Ice Fishing Sleds: The Easiest Way to Haul Winter Fishing Gear

Ice fishing is popular for a reason – it’s a deeply rewarding, challenging, and fun endeavor. However, from fishing poles and bait to heaters and shelter, it needs a lot of gear. Enter the ice fishing sled, the easiest way to haul everything you need for your ice fishing trip.

Choosing the right sled, however, takes some consideration. Generally, a good sled will not only make it easier to transport your gear but will also protect it from the elements. This handy guide to the best ice fishing sleds ranks the most popular models from most affordable to most expensive. 

1. Terrain Utility Sled

The Terrain Utility Sled is a budget-friendly option made from durable polyethylene. The design enables it to hold a large amount of gear and its molded runners help it glide smoothly over the ice. The Terrain Utility Sled is available in a variety of sizes. too, so you can choose the one that best fits your personal needs.

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2. Shappell Jet Sled

Another affordable ice fishing sled is The Shappell Jet Sled. The high-density polyethylene makes it a rugged, sturdy option. Its ribbed bottom helps it glide over ice and the molded runners on the bottom add overall stability. The Shappell Jet Sled also levels up the convenience with a unique tow rope system that lets you easily attach the ice fishing sled to an ATV or snowmobile.

3. Otter Pro Sled

If you can invest a bit more, the Otter Pro Sled is a great middle option with a few added features. It’s made from rugged polyethylene and has a high-back design to keep your gear in place. A reinforced bottom provides additional durability. The Otter Pro Sled’s tow hitch allows you to easily attach it to your snowmobile or ATV for extra easy hauling. 

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4. Clam Outdoors X400 Thermal 4-6 Person Ice Fishing Shelter

If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line, premium ice fishing sled, why not get one that doubles as an actual ice fishing shelter? The Clam Outdoors X400 Thermal 4-6 Person Ice Fishing Shelter does exactly that. As a sled, it offers extra protection for your ice fishing gear. A built-in bench seat doesn’t diminish a roomy section that can haul a lot of equipment. When used as a shelter, a thermal skin keeps up to six people warm. That may sound like a big, bulky, heavy option, but a tow hitch means your ATV or snowmobile can do the heavy lifting. 

Whatever your budget or size requirements, when it comes to choosing an ice fishing sled there are a few general things to consider. 

First, the sled must be made from durable materials like polyethylene. You’ll also want to look for a sled with a deeply designed molded runner on the bottom since both of these will help the sled to glide smoothly over the ice. It’s also a good idea to decide whether you need a sled with a tow hitch since that can make hauling your ice fishing gear much easier. 

The size of the sled is another major consideration. Though a larger sled can hold more gear, it can also be harder to maneuver on the ice. A smaller sled is easier to handle, but may not be able to hold all of your gear. It’s important to choose a sled that’s the right size, meaning it strikes the balance between maneuverability and storage capacity.

In conclusion, a quality ice fishing sled can make all the difference on an ice fishing expedition. Whether you’re on a budget or able to splurge, there are plenty of options available.