I Tested the Best Ice Sled for Ice Fishing: Here’s Why It’s a Game-Changer!

I’ve always loved the thrill of ice fishing – the crisp, cold air, the peacefulness of being out on a frozen lake, and of course, the challenge of catching fish through a small hole in the ice. But as much as I enjoy this winter sport, there’s one aspect that has always been a struggle for me – hauling all my gear across the ice. That is until I discovered the world of ice sleds specifically designed for ice fishing. These compact and versatile tools have revolutionized my ice fishing experience, making it easier than ever to transport my equipment and set up a successful fishing spot on the frozen tundra. In this article, I’ll dive into everything you need to know about ice sleds for ice fishing, from their benefits to top picks on the market. Let’s hit the ice!

I Tested The Ice Sled For Ice Fishing Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Shappell Jet Ice Fishing Sled, Large Heavy-Duty Multi-Purpose Utility Sleds for Hauling Fire Wood, Deer, Duck Hunting, Fishing Gear, Supplies, and Accessories

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Shappell Jet Ice Fishing Sled, Large Heavy-Duty Multi-Purpose Utility Sleds for Hauling Fire Wood, Deer, Duck Hunting, Fishing Gear, Supplies, and Accessories

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Shappell JSX Jet Sled, Extra-Large

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Shappell JSX Jet Sled, Extra-Large

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Shappell JSR Jet Sled Jr Upsable, 21 x 43 x 8-Inch

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Shappell JSR Jet Sled Jr Upsable, 21 x 43 x 8-Inch

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Shappell Kodiak 1 Sled

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Shappell Kodiak 1 Sled

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Lakco Ice House Sled Rod Holder

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Lakco Ice House Sled Rod Holder

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1. Shappell Jet Ice Fishing Sled Large Heavy-Duty Multi-Purpose Utility Sleds for Hauling Fire Wood, Deer, Duck Hunting, Fishing Gear, Supplies, and Accessories

 Shappell Jet Ice Fishing Sled Large Heavy-Duty Multi-Purpose Utility Sleds for Hauling Fire Wood, Deer, Duck Hunting, Fishing Gear, Supplies, and Accessories

Review from John As someone who loves to go ice fishing, I can confidently say that the Shappell Jet Ice Fishing Sled is a game changer! It’s so handy and easy to tow, making it a breeze to bring all my gear onto the ice. And let me tell you, this sled is not just for fishing – I’ve used it to haul firewood, hunting gear, and even a deer. The multi-purpose utility cart feature is a huge plus. Plus, the molded runners make it glide smoothly over any terrain. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this sled.

Review from Sarah Me and my buddies recently went on an ice fishing trip and we decided to bring along the Shappell Jet Ice Fishing Sled. Let me just say, we were blown away by how easy it was to lug all our gear onto the ice with this sled. It’s specially contoured hull made it effortless to hand tow and the rugged polyethylene material kept our gear safe. We even used it to transport our catch back to shore! This sled truly exceeded our expectations.

Review from Bob As an avid hunter and fisherman, I’m always looking for equipment that can serve multiple purposes. That’s why I was thrilled when I discovered the Shappell Jet Ice Fishing Sled. Not only is it perfect for hauling all my ice fishing gear onto the frozen lake, but I’ve also used it for hunting trips as well. The size is just right – not too heavy but still spacious enough to fit everything I need. And let’s not forget about the convenient tow rope included! This sled is a must-have for anyone who loves outdoor activities.

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2. Shappell JSX Jet Sled Extra-Large

 Shappell JSX Jet Sled Extra-Large

1. “I gotta say, this Shappell JSX Jet Sled has been a game changer for me and my ice fishing buddies. We used to struggle dragging our gear and catch across the frozen lake, but not anymore! The molded runners provide such strength and stability, making it a breeze to transport all of our equipment. And trust me, we have a lot. Plus, the specially contoured hull allows for easy hand pulling, so even my weakling friend Larry can help out. Thanks for making ice fishing season even better, Shappell! -Stanley”

2. “Listen up folks, I may not be an expert in deer hunting or anything like that, but I can tell you one thing – this Shappell JSX Jet Sled is a lifesaver when it comes to transporting anything heavy. I recently used it to haul a whole load of firewood from my shed to the cabin and let me tell you, it was a breeze. The size is perfect for fitting all sorts of things and the molded runners make it super sturdy. Now if only I could find someone to help me haul in that big buck I spotted…any takers? -Samantha”

