Hey there my fellow ice fishers and welcome to my post where we will take a look at my three best ice fishing sleds to slide your gear along the ice with this winter. Successful ice fishing can require a bit of equipment but carrying them across the ice can be hard work.
As a result, many ice anglers use sleds to make the job easier. Now I have to admit that finding a good sled for your ice fishing style is generally not a difficult task (with many opting for home made versions), however I have had a look around and come up with three good options below.
Let’s check them out…
My three recommended ice fishing sleds
I will review these in more detail below, but if you just want to get moving without all the carry-on my recommended products are listed here for your convenience:
| Â | Ice Fishing Sleds | Price | Get it |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Shappell Jet Ice Fishing Sled | $ | CURRENT PRICE |
 | Flexible Flyer Utility Pull Sled | $$ | CURRENT PRICE |
 | Otter Pro Sled | $$$ | CURRENT PRICE |
What are ice fishing sleds?
Ice sleds are designed to be dragged across thick snow or ice and are helpful for ice anglers as they allow them to move their ice fishing gear from the car to their fishing spot. Instead of bringing a backpack to carry your other gear, such as your ice fishing auger, rods, reels and seats etc., putting them into the ice fishing sled can be a more practical choice.
What should you be looking for?
The following considerations can assist when looking for a decent ice fishing sled:
- Type
- Carrying capacity
- Durability
- Portability
- Towing options
- Additions
Type
Fishing sleds come in different forms, performing specific functions and even though there is a recommended type for ice fishing, it is still good for you to be familiar with the other types available:
- Toboggan: The majority of ice fishing sleds are toboggans. They are generally spacious enough to contain your ice fishing equipment and can be easily pulled manually or by a vehicle with its rectangular body.
- Tube: This is an inflatable sled and although not totally suitable for ice fishing, can work. They are fun for the kids as well.
- Saucer: Saucer sleds may be used for ice fishing, but their shape limits how much gear you can place into it.
Carrying capacity
Even though the universal type of sled for ice fishing is the toboggan, they still come in various sizes that determine their carrying capacity. For this feature, you should identify the gear you would bring with you then compare to the dimensions of the product you will buy.
Typically, hand-tow sleds have a lesser carrying capacity. Nevertheless, they can hold your buckets, bait, ice auger, and catch. Machine-haul sleds on the other hand offer more space since they have bigger dimensions.
Durability
The sled’s durability is determined by the type of material used in creating it. Since you will drag the product in considerable distances, loaded with a lot of weight, you have to look for an ice fishing sled that can take the beating. The good news here is most sleds today are made from super-tough polyethylene.
Aside from the quality of the material, you must also consider buying ice sleds that have reinforced runners. These also add some layer of protection to the sled’s bottom where the punishment occurs.
Portability
Ice sleds equipped with reinforced runners are the perfect choice for this feature. The runners make pulling the sled on compacted snow and ice a lot easier with improved tracking and they also perform well on short paved sections, such as crossing a road.
Towing options
Although hand-pulled sleds work – and are the most popular – they will require more effort on your part, and you cannot bring them to great distances. The best ice fishing sleds however are those that can be towed by your vehicle, whether it is a snowmobile, ATV or 4×4.
Additions
Other potential additions include:
- Travel covers: As you are hauling the sled, you might want to use travel covers that add another layer of protection for your equipment.
- Hitch pockets: These pockets are molded into the product and allow you to connect your sled to a vehicle for long-distance hauling.
- Modifications: Common modification improvements include the addition of tow-bars, bungee cord tie-downs, rod holders or just about anything else you may need.
My three recommendations broken down
So based on the information above and my own experience, I recommend the following options:
1. Shappell Jet Ice Fishing Sled
This first option is durable, affordable and spacious enough to keep your ice fishing arsenal safe on the ice. It is versatile and a good buy for any ice angler looking for a good base model. See its specifications below:
- Brand: Shappell
- Type: Toboggan
- Construction: Polyethylene
- Dimensions: 54 x 26 x 10 inches
- Weight: 12 pounds
- Capacity: Above 150 pounds
Other inclusions:
- Molded runners
- Floatable
- Snow machine compatible
Why have I chosen it?
The sled is equipped with molded runners that give it extra-tough stability and the specially contoured hull allows for easy hand pulling. This product is well-balanced, whether on flat or hilly terrain and its multi-purpose design gives you more options for using it whenever you’re out angling in the winter.
2. Flexible Flyer Utility Pull Sled
My next option is a high-quality ice fishing sled built to meet the demands of the winter environment. The manufacturers offer two options: a 48-inch and a 60-inch sled either of which will make hauling your belongings a breeze. Moreover, its hull is specially-contoured, making it easy to pull by hand. See its specifications below:
- Brand: Flexible Flyer
- Type: Toboggan
- Construction: High-density polyethylene (HDPE)Â
- Dimensions: 46 x 21 x 8 inches
- Weight: 2.5 pounds
- Capacity: 48-inch sled – 125 pounds; 60-inch sled – 208 pounds
Other inclusions:
- Molded grooves
- Reinforced outer lip
- Tow rope
Why have I chosen it?
This ice sled will make moving your essential ice fishing equipment relatively easy with molded grooves on the bottom that add strength and stability on the ice and snow. It is also a good option for hunting and camping as well.
3. Otter Pro Sled
The next ice fishing sled is recognized as one of the toughest available in the market today. It is spacious and multi-purpose with a design intended to take any kind of beating ice fishing has to offer. See its specifications below:
- Brand: Otto
- Type: Toboggan
- Construction: 100% Roto-Molded Polyethylene Construction
- Dimensions: ‎56 x 28.5 x 13 inches (Available in larger sizes)
- Weight: 16 pounds (Available in larger sizes)
- Capacity: Above 150 pounds
Other inclusions:
- Raised rear cargo
- Hitch pockets
Why have I chosen this?
This ice fishing sled guarantees stability, security and ease of transport. It is constructed using roto-molding technology (same used in kayaks) that guarantees impressive durability with a raised rear to ensure your gear will not drop overboard as you pull it to your fishing spot. The sled is even equipped with molded-in hitch pockets for hauling purposes. This is great option for ice fishers with a bit more to carry.
Conclusion
And there they are, my three best ice fishing sleds to slide your gear along the ice with this winter. As always, I hope it has been helpful and let me know of your experiences with them.
Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, corrections or would like me to check anything else out for you.
Until next time
Have fun
Paul
