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What Is The Best Ice Fishing Shelter In 2018?


Rick

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  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Creators

I'd like to get a handle on styles of ice fishing. If you could tell us a bit about the shelter you use and why I would appreciate it.

 

The why could include your style of fishing; run n gun vs staying put and everything in between. What type of fish you like to target. Size of lake(s) you fish and the general location in Minnesota you like to fish.

 

Have fun with this one and teach us a thing or two, please. 

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Well for me it's 2 style houses hub and flip over.

 

When it's just me I run and gun and move a lot pan fishing I have a Clam Legend XL works great fast take up set down. I only use this when alone which is about 80% of my fishing.

 

When my wife or parents are with I use a hub style I use a Otter cabin (smaller size) when it's me and the missus usually 2 holes only. sometimes tip ups outside.  This model has windows you can see out without standing up.

 

When my folks come along they need a little more room so I bought a Eskimo Quick fish 3 for them. They stay in there while the missus and I are in the Otter. I don't move to much with the hubs but usually I get bored fast and start going outside myself looking for the fish.

 

Space is a Issue for me so the one man fits in the car good and I can get 2 pop ups in the car when we all go.

All are thermal I will never ever go back on that ever  Warm wife means happy life for me.?

I have used 2 person flip overs before but never again to heavy and now I could not get one to fit in my vehicle.

 

Remember the Pak Shack??? I loved those great concept but did not last long.

 

Most of the lakes I fish are smaller lakes I travel roughly under 25 miles from where I live but last year went to lake Mary many times for ice by Alexandria fun trips.

 

Hope to hear more on this post good Idea Rick

Edited by mrpike1973
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  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Builders

Clam Voyager flip over and sled.  

Early and later ice, fast take down and setup when moving to new spots, can handle by myself and the FREEDOM to get the heck away from the crowds!  ?

 

 

 

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  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Builders

Well I use my Jason Mitchell flip over the two man, but I hardly use it as I am bouncing hole to hole chasing gills and crappies around. I focus on smaller lakes and fish the Princeton area most but Central Minnesota covers that too.

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  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Builders

Remember to look at tiny lakes or ponds as they can produce big fish. Just because no else fishes them it might be worth checking it out. 

I will be getting a new rod for panfish this year. I think I will take @IceHawk recommendation.

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Each day brings it's own set of challenges as far as a shelter is concerned. Most days,  I find myself braving the elements, doing a ton of hole hopping to stay on active fish. But there are those days, and even time of day when I will settle down and use a shelter. Right now, I own a few different houses, all get used at different times and places. 

If I'm going out by myself, trying to stay light... the Clam scout fits the bill nicely, though there isn't much elbow room...lol perfect for first and last ice or those windy days.  On outings where I need a little more room, or have extra gear with my Clam two man gets used... this is the house I keep ready to go and gets used most often. 

I guess it all depends on how you fish and how much room you require when your selecting the right shelter to fit your needs... 

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21 hours ago, monstermoose78 said:

 

I will be getting a new rod for panfish this year. I think I will take @IceHawk recommendation.

Me too buddy... but instead of buying them, I'm trying my hand at making a few..lol. I can never find a rod with the action I'm looking for... Even the high dollar customs fall a little short some days?

20181013_185248.jpg

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  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Builders
1 hour ago, Rick G said:

Me too buddy... but instead of buying them, I'm trying my hand at making a few..lol. I can never find a rod with the action I'm looking for... Even the high dollar customs fall a little short some days?

20181013_185248.jpg

So Rick you offering to make a moose a rod? 

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  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

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