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Well with this winters ideal ice fishing conditions and all the good reports i'm getting on the hot perch bite that's going on all over the place. I'm thinking of forging the rent a hut and buying my own tools of the trade. From the experienced ice fishers what's a good pop up ice shelter to buy and also looking at recommended gas powered auger? Not looking at top end but something that's good value and dependable. Thanks
You have 3 choices for shelter:
1. Hub style - always needs anchoring
2. Flipover - quick setup
With both above, you are still sitting w feet on ice - can be cold
3. Set- up style hut.
I have # 3 - a Shappell 2-man. It serves as its own sled when folded down, has built-in floor so feet stay warmer, 2 flip-up floor segmants for your holes (2 holes can be drilled for each segment). 2 doors, windows; if all closed you can see down fairly deep in clear water.
Rarely need a heater if any sun out.
as for an auger, I have a Rapala Nitro that has been good for me.
I have a Clam Yukon. Its about 15 years old and still in good shape. I like the flip over style. It also serves as a sled to haul equipment out. A buddy has an insulated Frabill flip over. With this -30 windchill lately, he stays nice and warm with a Buddy heater, my uninsulated Clam was pretty cold with the same heater. Cold feet has never been an issue due to no floor.
I would look for an insulated model for sure.
As far as an Auger, I have a 20v Dewalt drill mounted on the Clam drill adapter, with a 5 inch Lazer auger. Works like a charm, no gas fumes, mixing gas etc., and no worries about it not starting..
I have a Rapala hub style, they market it as three man, but 4 and their gear fits comfortable. Buddy heater keeps it warm. I also use the dewalt cordless to power my auger. Use it carefully, the little sucker pulled my arm down into the water, ease up on the pressure when the hole fills with water, LOL. Also haven't had an issue with cold feet due to no floor.
WOW never thought of that, how thick of ice can it drill thru and where are the parts sold? Thanks this is really interesting.Quote:
As far as an Auger, I have a 20v Dewalt drill mounted on the Clam drill adapter, with a 5 inch Lazer auger. Works like a charm, no gas fumes, mixing gas etc., and no worries about it not starting..
I have a Clam thermal runner flip hut, very warm with no pole set up. I use a welcome mat to put on the ice to prevent cold feet.
I use a Rapala 43cc gas auger and love it. You can usually find good deals at CT, they sell 33cc augers in Rapala and Eskimo for a good price.
Welcome to ice fishing!
I’ve drilled 2 feet of ice easily. We ordered the drill adapter from Amazon a couple years ago. I checked Canadian Tire, and they sell them now.Quote:
Originally Posted by fishhawk
http://stores.clamoutdoors.com/drill...rsion-kit.html
http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/0777854P.html
I prefer the flip style huts myself. Have a Yukon and use big buddy so the cold is never too much an issue. Find they are easiest when changing locations and a foam mat helps keep the feet even warmer
Also if you are walking out to the perch grounds do yourself a BIG FAVOR and google and build a SMITTY SLED. also if fishing for perch use an Ultralight ice rod and also 4 lb test line. I use a drop shot method with a bell sinker on the bottom and 2 dropshot hooks made by VMC about 6" and 12" up off bottom. great success with minnows with this set-up and bell sinker gets you back down to the bottom fast. Good Luck.
I also have a clam flip over 3 man old and not insulated, still way better than sitting on a bucket outside. I have both a gas 6" and 8" and drill auger 5". I use the 5" when fishing shallow water and no more than a foot of ice. I used to use the 5" with lots of ice, but find it harder to get fish up to the hole. Buddy heater is a great idea as well even without an insulated hut. I'm more concerned with the weight so I stay away from the insulated hut, to heavy for me to lift into truck or up a bank.
The Clam drill adapter is an excellent option, very light and compact. I would have gone that route if they would have come out with them before I bought my Rapala gas auger years back. I have a clam mounting kit on the front of my ATV for my gas auger so weight and size is not an issue.
Both are great ice fishing tools to get to the fish and as far as the purchase cost they would be close but operation and maintenance cost will be a lot less with the battery drills
Good luck and keep us posted
For an auger I have a Jiffy 10" propane model, and it is awesome! Just have a pop up hub blind and am not a fan, am going to upgrade to a clam flip over this year I think.
