Ice season is just around the corner. Last year I caught my first ice limit on the last week of November. December fishing was the best of the season. Now is when you need to gear up and prepare.
First ice is often the best ice since the water temperature is warm enough to keep the fish active and feeding. In mid-February and on, the water becomes so cold and dark, the fish estivate, and the fishing slows down.
Icemen without a portable sled rarely move. They cut some holes and stay in one spot even when the fishing sucks. Being more organized and mobile will allow you to easily move to another place and better fishing.
Being organized helps the Icemen be more mobile, prepared, and efficient on the ice. A proper sled will help you access and travel around the ice. Design and customize a sled that meets the size of your auger, gear, and your personal needs. Here are some Ice Tips to consider.
Make your sled as light as possible. Consider adding handles for lifting in and out of your ride. Make the sled so it fits in your truck.
Many Icemen just toss all the gear they have in a sled. The jumbled mess results in tangled and broken rods. Wasted time looking for gear. Carrying a bucket is a waste of energy. The bucket also gets jumbled and a mess. Toss in some fish and they stink too.
One thing that Icemen do on the ice is Sit. Make your sled with a box that is the perfect height for you to sit on. If not, at least carry a stool that has a home on your sled.
A longer pull rope allows you to slide the sled easier. You can wrap the rope over your shoulder and keep your hands free.
Rod holders allow you to bring several rods. Pre rig the rods, so you never have to tie a knot on the ice with cold fingers. Some Ice lakes allow 6 rods to be used. The rod tubes can also hold a shovel, ice ladle, gaff, or…
Newer battery powered ice augers are the best choice. They are lighter and easy to use. Build your sled to hold your auger. Have a warm place to store spare batteries. Guys with gas and propane augers will argue how great their 30–40-pound augers work but they are heavy and expensive. Sell you old augers and upgrade.
If you are on snow covered ice, the ski runners are suggested. They keep your sled on top of the snow. Less surface contact is with skis so pulling is way easier. You can build them to be a quick add on and at any height.
I wax the bottom of my sled to offer a smoother slide. Also check for any holes. Seal with silicon adhesive.
A bucket is so handy on the ice. Cut a hole in the top of your box to fit one. You want the hole to hold the bucket around halfway in. This allows space underneath the buckets bottom. The spin lids from Gamma seal are the best! Easy access. Get a black lid. They absorb heat. A small cushion on top never hurts.
The ice sled is so handy, once you build yours, you will wonder why you waited so long.
Montana Grant
