Reply by: littlemac      Posted: 10/28/2009 6:11:35 PM     Points: 378    

if you dont mind taking your reels off then plastic pipe like pvc works great to protect the rods.

 Reply by: Kb2      Posted: 10/28/2009 6:41:59 PM     Points: 31    

I use pvc pipe with my rods. I measure the length of my poles broke down, then I cut a 1 inch by 6 inch slot at one end so my real and line don't have to be removed. drill a half inch hole in both end caps and tie a bungee cord threw one end and glue it on the end with out the slot. Pull the other end of the bungee through the pipe, and tie it through the other end cap. You now have a rod and reel hard case that requires no tear down and no lost peices. I made 8 of these for aprox. $40.00

 Reply by: kevtater      Posted: 10/28/2009 7:02:05 PM     Points: 162    

Great Kb2, Thanks, that'll probably work great! Now any ideas for hauling them out on the ice, space is usually limited in a sled so a pile of pvc (as I have about 7 or 8 poles I always take) won't work there.

 Reply by: Kb2      Posted: 10/28/2009 7:20:21 PM     Points: 31    

Tie them side by side and add a lenght of rope and make them into a "sled" and drag all you gear on it. Just a quick thought.

Or fewer larger pipes and slot both ends and double up. 2 rods to one case

 Reply by: Curtis      Posted: 10/28/2009 7:22:52 PM     Points: 18    

Hey Kev, I use a combination of a bucket and PVC pipe. I cut short pieces of PVC (1 3/8" ID) and use Liquid Nails to glue them vertically in the bottom of the bucket. You can get about 5 or 6 spaced around the bottom of the bucket to allow your reels to fit. They also hold ice scoops. I did this a couple of years ago and it has worked great. It's easy to carry and then when I reach my spot, I flip it over and have my seat. I included a picture to go with the description.

 Reply by: Big Steev      Posted: 10/28/2009 7:28:15 PM     Points: 3    

I made one from abs pipe & fittings. used if for about 10 yrs now. The hole in the square part of the cap (can't see on photo but it's there) holds a large bolt to turn the cap off when it gets too tight. I usually don't have a pipe wrench when fishing. Super cheap!

 Reply by: Smoke Shack      Posted: 10/28/2009 9:45:09 PM     Points: 34    

Consider installing rod holders on your sled. The type that would normally get installed on a boat are cheep, two duel holders for $10 or $20.
pic shows holders mounted on snowmobile but i also have holders mounted to a the end of a Jet Sled (pull behind) that work well. You mught have to build out the mounting surface so they mount flush. You could also mount them on the outside of a bucket saving the interior for tackle and of course all the fish you'll catch.

good luck

 Reply by: kevtater      Posted: 10/28/2009 9:57:25 PM     Points: 162    

Don't know why I didn't think of that... lol good one. I'm going to install pole holders.

 Reply by: Walleye Guy      Posted: 10/29/2009 7:24:51 AM     Points: 11    

A hard side bow case with foam inset works well.

W G

 Reply by: JED      Posted: 10/29/2009 7:32:35 AM     Points: 3510    

If someone can come up with a good canvas type os case, I would love to make some of these... I have made a carrying case for shore fishing, you can carry up to 6 poles, each has its own slot.... I usually put my ice poles in a bucket, but then I have snow and a mess when I finally start fishing. I do like that pvc idea to

 Reply by: Mark403      Posted: 10/29/2009 7:33:01 AM     Points: 3057    

I've just been carrying them in my two 6 gal buckets loose but I like the ideas here!

 Reply by: Bradass80      Posted: 10/29/2009 7:50:17 AM     Points: 53    

I use a large plastic tote with a hinged lid and old skis mounted to the bottom to carry all my gear in. On the underside of the lid I've mounted rod holders, it keeps your rods nice and safe. It's super convenient because it pulls really nice out onto the lake and you always have something somewhat comfortable to sit on, plus you can keep beverages, lunch, flasher, and whatever else safe inside if the weather gets really nasty out. Brad.

 Reply by: Good Sam      Posted: 10/29/2009 1:09:20 PM     Points: 458    

I have numerous store bought cases that I use for storage at home and in the truck on the way to the ice, but when I get to the ice, I put my rods in pvc tubes that I mounted to the back of the sled. They are not rolling around in the bottom of the sled or in a bucket and the angle of the back of the sled seems to secure them in the tube very well. They didn't fall out at 30 mph on Wolford last year during the mad rush to reach our spot during the tournament. I might have to try and make some different cases for transport after seeing some of the ideas on here.