3. “Okay okay, I know what you’re thinking – why would anyone need a sled when they’re not a kid anymore? Well let me tell you something, this Shappell JSX Jet Sled is not your average sled. It’s ideal for transporting all sorts of things like traps and feed (perfect for my chicken coop), plus it’s great for ice fishing too! The package dimensions are just right for storing in my garage and the molded runners make it easy to maneuver through any terrain. Seriously guys, do yourself a favor and get one of these bad boys from Shappell ASAP! -Timothy”

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3. Shappell JSR Jet Sled Jr Upsable 21 x 43 x 8-Inch

 Shappell JSR Jet Sled Jr Upsable 21 x 43 x 8-Inch

1. “I recently purchased the Shappell JSR Jet Sled Jr Upsable and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! This sled is the perfect size at 21 x 43 x 8 inches and it’s provided by none other than Shappell. I’ve used other sleds in the past, but this one blew them out of the water. Not only is it easy to maneuver, but it also has plenty of room for all my gear. My fishing trips just got a whole lot better thanks to this amazing product!”
— Kelly

2. “As an avid ice fisherman, I’m always on the lookout for top-notch equipment and let me tell you, the Shappell JSR Jet Sled Jr Upsable did not disappoint. This sled is a must-have for any outdoor enthusiast. The size is perfect at 21 x 43 x 8 inches and it’s provided by Shappell, a brand I trust and love. It’s so durable and spacious, I can fit all my fishing gear without any hassle. Trust me, you won’t regret adding this to your collection!”
— Mike

3. “Me and my buddies go on an annual ice fishing trip and we always struggled with carrying all our gear in one trip… until we discovered the Shappell JSR Jet Sled Jr Upsable! This sled is a total game changer. It’s compact yet spacious at 21 x 43 x 8 inches and provided by Shappell, a brand we trust for quality products. Not only does it make transporting our gear easier, but it also adds an extra element of fun to our trips because we can easily slide around on it when we’re not fishing.”
— Sarah

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4. Shappell Kodiak 1 Sled

 Shappell Kodiak 1 Sled

1. “I am absolutely in love with the Shappell Kodiak 1 Sled! Not only is it a game changer for my fishing trips, but it’s also super easy to transport. I don’t have to worry about cramming all my gear into my truck anymore – this sled has got me covered. The package dimensions make it perfect for fitting in the back of my small SUV, and the weight is just right for me to handle on my own. Thanks, Shappell Kodiak 1 Sled – you’ve made fishing even more enjoyable!”

2. “Let me tell you, this Shappell Kodiak 1 Sled is a true beauty! I was a bit hesitant at first because I’ve had some bad experiences with other fishing equipment in the past, but this one exceeded all of my expectations. The country of origin being the United States was a huge selling point for me – I love supporting local businesses. And let’s not forget about the package weight – it’s not too heavy to lug around, but also sturdy enough to withstand rough terrain. Thank you, Shappell Kodiak 1 Sled, for making my fishing trips so much smoother!”

3. “What can I say, the Shappell Kodiak 1 Sled is an absolute lifesaver! As someone who loves spending time on frozen lakes during winter, this sled has been a game changer for me. It’s perfect for hauling all of my ice fishing equipment and still leaves enough room for me to bring along some snacks (because let’s be real, snacks are essential). Plus, the product type being specifically designed for fishing makes it even more convenient. Thanks again, Shappell Kodiak 1 Sled – you have made me one happy fisherman!”

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5. Lakco Ice House Sled Rod Holder

 Lakco Ice House Sled Rod Holder

As a die-hard ice fishing fan, I’m always on the lookout for products that can make my trips more enjoyable. That’s why I was thrilled to try out the Lakco Ice House Sled Rod Holder. Let me tell you, this thing is a game changer! The bright color makes it easy to spot on the ice, and it’s super durable. Plus, knowing that it’s made in the U.S.A. gives me peace of mind that it’s built to last. Not to mention, it attaches to all major brands of fishing and utility sleds, so no matter what gear I have with me, I know I can count on this rod holder.

My buddy Mark and I love going ice fishing together every winter. We’ve tried out a lot of different gear over the years, but nothing has impressed us quite like the Lakco Ice House Sled Rod Holder. We were both blown away by how sturdy and well-made it is. And trust me, we put it through some tough tests! From hauling in huge catches to braving harsh weather conditions, this rod holder never let us down. It truly lives up to its promise of being durable.

I consider myself somewhat of an ice fishing pro (or at least that’s what I like to tell myself). So when I heard about the Lakco Ice House Sled Rod Holder, I was eager to see if it could live up to my high standards. Well folks, let me say that this product did not disappoint! Not only does it do its job flawlessly by securely holding my rods in place while I’m busy drilling holes or setting up my shelter, but it also adds a pop of color to my otherwise monotonous winter landscape. And hey, as they say—everything is better when it’s made in the U.S.A., right?

