
Cons
- Basic finish may not last as long under heavy use
- Individual dimensions should be confirmed before purchase
Bottom line: The right pick if you want a stack of spears for practice, backup or sharing with a group.
GPP® 5 Prong Fishing Salmon Barbed Diving Spear Gun Gig 8 mm Head
GPP® 5 Prong Fishing Salmon Barbed Diving Spear Gun Gig 8 mm Head
Best for: Larger fish and heavier gigging
Anglers targeting bigger fish through the ice, including salmon-sized species, will want the heavier 8 mm head and five barbed prongs listed in the title.
Key specs
- 8 mm head
- Five barbed prongs
- Designed as a diving spear and gig
Pros
- Heavier head suits larger fish
- Barbs help hold fish on the tines
- Five prongs offer good coverage
Cons
- Heavier build is more tiring for long sessions
- Overkill for panfish and frogs
Bottom line: Choose this if your target is larger fish and you need more holding power than a light frog spear provides.
B’n’M 6PK Frog and Fish Spear, Steel Finish
B'n'M 6PK Frog and Fish Spear, Steel Finish
Best for: Traditional frog and fish spearing with a steel finish
This six-pack suits anglers who prefer a steel-finish spear and want a simple, multi-purpose set for frogs and smaller fish.
Key specs
- Pack of six
- Steel finish
Pros
- Versatile for frogs and fish
- Pack gives multiple spares
- Traditional steel look
Cons
- Steel can rust if not dried after use
- Exact tine count and length should be checked on the listing
Bottom line: A solid traditional option for anglers who want steel spears for frogs and fish and are willing to dry them after each outing.
Buying Guide
Target species and head style
Frogs and panfish call for a wide, light head with several fine tines. Larger fish need a heavier head with barbed prongs that hold once the fish is pinned. Matching the head to your targets matters more than any other single feature.
Good picks for this: South Bend Frog Spear, 5 Tine; GPP® 5 Prong Fishing Salmon Barbed Diving Spear Gun Gig 8 mm Head
Barbs and holding power
Barbed tines keep fish from sliding off, which matters in cold water where fish can be sluggish but still strong. Check that the barbs are sharp and evenly spaced when you inspect a spear.
Good picks for this: Ice Fishing Spear- Spearing Prong Harpoon Gaffs Barbed Diving Spears Gig- Made in THE USA; GPP® 5 Prong Fishing Salmon Barbed Diving Spear Gun Gig 8 mm Head
Length and reach
Shorter spears of around 8 to 9 inches are easier to pack and handle in tight spaces. Longer shafts reach deeper into the hole but are harder to carry. Consider the depth you typically fish and how much room you have in your sled or bag.
Good picks for this: B&M 7PKS Stainless Steel Spear Black, 8.5-Inch; B&M 9PK Spear, Black
Material and corrosion
Stainless steel resists rust well, while plain steel finishes need drying after each outing. Wet, cold conditions make corrosion a real concern, so rinse and dry spears before storing them.
Good picks for this: B&M 7PKS Stainless Steel Spear Black, 8.5-Inch; B’n’M 6PK Frog and Fish Spear, Steel Finish
Pack size and spares
Multi-packs are useful if you expect to bend or lose tines over a season. Single spears are better if you only want one dependable tool. Buy the quantity that matches how often you fish and how many people share your gear.
Good picks for this: B&M 9PK Spear, Black; B’n’M 6PK Frog and Fish Spear, Steel Finish
Care and storage
Dry each spear after use, inspect tines for bends and keep points sharp enough to penetrate cleanly. Store spears in a sheath or padded bag so the tines do not catch on other gear. Replace any spear with cracked or deeply bent tines.
Good picks for this: Ice Fishing Spear- Spearing Prong Harpoon Gaffs Barbed Diving Spears Gig- Made in THE USA; B’n’M 6PK Frog and Fish Spear, Steel Finish
FAQ
What is the best spear for ice fishing beginners?
A single all-around spear with barbed tines is usually the easiest place to start. It handles several species and gives you a feel for the technique before you buy specialized tools.
Is ice fishing with a spear legal everywhere?
No. Spearing rules vary by state and province, and some waters restrict spearing to certain species or seasons. Check your local fish and game regulations before you go.
What depth can I spear through the ice?
Spearing works best in shallow water where you can see fish, typically a few feet below the ice. In deeper water the spear has to reach farther, which is why longer shafts are often preferred.
How do I keep a spear from rusting?
Rinse the spear with fresh water after use, dry it fully and store it in a dry place. Stainless steel resists rust better than plain steel, but both benefit from drying.
Do I need a spear and a gig for ice fishing?
The terms are often used interchangeably, but a gig usually has barbed prongs designed to hold fish, while a frog spear has finer tines for smaller targets. Pick based on what you intend to catch.
Is spearing through the ice dangerous?
Spearing itself is not especially hazardous, but ice safety is critical. Always check ice thickness, carry safety gear and consult a local professional or fish and game office before going out.
Conclusion
For a general-purpose spear with holding power, the barbed prong harpoon-style gig is a sound starting point. Anglers targeting frogs and panfish will prefer the South Bend five-tine frog spear, while those who need a compact tool for tight gear bags should look at the 8.5-inch stainless model. Budget-minded buyers can use the B&M nine-pack for spares, and anglers after larger fish should consider the 8 mm five-prong gig. Match the spear to your target species, your depth and how much you plan to carry, and you will be well set for the hard-water season.
Sources
- Federal guidance on fishing regulations and conservation practices (fishandwildlife.gov)
- State fish and game information on spearing rules and seasons (wisconsin.gov)
- Agency resources on water safety and outdoor recreation (usda.gov)
Related reading
- Walleye Bait Ice Fishing: 6 Best Picks for Hard-Water Anglers (2026)
- Top 7 Ice Fishing Tent Eskimo Models for Hard-Water Anglers (2026)
- Tools for Ice Fishing: 9 Essentials Every Hard-Water Angler Needs
- Tickle Stick Ice Fishing Rod: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
- Soft Ice Fishing Rod Case: How to Choose and Use One (Step-by-Step)
- Snow Bear for Ice Fishing: 10 Best Picks Compared (2026)
About Lauren Holland
Lauren Holland is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our ice fishing guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
