Thursday 27 February 2014

Rent Or Buy Your Own Ice Fishing Fish House

By Leticia Jensen


Ice fishing used to be a getaway for only the hardiest souls willing to sit on a bucket or huddle in a lean-to, while perched over a fishing hole. With an ice fishing fish house, no need to leave your favorite spot to get rest and food. Anglers can rent or buy their own custom designed shelter. Modern shelters are carpeted and heated with comfy furniture and kitchen appliances.

Battery operated generators support TV's, ovens and microwaves, refrigerators, bathrooms, heated showers, stereo systems, satellite dishes, and fireplaces. When not being used as a fishing shelter, they can be placed in the woods for a hunting cabin. There are many choices of design with many options to choose from including vaulted ceilings and bay windows.

All shelters are built with several fishing holes cut into the floor. Traditional shelters are loaded onto ski-like runners and pulled onto the ice. Anglers must choose their spot carefully because they're difficult to move. Newer styles are transported on wheels. Hydraulic lifts place larger homes on the ice. Follow local regulations to be sure you're placing your shelter on thick enough ice to support the weight. Larger homes can weigh more than 6000 pounds.

Keep bait and the day's catch fresh with built-in aquariums. Check lake-mapping maps from your smart phone when deciding on a location. Underwater cameras and sonar fish-finders alert anglers to fish movements. While waiting for fish to travel your way, anglers can relax in their heated shelter, sitting on a comfortable couch, enjoying hot meals and watching TV.

You don't have to buy your own house to enjoy an ice fishing adventure. Local resorts rent shelters from basic models with heat, carpeting, and comfy couches, to deluxe models with beds, showers, appliances and TV. They plow roads so anglers can drive right up to the door of their rented shelter. Many also offer shore to door shuttle service. Stay for a day, a couple days, or enjoy a weeks vacation camping out on the ice.

Last year there were over 5,500 houses on Mille Lacs Lake in Minnesota. Many popular locations are populated by a mini-city during the season which usually begins in December and ends in March. Many rentals have their own bathrooms. Satellite toilet facilities are stationed on the ice for those in more basic models.

Check local conditions and follow regulations for placing shelters on lakes. Local experts know where swift currents run that can weaken the ice cover. Winds can break up thinning ice leaving anglers stranded on ice floes needing rescue for themselves, their homes, and their vehicles. A quick warming spell can take even the experienced by surprise. Environmental regulations require speedy recovery of sunken vehicles and homes. This usually requires the assistance of professional rescue teams that deploy divers, and sometimes helicopters to lift heavier items. If you own your own home, buy insurance. Be safe rather than sorry.

Some resorts offer hauling assistance to anglers wanting to place their own home on the ice. Experienced fishermen teach newcomers how to bait and catch fish. Rental homes are usually carpeted, heated, and furnished, with 2-8 holes cut in the floor. Rent a basic unit then head home or to a local motel for the night. Or rent a deluxe shelter with beds, stove, refrigerator, shower, and TV for an overnight or longer stay.




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