When you’re out on the open ice, an ice fishing shelter is a necessity to during the longer periods of waiting for that catch. Anglers are protected from the bitter cold of the winter winds, and also from the sun’s glare. The shelter allows for more comfort from the small amount of heat that you get inside, and also keeps the ice fishing hole open for longer before it ices over again.
The ice fishing shelter can be easily moved as it is portable, although you can get an ice fishing house which is a more permanent structure that is built for the mainstay of the fishing season. There are many ice fishing enthusiasts who use the convenience of the shelters so that they can move around to where the fish are, and the more permanent fishing house helps for those colder days out there on the frozen lake.
On today’s market there is a quite a selection of ice fishing shelters to be found. The designs are usually easily collapsible so they can be moved and are made up like a tent in structure, very light in weight so that they can be compacted to fit easily into packages or a bag. Styles are varied, with a basic constuction is about the same for each fishing shelter:
1. ATV mounted – there has been a huge rise in ATVs (All Terrrain Vehicles) as they move easier across a lake to travel from the parking area to where the ice, which is whey there is an ATV mounted design. They are designed as either to extend from the storage bags that are mounted on the ATV, or so that they can be lifted or pulled onto the ATV by using dollies or lifts.
2. Flip Up/Flipover – These type of shelters have a semi-rigid bottom, which looks like a tub, that acts like a base of a sled so that it is easier to move, and this is the floor of the shelter when it is put up. The tub is useful for storing and transporting the ice auger, the tackle and any other gear that is needed. The sides with the canvas are just flipped over or up so the sides and the roof can be constructed in an ideal location. For storage, the frame just collapses down with the canvas folded down to be moved again. There are flipover styles that can hold up to four anglers and designed so that there is space for portable heaters and also to allow for more natural light, some clear plastic or vinyl windows.
3. Folding shelters – this is a traditional style tent for ice fishing, that is lightweight and is easily moved. Due to their lightness in weight, they may not cope with adverse, cold weather conditions and high winds. Most are small so aren’t really made for standing in, although you can be larger versions.
4. Homemade shelters – you can make homemade shelters which can be more effective than the products that are commercially available. They are usually like the styles of the flipover or flip up shelters, or of structures that are fully collapsible tents. If you take a look on the internet you can find plans on how to make an ice fishing shelter that is low in cost and easy to make in your own home.
Tags: Choose, Fishing, From, Shelters, Varieties
Just about everybody must have heard of the adage “No ice is safe”. This, although true to a very large extent, is not really practical for all of us in the North where ice is a daily occurrence and is a part and parcel f our daily life. Ice fishing has a great potential for tragedy when the risks associated with ice fishing are neither understood nor realized and properly prepared for.
At times, the dangers associated with ice fishing are underplayed and overwhelmed by the chances of catching a big fish after downing a few beers with friends. Life and death situations are a daily occurrence on ice so it is vital that you take all the necessary precautions before you venture out on to the ice either in a vehicle or on foot in search of that perfect catch in winter.
Anybody who wants to try their hand at ice fishing needs to be in good physical state and must be capable of swimming or at least of staying afloat comfortably for a length of time. This ability will be critical in case you or your partner cracks the ice and falls into the water. Being able to stay calm in an emergency is also good.
Choose clothing in such a way so that it not only keeps you warm but also does not restrict your mobility in case you fall into the water. Avoid hip boots and waders as they can easily fill with water and drag you down while restricting your motion all the way. A good choice would be waterproof, ankle length shoes with laces in the front. Also, dress in layers so that should the need arise, you can shed a few layers to make yourself lighter and have a few on to keep you warm. A woolen hat will go a long way in retaining body heat.
Always check the condition of the ice before venturing out on it. Ensure that the thickness of the ice is at least six inches to hold the weight of an average human and make sure it is over six inches at various places as the thickness of the ice can vary from place to place. Always remember to scout out the ice on foot with an ice chisel before you drive any sort of vehicle out onto the ice. In case the chisel goes through the ice at some place, stop right away and go back home to come another day.
Loud cracks and booms may denote nothing more than the change in the size of the ice as a result of change in temperature on a lake. But on a river, this sound could indicate the movement of ice and its imminent breakage. Always keep an eye and an ear out for changes in the ice. In case you are travelling as a group, ensure that you walk in a single file with about ten feet between each and every person. Only after carefully inspecting the ice should you take any vehicles onto the ice.
Ice has a notorious reputation for varying from one region to the next. So before stepping out onto the ice, take some time out to acquaint yourself with that area and ensure that you have all the precautions properly in place. In case of doubts, get the advice of people more experienced and trustworthy. Do remember to never go out onto the ice alone and never ever go out onto ice of which you are unsure.
Tags: Away, Fishing, From, Keep