ChrisM23,
Do yourself a favour and buy a insulated clam flip hut it is well worth the extra money
Quote:
Originally Posted by huntnmachine
I've really got to spend a day In a thermal because everyone seems to find a significant difference in warmth. anyone with one seem to notice the added weight? How is packing back up when wet and then frozen from a day out fishing? Things I always wondered but never had the luxury of trying one out. My gang is all pop ups and reg canvas clams
I really like my Chapelle 3000 hut.I have had it about 5 years and the material is still holding up great
I'd recommend any reputable brand or even the costco brand huts. Really comes down to "how many dollars are you ok with putting down" when looking at huts. As for augers, the best setup you can have is an ION electric. Alternatively, if you already own a good drill, like an M18 Milwaukee or similar, get the Clam drill adapter, paired with the drill and a Fin-Bore 8" auger. Covers everything you'll ever need to do.
I bought the clam drill adapter, and a six inch drill couple weeks back now. Great setup, I have dewalt 20V, so far I have drilled 16 holes in 16" of ice on 1 battery and the gauge still showed a 3rd life left. I have a lazer 8" drill that I haven't used in 8 years, I think I'm going to try that this week to see how it works. If it works out ok, I'm going to sell my jiffy, as it is to heavy for this old man.
I prefer the tank top heaters for a few reasons. First, they are cheaper to buy and WAY cheaper to run. My Mr. Buddy burns through 3 small tanks in a day and that is not on high. So that is $18 in propane. My tank top burns about half that and there are no refills required on a trip. I would get a 5 lb or 10 lb tank and a tank top. It also heats the hut incredibly well. With a sled, especially if you build a SMITTY sled, the weight is not that different than hauling 3 one lb tanks out.
I have a Rapala Fatshak and love it, but agree that anchoring it is a bit of a pain. It also is not as mobile. I would buy a good flip over, like a clam. I have heard of many guys having trouble with the Rapala flip overs.
And I would get a sonar ASAP. I waited a year and feel like I wasted a lot of time on the trips I took that year. They will go on sale now and some guys will also sell theirs at the end of season on jiji etc. Stay with a Vexilar, Marcum or Hummingbird and you will be good as they are all pretty comparable. Good luck.
The weight is not an issue nor is packing up, try one out you will like itQuote:
Originally Posted by grab the net
Kenny, might want to check your mister buddy if you still have it. I have to get like 6 to 8hrs out of 1 tank and that is set on high.
To me the biggest advantage of an insulated hut is the great reduction on condensation and water dripping from the roof.Quote:
Originally Posted by grab the net
Quote:
Originally Posted by rick_iles
and perchance ....... WHERE THE HECK DID YOU FIND A PLACE THAT STILL HAD THEM IN STOCK!!!!! Canadian Tire has them online but their "get it by Febrary 25th" and "we will notify you when you can pick it up" makes me think about delays and June....:confused:
You can also refill the 1lb tanks if weight is an issue.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_l7fKnPnUQ
http://www.instructables.com/id/How-...osable-propan/
on a quick look, you can probably get them at Sail or Cabelas or Canadian Tire .... I never trust Amazon unless I KNOW what I am buying and this is just a quick example..
https://www.amazon.ca/Onlyfire-Regul...70_&dpSrc=srch
Unfortunately you cannot get those at Canadian tire or sail because they are illegal in Canada. You would have to order online or pick one up in the statesQuote:
Originally Posted by mosquito
The insulated huts really do make a big difference. I went from my 9 year old clam nanook uninsulated to an otter lodge insulated and just not having the condensation is worth the extra money. I bring coat hangers with me now and hang my jacket and gloves up and they dry out by the time I leave. The weight difference is definitely noticeable, my clam is way easier to drag out ( on my Smitty ) , but the extra room , super comfortable seats plus being able to stand up inside is awesome. My nanook had a bare spot from where my rod tip would hit from hooksets.Quote:
Originally Posted by grab the net
Yup, My otter Lodge is the best ice fishing purchase I have made. I LOVE it! Is it heavy, YUP. But its so comfortable, and easy to set up/take down, so much room, and for the size/weight of it, easy to tow. The sleigh tows at high speeds like no other I've had, and it is tough as nails.Quote:
Originally Posted by FishinScuba