| An ice fishing house can greatly improve your | | | | Here are several factors to consider when |
| ability to jig, anticipate strikes and stay alert in the | | | | shopping for a portable ice fishing shanty. |
| most extreme weather conditions. With the | | | | - Figure out how much room you need, including |
| addition of a small flameless heater you're your | | | | whether or not you'll be always fishing solo, and |
| ready to fish the entire day. By closing the | | | | choose accordingly. Bigger ice fishing houses mean |
| windows of an ice house you will be able to see | | | | more weight. |
| fish in water up to about five feet during daylight | | | | - Look for high-quality construction, including thick, |
| hours. This is a great asset when on the back | | | | rip-resistant material along with length of |
| waters of the Mississippi river as you can see | | | | warranty. |
| how the fish are reacting to your bait or jigging | | | | - Dark-colored ice fishing huts will attract more |
| motion. | | | | heat from the sun and block out more sunlight, |
| With more and more manufacturers producing | | | | which will allow you to see deeper into the water. |
| portable houses, the competition is driving the | | | | - Windows are necessary for monitoring tip ups |
| prices down each season, along with driving | | | | and allowing light into the shanty. Ensure that they |
| features and quality up. Just like serious fisherman | | | | are at the correct height, and that flaps or |
| need a boat, so does the serious ice fisherman | | | | tiebacks exist. |
| depend upon a shelter for protection from the | | | | - The bottom of the ice-shanty or sled part must |
| elements. An ice fishing house also provides a | | | | be built tough and easy to pull through the snow. |
| means to easily haul equipment on the ice. | | | | - Seating isn't always provided and five-gallon |
| There are two types of ice fishing houses on the | | | | bucks will work. Most fishermen use these |
| market; conventional cabin style and flip-over. The | | | | buckets anyways to stow their equipment. If a |
| cabin style houses such as a Frabill Hideout are | | | | built-in seat is included, make sure it will not hinder |
| lightweight, easy to pull, and easy to load and | | | | your type of fishing. |
| unload from a pick up. While a flip over is heavier | | | | - Don't forget to ask about the manufactures |
| built in seating and storage is available. | | | | warranty and terms. |