Ice Fishing Shanties, Shelters, and Tents
Ice fishing takes time - fish move slower in cold temperatures, so ice anglers must be patient to make a great catch. Long days on the ice can be bone-chilling, however, which is why many serious ice fishermen invest in an ice shanty, shelter, or tent.
What is an Ice Shanty?
An ice shanty, also known as an ice shack, ice house, fish house, or ice shelter, is a shelter used to protect anglers from the cold, wind, and other weather while ice fishing. Some shanties are fully constructed ice houses, while others are more like tents. Some ice shelters are insulated, while others simply protect from wind chill, rain, and snow.
Why Do I Need an Ice Shanty or Shelter?
You don’t necessarily need an ice tent or shelter, but having one will make your day of ice fishing much warmer and more convenient! With an ice shelter, you can stay warm while you fish, and even set up heaters inside. Without one, you’re stuck facing the elements rain or shine.
Most serious ice anglers will bring some sort of ice shelter to keep their gear safe and keep themselves warm. Some gear, like electric ice augers, need to be kept at a certain temperature to preserve battery. More importantly, ice shelters provide warmth and protection from the elements in extreme weather.
How To Choose an Ice Shelter
There are a few factors to consider when choosing an ice shelter, depending on your preferences. Fish307 has plenty of shelters, tents, and shanties available, so you can find the best choice for you.
Size
The number of people you’re fishing with and how much equipment you bring will determine what size ice fishing tent you should get. Most are categorized by the approximate number of people that can fit - 2 person, 4 person, 6 person, and 8 person are common sizes for ice shelters. You can also look at square footage to determine how much space you’ll need. Make sure that the shelter you buy can fit in your truck or whatever vehicle you use to transport it.
Style
There are some style choices to be made, like whether you want a tent or a hard shanty. You can also choose between insulated and non-insulated, flip over vs. not, and other elements like material and how portable it is. Some shelters also have a sled-base that makes it easy to transport.
Weight
Weight goes hand in hand with both size and the material of your ice shelter. Make sure your ice shanty isn’t too heavy for you to handle. Using a sled makes it easier to drag a shelter across the ice, but still be sure that you can handle the weight. An especially heavy duty shanty may also affect the how thick the ice needs to be for safety reasons.
Ice Shanty, Shelter, and Tent Accessories
Fish307 also stocks the necessary accessories for the set up and maintenance of ice shelters. We have installation tools, hitches for set up, and tear repair products to keep your ice shanty in top shape.