Ice Fishing atv - Polaris Sportsman

[Bass Thumb 165]

I'm looking to be a little more mobile next season to get after those bluegills and walleyes. I'm going to go with an ATV, an enclosed 12-14' trailer to haul to the landing (not behind the ATV), and an Otter XT Pro Lodge.

I would love a $20,000 quad but I need to pay off my student loans first. I'm looking to stay in the $5,000-8,000 range, but I'm willing to be flexible for fishing!

I almost always fish with my dad. We are both tall and a little heavy. Our combined weight is 500 pounds. We have been using Clam Kenai Thermal sleds.

We fish around St. Cloud and Mille Lacs, and I prefer large bodies of water away from prying eyes.

The question: is the Polaris Sportsman an ideal fit for this? Would the 450 or 570 ($1500 extra) be better? What should I look for in an ice fishing 4-wheeler? What should I stay away from? Is power steering worth the extra money?

Thanks again, guys. Any and all advice is welcome.

[Horseshoe_Don 227]

I have a sportsman 570.  Love it.   Power steering is a waste for ice fishing.   I also have an older 250 4x4 for early season ice fishing that only weighs half as much.  450 is carbureted (or was) and 570 is fuel injection, both would have enough power.   Personally not  fan of quads.

 

Don

[knoppers 58]

see my post in HSO

[IceHawk 632]

I run a 400 sportsman and the thing has been bullet proof gets me around fine in most situations and by adding chains to the rear you will be able to go through plenty of snow and pull a load. 

[JollyJoker 1]

BT, I would go this direction if I were in your shoes. A SxS (side by side) is way better for what you want:

2015 Honda Pioneer 500 yellow one owner. Roughly 1000k miles. Honda hard roof, Honda hardcoated windshield, Honda soft rear panel and doors, Honda rear bed. Ssv overhead stereo, strongmade fornt bumper with terra 35. ITP wheels, Maxxis cerros 26x10 all 4 corners. Good shape, ridden not abused.
$8000obo 

This is in IL but I have see some closer in our state.

Just throwing out another idea for you.