ATV on the Ice

[N.E.T.O.]

Now that we've told you what DOESN'T work, here is what does:

Optimally, you have two people. Both with JetSleds (or any other brand of larger ice fishing sled). Assuming you are both on foot, this allows one fisherman to drag/carry the ice-shack in his sled, while the other drag/carries the power-auger. Thus dividing the shared weight fairly equally. Along with the ice-shack and power-auger, I always have with me a heater, my poles and tackle, coats/gloves/hats/rain gear, food/drinks/snacks, sometimes an ice fishing underwater camera, fishfinder (with GPS to return to the good spots), a chair to sit in, and bags to put the fish in if I am keeping any.

As you can see, to carry/pull all this stuff by ones self could get pretty difficult (but doable, I've done it before) especially if on foot. Now if you add just one snowmobile, the job becomes inifitely easier, unlless the snowmobile gets stuck in the slush, or if it won't start. At which point you wish you would have left the blasted thing at home.

To make the job REALLY easier, you can leave the ice-shack and power auger home, and just take a manual auger and a chair. This makes the sled really light. You have to decide whether you want to be comfortable getting to and from your spot, or AT your spot. I choose to be comfortable AT my spot.

But either way, on foot, or by snowmobile, or even ATV, the big sled is where it's at. I've sat in it before to keep my feet dry on slushy days. We have also used our sleds to traverse the thin ice or even non-existent ice on the shore to get out to the thick ice to fish. This requires a few ropes and some shifting of the equipment, etc. but works well. I've also taken 4-wheelers out on the ice, but too many times I've wished I left it home, so I don't bring it often anymore. I still do that if I KNOW the conditions are conducive to 4wheelers, since I do own one of those.

I'm a low budget fisherman. However, if money is no object, here are some options for you to make your ice fishing experience more pleasurable:

1. Air Boat. There are a few people around that do own and use these. They are very loud, and I have seen some issues getting it from the parking lot the ice, but other than that, it's pretty darn safe and since it's a boat...won't sink whether it's ice, slush or water. Thin ice is no problem for these craft. They have their pros and cons. This in my opinion is the most low-budget solution, for those with high budgets.

2. Hovercraft. Although I haven't seen one personally being used, I'd have to think this would be just as good as the airboat, and maybe even a little better.

3. Helicopter. For those with serious money...just get airlifted to your spot. This would be AWESOME to get down to Renegade at Strawberry when the road becomes impassible even with snowmobile, and when you can't get to it over the ice because of the hot springs via snowmobile. If you REALLY have an unlimited amount of fundage, you could have your hardsided ice-shack drop lifted to your spot in advance. This is my ultimate ice fishing fantasy.

In the meantime, I consider ice fishing a good source of wintertime exercise and constantly tell myself that even if I were rich I would likely just walk and pull my sled by hand, to benefit from the exercise. However, I realize that I am just lying to myself when I say that.

I'd definitely go for the Helicopter!
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