|
|
|
Am considering buying a portable ice shack. Am more interested in durability and am willing to pay more in exchange for it lasting a long time.
I have not icefished much in the last 25 years, and would also like to know what other essential items (have plenty of rods, reels, and tackle) will have to consider buying? |
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 377
Location: Neenah Wi | Rick I would go with the Otter thicker material and sled.The sled is not sold with the tent as well as the seats.They are pricey but worth the price.They are also a bit heavier so a snowmobile or atv will be helpful dragging all your gear.A good heater is a must. |
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 617
Location: Oshkosh, Wisconsin | Rick -
I bought a small portable 12 years ago from FF and its still got a season or two in it before it gives up the ghost. They go for about a hundred today. I heated it with a propane latern. On VERY cold and windy days, I would supplement that with a second propane heater, but it had to be well below zero with the wind chill before that was necessary.
As far a gear, there are few items I would consider essential other than the shack and the heat source. I have a handful of tip-ups that I paid less than $5 a piece for. I always place a carpet square over the hole if the wind is blowing snow around or if the temp is more than a few degrees below freezing. A foam backed carpet will keep a hole open all night. Just slit the carpet enough to position the tip-up in the middle, and your good to go. A sled with high sides is a great tool if your walking. Some guys will build a frame to set inside the sled to everything can be secured (no minnow buckets tipping over after a 40 minute walk).
The nicest thing about ice fishing is the lure selection is significantly smaller. A handful of jigs, jigging spoons, jigging rapalas and some plain hooks and your ready for walleye or pike. A few tear drop ice jigs and some plastic, your ready for the bluegills and perch.
Good luck on the ice. |
|
| |
|
Location: Rhinelander | I have a new Frabill Ranger Solo, and really like it (MSRP is $299). The material they use is extremeley durable, and the seating second to none. I have two removable seats in the unit with plenty of room for two anglers.
I am at the St Paul Ice show now, any portable ice shanty pictures you would like posted?
Attachments
----------------
 IMAG0043.JPG (89KB - 135 downloads)
IMAG0044.JPG (77KB - 126 downloads)
|
|
| |
|
|
Good pictures. Was at Gander last night and looked at all they had to offer. There is a reason to like everyone of them, but choosing one that will be the most durable is difficult.
Thanx for the advice. |
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 2680
Location: Essexville, MI./Saginaw Bay. |
Am considering buying a portable ice shack. Am more interested in durability and am willing to pay more in exchange for it lasting a long time.
I have not icefished much in the last 25 years, and would also like to know what other essential items (have plenty of rods, reels, and tackle) will have to consider buying?
Rick.
I think the one in your new avatar picture is good enough. 
|
|
| |
|
|
He hehe. You are quick to find new activity on the site! Oh hey, also have added some pictures in the Photo Albums link to this site. They are my favorites of the year.
Edited by Rick Larson 12/6/2003 7:06 PM
|
|
| |
|
| Rick... The best and by far the most durable portable ice shanty on the market is the otterskin shown at:
http://www.canvascraftinc.com/otterSm.htm .
This top goes with the matching otter sled of your choice which is also extremely durable. The sled can be purchased at your local Fleet Farm. The top has to be ordered from Canvas Craft. Don't get this top confused with the one from Otter; the Otter top does not have near the quality as the Canvas Craft does. |
|
| |
|
|
That site has an awesome picture of a walleye coming out of the icehole. Thanx for the advice Dave. |
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 2680
Location: Essexville, MI./Saginaw Bay. | Originally written by davewsc on 2003-12-07 11:53 AM
Rick... The best and by far the most durable portable ice shanty on the market is the otterskin shown at:
http://www.canvascraftinc.com/otterSm.htm .
This top goes with the matching otter sled of your choice which is also extremely durable. The sled can be purchased at your local Fleet Farm. The top has to be ordered from Canvas Craft. Don't get this top confused with the one from Otter; the Otter top does not have near the quality as the Canvas Craft does.
Gotta agree with Dave on this one.
The Large II Otter is the one I use for my guided trips on the Saginaw Bay. Very roomy, pleanty of head room, easy to put up, tows like nothing and lots of room for storage inside the tub. Get the travel cover with any portable you buy if your going to be towing it behind a motorized vehicle.
Edited by walleye express 12/7/2003 11:15 AM
|
|
| |
|
| hi rick, trent here. thanks for the link to this site.
i use the frabil ranger as well and love it. i fish at least 2 days a week in the winter and it is highly versatile and easy to use.
someone linked the canvas craft unit, highly recommend it but they are by me in mn. |
|
| |
|
| Thanx for the advice Trent, this Frabil name is echoing in my mind with all the recommendations. Its going to have my top consideration.
Hey Trent, make sure you register to this site. I like using the inbox to correspond with my fishing friends.
Edited by Rick Larson 12/9/2003 11:08 AM
|
|
| |
|
New User
Posts: 1
| Rick,
Among the many suggestions, I will add my .02$. I have fished the Frabill ranger Solo the past 2 seasons and it's fishability and durability are second to none. I have fished with people who have the fish traps and otters, I'll take my Frabill any day. One small modification I have made is to screw snowmobile hyfax (slides) to the runners on the bottom of the sled to insure it does not wear thru and also helps to track better when pulling behind an ATV.
Good Luck!
Maverick |
|
| |
|
| Frabill Ranger. I have two. The new seating is cool. TOUGH shack, too. |
|
| |
