Thread Rating:
  • 0 Vote(s) - 0 Average
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
ATV for ice fishing
#1
I just got a Clam fish trap Guide model flip type ice shelter. It will fish two people.

I assembled it and made a few mods (eyelets to tie anchors, etc.). The weight of the outfit without gear must be in the 90lb. range.

Now I am thinking about whether to get an ATV, like a quad wheeled type.

I've always used just a small sled and pulled it myself. I have never owned an ATV.

I would like those that have some experience with using ATVs for ice fishing to give some recommendations on what make, type, etc. would fit the task best.

I don't want to spend a lot, and am thinking a small cc, quad should be good enought for slow speed pulling a sled on the ice and getting it back to the truck/trailer. But I would want a fairly reliable machine, so don't have more work getting a failed machine off the ice.

Thanks for any info.[Smile]
[signature]
Reply
#2
new is the best way to go, you will get many years of reliable service with just the basic matinance.

I have an articat 400 cc. Top end is around 35 miles per hour. I use mine for ice fishing. I also use it for plowing the side road out to the main road in the winter.

the problem with Quads and snow is when it gets to deep you are stuck, ya you can dig your way back out, but it dosnt help if your trying to drive though 3 foot of snow to go ice fishing. With the plow I can keep a trail open for myself and for walkers who plan on meeting me out there.

If you dicide to go with a lighter and smaller cc quad, remember to make sure you have either a realy short front to rear wheel base or a fair axle base clearance. The higher the bottom is from the snow or the closer the wheels are together the better you will get though the snow.

They are also great for odd jobs around the house and deer hunting.

Do not get an air cooled quad, they require you to go a minimum speed in order to keep the motor cool, The one I have is cooled hydrolicaly. "radiator and hydrolic oil flows though it to cool the engin" Mine weight 670 pounds before adding the plow, Chains and what nots that haul out with me when I leave the house.

even with a smaller unit you will want a minimum of a foot of ice before you drive out on the ice.
[signature]
Reply
#3
My Arctic Cat 375 4x4 has been a real help pulling the ice shack across the ice. And also to haul grandkids over the ice to our favorite spot. Comes in real helpful on the elk hunt. Pretty much an all-season machine. I sure enjoy mine.
[signature]
Reply
#4
[Smile]Thanks to Daveclown and hookit for the responses. Really gives me some good info and food for thought on possibly using an ATV for ice fishing. Some things I never thought of.
[signature]
Reply
#5
Its common to find 3M and me running across the ice on my old 250sx 3 wheeler (one rear wheel chained up for traction) with everything except a kitchen sink in tow. (usually pulling a completely loaded jet sled and a shanty,, or two.. It easily handles the load and snowy/icy boat ramps arent a problem.. If the snow is over 3 inches deep we usually use my snowmobile..
[signature]
Reply
#6
my dad when he was in to ice fishing he had big red.

if it werent for a bunch brainless those bikes would still be in production. I liked it, it would go though snow where my quad wouldnt dare to travel.

the unit is lighter so it rides higher in the snow, the big wide thee foot baloon tires also keeps it higher and all the knobies on them gave the rear two wheel drive all the get up and go any ride would need.

I would highly recomend Big Red. its a great ride, stong and so long as your not going to play chicken and drive head on in to another big red and you dont try to do 35 mile an hour donuts its a perfectly safe and usefull tool...
[signature]
Reply
#7
Thanks to Coldfooter and Daveclown for the additional info. Still checking things out (especially finances) before taking the leap, but I'm salting the info away to help with a decision later on. Thanks again, and good luck this ice fishing season!
[signature]
Reply
#8
Honda Rancher 4x4 use to work well in snow and mud... I never did plow with it, but it was definately a beast climbing up hills to go deer hunting.... To me, Honda makes the best fourwheelers, it seems like they last longer than their competition.... I owned mine for 5 years and didn't have problem with it....
[signature]
Reply
#9
I have a Honda Rancher 4x4. Its always been a great machine. I haven't had it on the ice yet but some of our lakes are getting thick enough now to start thinking about it.
[signature]
Reply


Forum Jump:


Users browsing this thread: 2 Guest(s)