Though this might sound complicated, it’s not, and you can actually build one with ease!
DIY Homemade Ice Fishing Sled Ideas
- by Josh Hassell
- February 21, 2022
Table of Contents
If you’re out ice fishing, it might become tiring to carry your rods, baits and the rest of your gear after a while. One of the best solutions for this is having an ice fishing sled.
How to Make a Homemade Ice Fishing Sled
Creating the Ideal Design
Before you get into any actual building, you need a clear idea and image of what you want to make. Think about what you wish your sleigh to look like.
They can be simple or complex, and it depends on your needs and preferences. For starters, think about what pieces of gear you want to carry on it. A simple model can serve you as a mobile storage to help you carry all your stuff while something bigger can also be used as a shelter.
It’s also crucial to think about how much snow there is and what’s the temperature like.
Getting Necessary Equipment
There are some items you can’t do this without so you should pay particular attention to getting them just right. Here’s the most important stuff you’ll need to build an ice fishing sleigh:
- A snow sledge
- Screws
- Bolts
- Drill
- Waterproof adhesive buttons
- Waterproof cover
- Steel pipes
Make sure to think about how big you want the sleigh to be. Knowing this in advance will help you decide on measurements of the steel pipes and the cover.
The steel pipe should be at least 12-feet in length, although you can adjust it all to the size of the sledge you’re building.
A waterproof cover is also important to keep all your gear protected from the snow. However, this has to fit perfectly so measure the base and get a cover that’s twice as big.
Assembling the Structure
The pipe length has to be the right for your sledge. Double check that before you curve it on both ends using a pipe bender.
You should then bolt the sled and the pipe together by the holes you drilled at each end of both.
Integrating the Cloth
Remember the waterproof cover we mentioned? Well, you want to attach it with some screws or waterproof adhesive for security.
Leave one end open that would allow you to put stuff in and out of the sledge. However, for extra protection, cover the entire sleigh by just adding buttons to one end of your cover. This would allow you to protect the inside of it at times, while still being able to leave it open when needed.
Accessorizing the Sled
This is something optional and up to you to do in any way you like.
For example, mount a storage bin, a cooler or anything else you think you might need. Still, make sure you place the entire load equally on both sides to keep the sled balanced.
Final Thoughts on Homemade Ice Fishing Sled
As you can see, building an ice sledge isn’t as hard as it might appear at first. You just need a few items and the right tools before you too can make one at home.
There’s something about making this by yourself that makes it better than those you buy at professional stores. Not only this is a more budget-friendly way, but you also get to make and personalize the kind of sled you want.
Josh Hassell
There's nothing better than going out to the lake early in the morning, and catching some fish! Like many other anglers, I find fishing to be very therapeutic. I've been fishing since I was about 10 years old, and fell in love ever since. I hope to share my expertise and knowledge with the community, and help everyone become better anglers.
