If you love your ice fishing, a portable ice fishing shelter is the perfect way to make yourself comfortable and homely on the ice. There are cabins and huts available and the designs have come a long way over the last decade. Where a shelter was once a shed on a trailer, the modern day models are comfortable and accessorized.
An ice fishing cabin is made to take one or two men. If you have a lot of equipment you may need a two man even if you fish alone. For two or more people and equipment you would be better off investing in a portable cabin, which can take from four to six men.
It’s important to make sure you will have enough head room in your shelter. There really is nothing worse than being stooped over for the entire day with restrictions on your movement. Shelters are usually made from nylon, cotton or canvas and the thicker the fabric, the more durable the shelter.
Tent-like shelters are available that way around 25 lbs and will fit easily into a back pack. These models can be erected in under a minute so you can be set up and ready to catch some fish in no time.
Ventilation is vital, especially if you are going to be using a heater. You want there to be at least one window in the portable ice fishing shelter you choose to allow light and fresh air to enter. There should also be more than one mesh, flap-like air vent. A quality shelter will have window flaps that you can adjust from the inside to allow as much light and air in as you like.
If the portable shelter is a cabin style, it may include seating, inside pockets, bucket holders and rod holders. Make sure these are all made from heavy duty materials to take the necessary weight.
In some areas it is also required by law that ice fisherman display their licenses outside their shelters. If this is the case, there are shelters available that have a pocket to display and protect licenses.
The best way to shop for your perfect shelter is to write a list of everything you need when you fish. Look carefully at the design and visualize how and where you would organize yourself and your equipment. If in doubt, opt for one with a little extra space rather than ending up too cramped and feeling frustrated.
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