Steve

 Reply by: Two Ponies      Posted: 10/29/2009 1:44:40 PM     Points: 398    

I love the ingenuity you all are showing here. As many of you know I don't fish the ice. After 40 plus years as a Rancher and a Soldier I have no desire to subject myself to extreme elements any longer. However . . . How thick would the ice have to be in order for me to get this rig and two 1800 pound draft horses on the lake?

I have a close friend who owns property on Grand Lake and we were joking about storing this restored sheep wagon there to pull it out on the lake and watch some "Tip Ups' out the window with a fire going.

Two Ponies

 Reply by: Smoke Shack      Posted: 10/29/2009 2:25:21 PM     Points: 34    

What’s that, Grand Lake resort?
From what I HEAR, 8-10 inches of good ice will support a full size truck. Do the math.
I assume your kidding and that’s probably where that idea should end.

Nice buggy.

 Reply by: Two Ponies      Posted: 10/29/2009 2:43:54 PM     Points: 398    

Smoke Shack

Actually I was serious. . . The wagon weighs approximately 2600 pounds.
A pair of my small Belgian draft horses weighs 1600 to 1800 pounds each (two required). I have ridden on the frozen Yampa in Hells Canyon many times on a 1200 pound saddle horse. Factor in my gear and my big rear end and we were probably pushing 1450 pounds. Never bothered to check how thick the ice was. My horse would always turn back if he felt is was unsafe. I can't say that any of my teams would be that smart so I'll take your advice, stay of the ice and stay warm in my work shop building rods this winter.

Sorrry to get the thread off track. . . Keep those great ideas coming. I am enjoying all the differant ways to pack gear.

Thanks again for the honest advice,
Two Ponies

 Reply by: Covidiencowboy      Posted: 10/29/2009 2:53:55 PM     Points: 959    

Required: Slow and easy
Here's How:
1.Never go on the ice alone. Naturally occuring ice is unpredictable. Make sure you have proper safety equipment and a buddy.

2.Wear a personal flotation device (PFD) (buy now) under your winter gear. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources advises NOT to wear a PFD in a closed vehicle. The excess bulk may make it difficult to escape from a car - especially through a window.

3.Wear appropriate footwear. Crampons (buy now) are used to convert footwear for use on the ice. Some use metal spikes and some use cables - similar to tire chains.

4.Carry ice picks at all times. Put them in an accessible pocket where they will be easy to reach while floating in the water.

5.Carry a throw rope with you. You can buy one, or make one using an empty and clean plastic jug stuffed with nylon rope.

6.Stopping on ice is extremely difficult. When snowmobiling or driving in low-visibility conditions, go slow enough to be able to stop if you see something. Many vehicle accidents happen because the driver couldn't stop by the time he or she saw the hole in the ice.

7.When driving, remove your seatbelt (since you're going slow and easy) and your PFD (see Step 2). Keep your window rolled down to facilitate a quick escape if your car falls through the ice.

8.Make sure you know how to escape from ice, and that you know how to help someone escape ice.
Tips:
1.Gauging the strength of ice is very difficult. There is no such thing as 100% safe ice.
•Never walk or drive on cloudy ice
•Only go on clear, thick ice
•Spring ice is NEVER safe
•The thickness of ice is never consistent - it will be flat on top, but not on the bottom
•Snow on ice acts as an insulator - it makes ice warmer and weaker
•Extreme cold snaps will weaken the ice
•Ice formed over running water (rivers & streams) is more dangerous than ice formed over standing water (lakes & ponds)
2.General ice thickness guidelines from the Minnesota Department of Natural Services (new, clear ice only):
•Less than 2 inches - STAY OFF!
•4" and thicker - probably safe for walking and ice fishing on foot
•5" and thicker - probably safe for ATV or snowmobiling
•8-12" and thicker - probably safe for small cars or light pickups
•12-15" and thicker - probably safe for medium trucks
3.Noisy ice doesn't necessarily mean unsafe ice. It's just the layer of ice shifting and moving on top of the water.
4.The safety of ice is ever-changing. It depends on a multitude of factors.
•thickness
•age of the ice
•temperature
•snow cover
•depth of water under the ice
•size of the body of water under the ice
•water chemistry
•currents
•local climate
•distribution of weight on the ice
5.Your most important tool is common sense.

These are all general ice fishing tips I've used from internet sources.

 Reply by: Two Ponies      Posted: 10/29/2009 4:12:29 PM     Points: 398    

Great infoCovidiencowboy.


Does the ice on Grand Lake ever get to 12 inches?

