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Building Your Own Ice Fishing Shanty
from: There are a huge number of models and styles of available for pre-made options for an ice fishing shanty. Most of these designs are portable and can be fully or partially collapsed for easy moving off and onto the ice surface. Some of the pre-fabricated ice fishing shanty designs also have their own skids or sled runners to make moving the building as simple as possible, while some may be actual trailers. An ice fishing shanty is different than an ice fishing house which is a permanent structure that is typically built on the lake and left in place for the winter.If you want to be a bit more adventurous or try designing a custom ice fishing shanty it isn`t hard to do on your own. Most home designed and made ice fishing shanty buildings can be made for under $100.00, especially if you already have some of the basic carpentry supplies around the house or shop. A prefabricated ice fishing shanty can cost significantly more than this with additional features all adding to the price of the final product.
There are many websites that offer basic plans for simple to construct portable and permanent ice fishing shanties. Typically the ice fishing shanty will include a door, windows and interior lighting, a wood stove or alternate source heater, fold down benches or permanent benches and storage area for extra gear and tackle.
Ice fishing shanties may be large enough to stand in and comfortable move around in for one or two people, and even for larger groups. It is important to keep in mind that the larger shanty styles will take more to heat as well as will possibly need additional people to move it around. In larger shelters it is also important to consider the position of the heater in regards to where the benches or ice fishing area will be. A heater is generally best positioned on the end, evenly positioned between where anglers will sit to fish. This serves two purposes in that the heat is evenly distributed and the heat is also effective in preventing ice build up over the holes.
Finally, a wood and canvas ice fishing shanty is not as durable as solid construction, but is much easier to transport and move around on the ice than an ice fishing house. They can be just as warm and comfortable inside, although in extremely windy conditions the canvas or tarp may have a tendency to rip or tear if it becomes loose, so be sure to bring additional tacks or staples to complete any necessary repairs.
Ice Fishing News