What Is the Best Battery for Ice Fishing?

When you’re out on the frozen lake waiting for that perfect catch, having a reliable power source is just as important as your auger or fish finder. Whether you’re running a Livescope, camera, heater, or LED lights inside your ice shelter, a dependable battery ensures your gear performs flawlessly in subzero temperatures.

But not all batteries can handle the extreme cold, which battery is best for ice fishing? In this guide, we’ll explore what makes a great ice fishing battery, compare key features, and help you choose the best battery for ice fishing.

Lead-Acid vs. Lithium Battery for Ice Fishing

Traditional lead-acid batteries have long been the standard for powering fish finders and other ice fishing electronics. They are inexpensive and can handle very low temperatures relatively well. However, they come with several limitations, heavy weight, shorter lifespan, and voltage drops during discharge.

By contrast, lithium deep cycle batteries are lighter, deliver more usable energy, and maintain consistent voltage even as they discharge. This makes them the preferred choice for most anglers today.

Like lead-acid batteries, lithium batteries can safely discharge at temperatures as low as –4°F (–20°C), but their charging range is more limited. Standard lithium batteries should only be charged above 32°F (0°C) to prevent damage. That’s why lithium models equipped with low-temperature protection or self-heating functions are especially valuable, they ensure safe charging and discharging even in freezing environments, making them ideal for ice fishing.

Low-temperature Lithium Batteries

Key Benefits of Lithium Ice Fishing Batteries

• Lightweight and compact: Lithium batteries are typically 50–70% lighter than lead-acid batteries, which makes carrying your ice fishing gear across the ice much easier.
• Longer lifespan: A LiFePO4 battery can provide over 4000 charge cycles, lasting several seasons without degradation.
• Stable voltage: Even in freezing weather, lithium batteries maintain a steady voltage output to power sensitive electronics like fish finders and sonar devices.
• Maintenance-free: No need to worry about acid leaks, sulfation, or constant recharging.
• Fast charging: Spend less time waiting and more time fishing.

What Devices Can Be Powered by Ice Fishing Battery?

A reliable battery is the heart of your ice fishing setup, it keeps your electronics running smoothly throughout the day on the ice. Depending on the battery capacity you choose, a lithium ice fishing battery can power a wide range of devices essential for your trip:

1. Fish Finders and Sonar Systems: Ice fishing battery can easily power your fish finder (e.g., Garmin Livescope) or sonar for a full day, providing clear and real-time underwater imaging.
2. Underwater Cameras: Capture or monitor fish activity beneath the ice without worrying about power loss.
3. LED Lights and Shelter Lighting: Illuminate your ice tent during early mornings or late evenings.
4. Heaters and Fans: Some larger-capacity batteries (like 100Ah models) can even power portable heaters or fans to keep your shelter comfortable.
5. GPS and Navigation Devices: Ensure your GPS units stay powered for safe travel across the ice.
6. Phone, Tablet, and GoPro Charging: Keep your devices charged to record catches, navigate maps, or stay connected.

Factors When Choosing the Best Lithium Battery for Ice Fishing

Before you pick a battery, consider these important factors:

• Capacity (Ah): Determines how long your electronics can run. For example, a 20Ah battery can typically power a Livescope setup for 6–10 hours, while a 50Ah or 100Ah can last all day or even multiple trips.
• Low-temperature protection: Crucial for ice fishing. This feature prevents charging below 0°C (32°F), which could otherwise damage the cells.
• Portability: If you move between holes frequently, a lightweight and compact battery is ideal.
• Bluetooth monitoring: Lets you check your battery’s status, voltage, and remaining capacity directly from your smartphone.
• Durability and waterproofing: Ice fishing conditions are tough, so a rugged, sealed IP65 or more rating battery housing is essential.

5 Best Lithium Batteries for Ice Fishing

Redodo is a trusted brand known for durable, high-performance LiFePO4 batteries. Below are the excellent lithium batteries suited for ice fishing setups.

Redodo 12V 20Ah LiFePO4 Lithium Battery

If portability and weight are your top priorities, the Redodo 12V 20Ah lithium battery is an outstanding choice. Weighing only 4.92 lbs, it’s compact enough to slip into your gear bag yet powerful. The 256Wh of capacity is enough to run a Livescope or standard fish finder for 6-10 hours.

Best for: Portable ice fishing setups, GPS, sonar, fish finders, and outdoor setups.

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Note: This battery does not have low-temperature protection, make sure to charge it when temperatures are above freezing.

Redodo 12V 50Ah Bluetooth LiFePO4 Battery

The 12V 50Ah Bluetooth lithium battery strikes an ideal balance between capacity, smart monitoring, and cold-weather performance. Lightweight at just 11.27 lbs, the compact battery is easy to handle. The low-temperature charging protection makes it safe to use in subzero environments.

Best for: Trolling Motors (30-70lb), boat lights, fish finders, ham radio, and ice angling.

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Redodo 12V 100Ah Self-Heating Lithium Battery

If you fish in extremely cold conditions, the Redodo 12V 100Ah Self-Heating Lithium Battery is built to thrive when others fail. Its integrated heating function automatically warms the cells before charging when the temperature is under 0°C (32°F). It also features low-temperature protection.

Best for: Dedicated ice anglers or multi-day expeditions who need long-lasting, cold-tolerant power.

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Redodo 12V 100Ah Group 24 Bluetooth Lithium Battery

If you’re looking for a balance between compact size and high capacity, the Group 24 Bluetooth LiFePO4 Battery is a powerful and space-efficient choice. It’s designed to fit Group 24 battery compartments for RVs and trolling motors, while also working perfectly with solar setups and ice fishing gear. The 1280Wh of high capacity ensures long-lasting power for your ice fishing setup.

Best for: RVs, solar, trolling motors, fish finders, boat lights, and cameras on long ice fishing days.

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Redodo 12V 100Ah Group 31 Bluetooth Lithium Battery

Built to fit Group 31 battery compartments, this versatile Group 31 Bluetooth Lithium Battery delivers reliable, high-capacity power wherever you need it. With the same advanced LiFePO4 technology and smart Bluetooth monitoring, this model offers extra housing space and superior energy stability for larger systems.

Best for: RVs, solar, trolling motors, ice anglers running multiple devices such as Livescope, underwater cameras, heaters, and lighting systems.

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Comparison Chart: Which Battery is Right for You?

How to choose?

• For ultralight portability, the Redodo 12V 20Ah LiFePO4 battery is a compact powerhouse.
• For Livescope ice fishing users, the 12V 50Ah Bluetooth battery provides the perfect balance of power, safety, and smart monitoring.
• For extreme cold and heavy power demands, the 12V 100Ah self-heating or Group 24/31 Bluetooth battery offers unmatched performance.

Conclusion

Choosing the right battery can make or break your ice fishing experience. Lithium batteries have become the best choice for modern anglers thanks to their lighter weight, longer lifespan, and consistent power output. Models with low-temperature protection or self-heating features ensure that even in freezing conditions, your gear from Livescope sonar to lights and heaters stays powered throughout the day.

Explore Redodo’s high-quality lithium marine batteries today! With these batteries, you can focus on the fish all the winter, not your power supply.

Read More:

What Is the Best Battery for Cold Weather?

What Is the Best Battery for Livescope?

Choosing The Best Battery For Your Fish Finder

Do Lithium Batteries Freeze in Cold Weather?