Recommended Equipment

[fishhawk]

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

[genec]

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.

[rick_iles]

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..

[thunderbelly]

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.

[fishhawk]

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..

WOW never thought of that, how thick of ice can it drill thru and where are the parts sold? Thanks this is really interesting.

[huntnmachine]

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!

[rick_iles]

WOW never thought of that, how thick of ice can it drill thru and where are the parts sold? Thanks this is really interesting.

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.

http://stores.clamoutdoors.com/drill...rsion-kit.html

http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/0777854P.html

[grab the net]

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

[BIG MAC]

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.

[sabmgb]

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.