Last year was my fish year on the ice, and I’m addicted. Living in Cincinnati, my ice season will be short, and my lake options very limited (mostly small lakes). Most lakes are a long drive, and a shelter would enable me to stay on the ice for an extended amount of time (justify the long drive).
A client gave me some unexpected Home Depot gift cards for some network help, and I’m thinking of using them for a flip over ice shelter (they sell a few Clam models). I’m looking at the Scout or Nanook. I actually like the Frabill shelters a little better, but I’m limited to what I can purchase at Home Depot.
About 75% of my fishing will be solo, but I do like the “social” aspect of ice fishing. A two man shelter would enable me to bring a close friend (I realize it will be a tight fit), or even the wife. Also, offer a lot more room for solo fishing.
My main concern is dragging a flip over shelter. I’m reasonably healthy, and have dragged my kayak all over Ohio. But I’m not sure how difficult it is to drag a flip over shelter? Is it even worth the effort?
Second, how much more difficult will it be to drag the 2 man vs the 1 man (about 30lbs difference) when I go solo?
Simple. It IS worth it..... either way. The way i see it, only one guy will be dragging at a time anyway and on small lakes/ponds there is never too far of a haul to get set up. If you are young and healthy, go for comfort. If you can spend the coins, i would go bigger. Sleds drag MUCH EASIER on snow than any kayak i have hauled through the grass and stone. Just my opinion anyway. Now if you were stuck between buying a shelter and a flasher.................... flasher. period
I would go with the two person. If you go alone you have plenty of room. It will also be easier to get someone to go if they will be warm. There are posts about smitty sled that make dragging easier. I use a over the shoulder deer drag, it makes it better for me.
I use a pulling harness made by clam so dragging is hands free. I made my two man a one man and I have lots of space. If someone wants to fish with me I can always put my seats back to accommodate an extra person. I really need to make myself a smitty sled for long drags through deep snow.
I also agree, two men all the way. I once had a small one man shanty and while it was easier to heat I was totally cramped after 3 hours and had to get out just to stretch. My new pop up is a 6 man and while it takes roughly 10 minutes or so to put up after I'm in I have sooo much room I love it!
OK thanks for the reply. I was thinking of just using bag chairs. I need something for my back. Mine will be used inland some on a smitty sled. But mostly towed on Erie. So wasn't really worried about the weight.
Hyfax will make i easier to pull. Best of both worlds is a Schappell fx150. It is a one man, but roomy. It is the two man sled, yet oriented to sit on long ways. It gives you height for hook setting, and makes the floor/ice area more roomy when pulled over.
I use the seat base supplied with nanook and just add a high back boat seat. The seats the nanook come with are throw away junk seats. I love having the high back boat seat comfort.
I have the nanook and use it about 70% two people 30% by myself....i just leave the regular seats in it and have no problems....look at it as a tight 2 man or really nice big 1 man...
It seems like you only have one seat base and you can probably order a new seat base from clam and then add a nice seat. I drilled holes in between the original holes take out a seat and move my seat to the middle. Lots more room and your centered
The one seat was moved to the middle. It is an older fish trap. I have one complete seat system and the seat and the slide rails for the other. I am missing the angle mounts for the rails to the tub and the attachment from the seat to the rails. I haven't looked to see if clam makes one that will work yet. They no longer make parts for mine. The Nanook parts may work. My tub is 3x5.
I think I found the seat slides. I may just have to fabricate the rest. Working on a tow bar now for it. Not paying 50-75 bucks for 10 bucks worth the stuff.
Got the same problem Rooster. Went out one year and addicted every since. I bought the nanook for the price.Seats are hard on the rear end after sitting a while. This year i'm swapping mine out for boat seats.I'm from the east side, amelia. To ice fish i have to drive. Usually up to C.J. Brown .But only ice in town. Usually meet up with a couple others from here. We get some ice , give a shout and we can meet up. Always good to have others out on the ice with you.
I really like the Nanook (looks perfect for me), but I don’t think that it will fit in my SUV. I’m limited to 42” x 55” of cargo space, and the sled on the Nanook is 61” long. Now, I might be able to shove it in there… depending on the shape of the sled. But, at 80lbs that doesn’t sound very practical. I’m going with the Clam Scout XL TC.
If the wife is really serious about ice fishing, I will just purchase a pop-up shelter, and drag it on the Scout.
Toyota FJ Cruiser…..55” from cargo door (inside) to the bottom of rear seats folded down.
I might be able to squeeze a few inches if the lip of the sled clears the top rear seat, but I can’t imagine that I could make-up the necessary 6”s. ...
Will it fit in on an incline, with one end sitting up on top of the vertical folded seat rather than “flat” on the cargo area? Is there enough room to still clear the roof liner that way? May need some extra support dunnage underneath it towards the middle.
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