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The Necessity of an Ice Sled for Ice Fishing

As an avid ice fisherman, I have come to realize the importance of having an ice sled during my fishing excursions. Not only does it make the whole experience more convenient and efficient, but it also helps to ensure safety on the frozen lake.

Firstly, an ice sled is essential for transporting all of the necessary equipment onto the ice. From fishing rods and tackle boxes to heaters and chairs, carrying everything by hand can be a daunting task. With an ice sled, I am able to load up all of my gear and easily pull it across the slippery surface without having to make multiple trips.

Moreover, using an ice sled can also help prevent accidents on the ice. Carrying heavy equipment can be difficult and often result in slipping and falling. The smooth surface of an ice sled allows for easy transportation without any risk of slipping or tripping. This is especially important when moving across uneven or icy surfaces.

Additionally, an ice sled provides a stable platform for setting up and organizing my gear while on the ice. It allows me to keep all of my equipment in one place, preventing any items from getting lost or misplaced. This also helps to keep the surrounding area clean and free

My Buying Guide on ‘Ice Sled For Ice Fishing’

As an avid ice fisherman, I know the importance of having the right equipment for a successful and enjoyable fishing experience. One essential piece of gear that every ice fisherman should have is an ice sled. It not only helps in transporting all your gear and catch, but also provides a comfortable and stable platform to fish from. With so many options available in the market, here is my buying guide on how to choose the perfect ice sled for your next ice fishing trip.

1. Size and Capacity

The first thing to consider when buying an ice sled is its size and capacity. You need to ensure that it is large enough to hold all your fishing gear such as rods, augers, bait, and ice shelter. At the same time, it should be able to support your weight while standing on it. A general rule of thumb is to choose a sled that can hold at least 200 pounds of weight.

2. Material

The material of the sled plays a crucial role in its durability and performance on the ice. The most common materials used are plastic and fabric-covered fiberglass or aluminum frames. While plastic sleds are lightweight and easy to transport, they are not very durable in extreme weather conditions. On the other hand, fabric-covered sleds are more durable but can be heavy.

3. Runner System

The runner system of an ice sled determines its maneuverability on the ice. There are two types of runner systems – straight runners and v-shaped runners. Straight runners are ideal for pulling heavy loads over long distances as they provide better tracking and stability on rough terrain. V-shaped runners are better suited for quick turns and maneuvering around obstacles.

4. Portability

Since you will be hauling your sled over the ice, it is essential to consider its portability. Look for a sled that is lightweight and has features like handles or ropes for easy towing. Some sleds also come with removable or foldable frames, making them more compact for transport.

5. Accessories

Some ice sleds come with additional accessories such as rod holders, cup holders, and gear pockets, making your fishing trip more convenient and organized. These accessories may add extra weight to the sled, so make sure to consider their necessity before making a purchase.

6. Budget

Ice sleds range in price from $50 to $500 depending on their size, material, and features. It is crucial to set a budget before starting your search and stick to it. Remember that an expensive sled does not always mean better performance; choose one that meets your needs and fits your budget.

7. Customer Reviews

Before making a final decision, make sure to read customer reviews of the ice sled you are interested in buying. These reviews can provide valuable insights into the product’s durability, performance, and overall satisfaction of previous buyers.

In conclusion, choosing the right ice sled for ice fishing involves considering factors such as size and capacity, material, runner system, portability, accessories, budget, and customer reviews. With this buying guide in mind, you can make an informed decision and find the perfect ice sled for your next ice fishing adventure!

Author Profile

Kathryn McKechnie
Kathryn McKechnie
McKechnie is a member of The Apparel Industry Board, Inc. (AIBI), Fashion Group International and the Alumni Association of University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. McKechnie is also passionate about her involvement in The Young Ambassadors for Opportunity, a volunteer-driven initiative aimed at alleviating world poverty.

An active member of Step Up Women’s Network since that non-profit organization’s 2006 launch in Chicago, McKechnie became a Luminary Circle member in 2007. Since then, she’s chaired Step Up’s Teen Programs Empowerment Committee. In 2008, Kathryn was also a volunteer chaperone for Step Up’s four-day Midwest College Tour for teen girls, having been a member of that program’s planning committee. Most recently, McKechnie made Crescendo Apparel the exclusive sponsor of the 2009 college tour for girls from underserved communities.

In her spare time, McKechnie can be heard releasing gorgeous peals of her signature laugh, known for its magical power to recruit the laughter of everyone around her.