Insider From Shore 1997 Ice Shelters & Sleds The market for ice shelters and sleds for toting augers and accessories continues to expand, indicating a burgeoning interest in ice-fishing products. As a result, more portable shelters and sleds are available now than ever before, raising both comfort and efficiency levels for run-and-gun techniques on ice. SHELTERS "There is no end in sight to the growth of the ice fishing industry," according to Dennis Clark, vice president of USL Products, makers of the Fish Trap and The Clam. "We're building 400 shelters per day, and we'll do 25,000 of the smaller three units this year, which indicates a real need by the masses for those smaller units. We're excited about the growth and the interest. Just answering inquiries about our ice-fishing systems is a full-time job." The One-Man Trap (suggested retail: $189), called the "bass boat of the ice," is 75" x 30" x 60" and weighs 50 pounds. The Two-Man Trap ($289) is 75" long, 60" wide and 60" tall, with two adjustable seats, and weighs 60 pounds. The Clam Classic ($289) and the Clam Jr. ($199) are cabin-style portables. The Clam Classic, which accommodates two or three anglers, is 6' long by 5' wide and 6-1/2' high. The Clam Jr. is 6' long, 4' wide, and 5-1/2' high. "They've been selling real well," says Peter Johnson, manufacturing manager for Brainerd Outdoor Sports, referring to his Premiere Fish Houses. Their collapsibles come in two sizes, a 4' x 6' ($849) and a 4' x 8' ($929). "Unique features include 70 percent insulation and a lockable door." Both units weigh approximately 100 pounds. Tom Gruenwald, promotions director for HT Enterprises, says his company's two-man Deluxe Polar Shelters sold out before the middle of December last year. The one-man PRS-1 ($69.95) is 4' x 4' x 5' high. The PRS-2 ($119.95) is 6' x 6' with a 6-1/2' ceiling. The unique feature here is that both shelters fold down into backpacks weighing less than 6-1/2 pounds and just under 11 pounds respectively. Frabill, Inc. offers four portable shelters. The Speed Shack XL (6' x 6' and 7' high, $499) and the Speed Shack Cub (4' x 6', 6' tall, $299). Both have folding floors and set up in less than a minute. The Frabill Hideout (4-1/2' x 6', 6' tall, $299) has a toboggan base for pulling gear. The Ice Ranger (8' x 3', 5' tall, $249) has a pullover top that can be used partially or completely closed, or as a shroud (wind break). InsTent Manufacturing has three sizes in their IceTent line this year, each offered with or without a hard floor. Model sizes are 5' x 5-1/2' ($224.25; with floor $254.25); 5' x 7' ($269.25; with floor $299.25); and 7' x 7' ($371.75; with floor $359.25). All units are over 6 feet tall. The Snow Tote is one of several heavy duty sled options for walleye anglers in 1997. J-Moe Manufacturing Company offers the Polar Pal ($93), a dome-style tent that sets up in 30 seconds, is 5' in diameter, 5' high, and weighs 7 pounds. It carries over the shoulder, and also comes in a three-window model for tip-up watching. Mankato Tent & Awning still makes the EZ Set. It now comes in six sizes, ranging from a 4' by 4' to a roomy 7-1/2' by 7-1/2' model. Weights range from 52 pounds to 89 pounds, and suggested prices range from $179 to $400. "The most unique thing about the EZ Set is that it's easy to set up in wind, even gale-force wind," according to assistant manager Jesse Spiess. SLEDS New sleds for pulling augers and accessories are appearing everywhere. The USL Products Snow Tote ($89, 22" wide, 77" long, 6" high) is heavy duty, made of thick durable plastic. Sportsmax is making two sleds this year. The Tote All (36" long, 24" wide, and 8-1/2 inches high) sells for about $20. The Sled About (58" long, 31" wide, 3-1/2" deep) sells for $59.95. The Nordell Husky Hauler (62" long, 30" wide, and 15" tall, made of tough polyethylene) retails for about $110. The Nordell Husky Hauler Jr. (48" long, 28" wide, 15" high) sells for about $99. Rhino Roto Molding makes the Otter Sled in five sizes. The smallest is 50" long, 24" wide, and 8" high ($39.95); the medium model measures 60" by 31" by 12" high ($65.99); the medium II is 65" long, 36" wide, and 12" high ($95.99); the large is 75" long, 40" wide, and 12" high ($149.99); the extra large measures 94" by 42" by 14" ($195.99). Hitches for ATV and snowmobile duty are optional with most units and cost between $20 and $49. COMPANY CONTACTS Brainerd Outdoor Sports (Premier), 800/829-6763; Frabill, 800/558-1005; HT Enterprises, 414/533-5080; InsTent Manufacturing, 218/879-9712; J-Moe Mfg., 315/452-0002; Mankato Tent & Awning, 507/625-5115; Nordell, 218/727-6503; Northern Lite Mfg. (trailerized ice houses), 218/829-8584; Rhino Roto Molding, (Otter sleds), 320/963-5995; Roth Enterprises (Windblock ice shelters), 616/699-5646; Sportsmax 218/492-4686; US Lawn Products (Clam), 612/559-1092. Copyright 1997 In-Fisherman, Inc.