A sled can be helpful for ice fishing. Here’s some factors to consider when selecting the best ice fishing sled.
If the weather permits, sometimes all of your basic ice fishing gear can fit in a 5 gallon bucket, which then doubles as a seat. However, when you also need a portable hut, heater, fuel, power auger, and a large thermos of coffee, you’ll want the best ice fishing sled.
Ice fishing sleds actually look like a small boat rather than a toboggan-type sled. With solid bottoms and sides that may be 8 inches high, they could also be helpful with transporting other stuff over snow such as firewood. Usually, they are just pulled by hand using a rope but if ice thickness allows, northern anglers may use a snow mobile.
A list of the top 10 ice fishing sleds would probably have to include some DIY versions. Even a large ice fishing sled can be crafted out of wood, PVC, or other stuff you might have laying around in back of the garage. The one handed down to me was built by putting together two kid snow sleds.
Top 10 ice fishing sleds often include rod holders to help protect fragile rod tips. If the sled is to be towed by a snow mobile or 4-wheeler, a cover is a good idea to prevent snow from being thrown all over your gear. Additionally, straps are helpful especially if towing long distances because ice is not always smooth.
Expense can factor into determining the best ice fishing sled, but if you aren’t very handy (a-hem) by the time you consider your time, you may just want to consider choosing from a variety of sleds on the market. A “Jet Sled,” for example, is not rapidly self-propelled, but rather a common brand of ice fishing sled with a contoured hull and molded runners.
The best ice fishing sled, can be anything that helps you transport gear across ice and snow, from Point A to Point B, with the least amount of friction. It should be durable and yet not take up more room than necessary while in storage.
