ATV / Sleds for ice fishing

With ice fishing season approaching, I thought this post may help out some on their decision (or not) to buy an ATV or snowmobile for ice fishing. I fish Simcoe most of the time, which can experience glare ice, 2 foot drifts, endless slush, or hardpack. But also, I fish back lakes where access is tight and snow tends to be much deeper. My first machine was a 400cc Can Am outlander. A nice ATV, but in deep snow it went no where. To try and make it better I studded the tires. http://i554.photobucket.com/albums/j...N/DSCN5613.jpg
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The studs were cheap and helped out a lot, but not enough to get me back lake access north of the kawarthas. After selling the ATV I purchased a 2006 Crossfire 700 snowmobile.http://i554.photobucket.com/albums/j...psjypuptp8.jpg
It sure was fast, would handle slush and deep snow very well. It didn’t have reverse, and would overheat very easily in low snow, especially glare ice like Simcoe gets. I remember one time, slowing down very quickly as the sliders were melting to the rails. Without reverse, this machine was a nightmare in tight trails up north while meandering through trap lines trails. I sold that machine. After talking to a long time veteran, he straight up told me to buy either an older tundra or enticer. I found a 1992 enticer II 410 long track and started the rebuild.
http://i554.photobucket.com/albums/j...psvtqfxs49.jpg
Going into this process I knew that machines without ownerships were cheaper than ones with, but the process of getting a new ownership is quite easy and cheap (just can go to any MTO around Toronto). I am fairly handy, but not exceptional by any means. With the help of the internet and co-workers, I stripped down this machine and rebuilt it all.http://i554.photobucket.com/albums/j...psttnnu0uw.jpg [URL=http://s554.photobucket.com/user/L_GUNN/media/IMG_2525_zpsttnnu0uw.jpg.html]

http://i554.photobucket.com/albums/j...psatmfyxzl.jpg
I now have ~33000 km’s on this machine. They are very easy to fix, very reliable and excellent in the bush. I think an even better machine to the Enticer II would be the original enticer long track 340. Narrow stance, and a little lighter.
LG

Nice work, should last you a lifetime.

You can stud an ATV till the cows come home but the minute you get snow deeper than the frame it becomes pretty much useless. Any snowmachine with power, top end and a long track will just about do everything you ask of it but I think you'd be disappointed with the performance of the 340 in heavy going.
Very nice job on that Enticer and those Yamaha engines are just about indestructible.

I learnt my lesson once with a big heavy sled full of electronics and to go wrong in the middle of no where. I almost went into cardiac after getting stuck as well lol

Grabbed a bravo trapper and never looked back can beat the snot out of it. Sparky has the enticer as well great sled as we head out together. Time to break trail now!

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A buddy has a new Ski-Doo Tundra for both ice fishing and coyote hunting. He bought it last summer and is bustin' to get it out. We need a bit more snow,yet,though.

I tried to find a bravo long track too, hard to find. What a great machine as well!

Hahaha I went through the cardiac arrest thing a few times !
No fun when your stuck in the slush in the back lakes and the sun is setting.
I have a 89 safari Cheyenne long track that I would sell if anyone is interested.
If I broke any forum rules I apologize


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That enticer is a sweet fishing sled for sure. I have a yammy venture 500 fan. Its pretty good too, but its kinda heavy. I carry a passenger all the time though, so it handles that no problem and rides great on the trails. I'm looking for another smaller long track too. I have eyes on a skandic LT, but again, kinda heavy with the 503.

What you asking for that safari stragglelake? And do you actually have a place on straggle lake? I have a buddy on little straggle....assuming its the same one in harcourt park?

S.

S.

Yes I'm on Straggle Lake.
I'm looking for $1000 for the sled.
It is the 503 as well.
New seat
Electric start... Works
Reverse ... Works
Track is good.
Runs perfect.
Hood is stitched up a bit but still good.
I can PM some pics if you want.


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by L_GUNN

I tried to find a bravo long track too, hard to find. What a great machine as well!

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Yeah it took me awhile to find one! Nice thing is there are all kinds of parts online once you do.

I definitely won't win any hill climbs with it and it's not the most pleasant thing to ride on the comfort scale maybe a 2/10 on the longer rides but it gets me there lol


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My brother in-law just bought a lot of 5 Bravo's. One of them still in the crate with zero miles on it.
It was tempting to buy one, but I already have too many toys.

In the picture you can see the Prowler in the back : best ride if the trail is wide enough, ice is thick enough and there isn't more than 15 inches of snow.
Then the Bearcat : its a smooth ride and can haul quite a load in pretty much any snow, but its a heavyweight.
And finally the Ovation 340 : Its a ruff ride and leaves you smelling like oil, but its goes through almost anything, and when stuck its very easy to lift.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y85...psmi4ynror.jpg

I'm beyond the point of lifting anything but if I were doing it again it would be a 4-500cc ATV on a new set of tracks. My 2004 Sportsman was a great unit until the track bearings started to give out. Sold the tracks last year.
10 mile ice fishing trips or carrying 500 lb of maple sap, worked for both in deeps now or glare ice.

Gavin.........

So your enjoying the Enticer??? I have been looking for one but still like my Yamaha XLV's...... I have converted one into a back lakes sled for this season. Can't wait to use it.........

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