Two Ponies

 Reply by: Smoke Shack      Posted: 10/29/2009 11:23:32 PM     Points: 34    

I've fished Grand Lake for years and it’s always measured thicker that 12" in most areas the exception being near the inlet where you would always find open water.

Since you've done this before I'm curious, is horse traction an issue? And if so what’s the solution.

If I find you out there with that buggy I’ll be sure to knock and say hi.

 Reply by: Two Ponies      Posted: 10/30/2009 12:36:22 AM     Points: 398    

Done this before?

Can't say I ever pulled a big Sheep Wagon on a frozen lake but I have skated around ice covered rivers and bogs horseback more times than I care to remember. Broke through a few times too.

We melt Borium on the bottoms of our Draft horses shoes and shape them in to cleats for icy conditions. Their hooves are so large (some as wide as 14-16 inches) that it makes them very sure footed by nature. I would also think that some snow pack over the ice would help as they are used to that.

This is an idea my friend and I kick around for fun but if I were to get serious I would consider mounting runners off of one of our hay sleighs to distribute the weight over a larger area and to make pulling through drifts easier. My desire to fish the ice isn't strong enough yet to get that serious but if it does I may consider one of those portable shed/sleds and a portable propane heater I see a lot of you ice guys use. I could dally off and drag one of those easy with a saddle horse.

I'll keep you posted if I get a wild hair up my rear to try this. Sure would be fun.

Two Ponies

 Reply by: Danny      Posted: 10/30/2009 1:10:17 AM     Points: 270    

Two Ponies, you have to try it sometime. Before last year I would have never imagined myself out there but it is a great way to fish until the water opens back up. I'm sure either JED or Mark 403 would take you out, sorry for volunteering you guys,lol. They took me out for the first time and I had a great time and was hooked instantly even though I got skunked. There where many days when I was on the ice in just a t-shirt but once the wind kicks up you need the comfort of an ice hut and then you are good. I have never had a heater in my hut,never gotten cold enough to need one yet but I'm sure that day will come. Mark and JED where fun to go out with until I heard the loud booms the ice makes and good ole Mark tells Johnny " We almost fell through with that one". When he said that I was a second away from making a mad dash back to shore. I'm sure my face was priceless,lol.

 Reply by: JED      Posted: 10/30/2009 7:47:16 AM     Points: 3510    

Danny,
You told the stroy good, but the look on your face was priceless, you were ready to run through the door of the hut and back to shore LOL. And then you finally catch your first "ice" fish, and he gets wrapped around Mark's camera cord.... That was a fun day..... I am looking forward to the ice, but the depression is coming, I HATE putting my boat up for the winter.... Unless were real busy I should be able to have it in the shop, so I can count down until ice off!!!!!!

 Reply by: kevtater      Posted: 10/30/2009 10:32:41 AM     Points: 162    

Sorry to take this thread off track, just kidding. But here's what I did, took a few of the ideas posted and combined them, I think it will work for now. There's got to be ways to do this without having to use a bucket, but anyway. I cut 4" pieces of pvc pipe with a half inch slot in each for the reel and mounted them around the outside of a bucket. I was going to just mount them straight to my sled, but couldn't come up with a good way to still be able to use my cover.

 Reply by: Smoke Shack      Posted: 11/2/2009 11:06:28 PM     Points: 34    

Kevtater,

Fine work.
Bet if you made a bunch folks would buy them.

see you out there

 Reply by: kevtater      Posted: 11/3/2009 1:20:30 AM     Points: 162    

Looking forward to it!

 Reply by: Ankrum      Posted: 11/3/2009 1:44:16 AM     Points: 313    

Kev, the only problem I could see with that is if you transport it in a sled behind a snowmobile or four wheeler. If you happen to roll the sled, which I did several times last year, the rods are sure to break because they're trapped in the holders. If you can load them on the snowmobile that'd be the way to go. Great rod holders though, I love the idea. I think I'm going with a backpack this year though, broke rods last year when the sled rolled haha.

 Reply by: kevtater      Posted: 11/3/2009 4:11:59 AM     Points: 162    

Ya I could see that being a problem, but I fish South Park almost exclusively. I pull a sled once a year with my ATV in Montana, and then we only fish with tip-ups.

 Reply by: Ankrum      Posted: 11/3/2009 4:16:56 AM     Points: 313    

Oh yea you're definitely set then. Should keep those rods from tangling and the hooks out of everything!

 Reply by: fish      Posted: 11/3/2009 4:18:56 AM     Points: 1961    

Great info Covidiencowboy. thanks for sharing. two ponies that's a great looking wagon. fish