Ice Loks

[Ranger1157]

I need a little input on keeping my guide from being blown

off the ice.

I am wondering if anybody has used the Ice Loks by strikemaster. Any other suggestions.

[irvingdog]

I wish I had a picture.......

I took this idea from here. All you need is:

1 thick flat rigid piece of steel. Mine is 1 inch wide, and 1/4 inch thick.

2 eyebolts and nuts.

2 Carabiners (or jaw clips) and a piece of rope.

Drill, saw capable of cutting the steel, and I used a grinder to sharpen the steel, but you don't need to.

Measure the diameter of your auger blade. Cut the steel exactly 1/2 inch longer than the diameter of your blade. I sharpened the ends on a grinder, but again, you probably don't need to do this. drill one hole through the piece of steel, 2/3 off center of the length of the bar. Put an eyebolt through the hole, and lock in place with a nut. Drill a hole through the back side of the base of your house. Install second eyebolt and nut.

Installation is complete. I keep a piece of rope with me that is about 5 feet long, and on one end I tie a tent rope knot. (O.K. I forgot the name of the knot, but at lease I can tie it. I think it is called a full-hitch) Each end of the rope has a carabiner. Jaw clips that you would find on the end of a dog leash also work well.

Up-wind from where you'll be fishing, drill a shallow hole. I usually only go five inches or so. Do not drill all the way through. Put the steel bar into the hole with the eyebolt upwind of the shelter, and the upwind side of the bar down. Pull up on the eyebolt, and it locks into place. The harder you pull, the harder it holds. Now attach one carabiner to the eyebolt on the bar, and the other to the eyebolt on the sled. (on my pull over Fishtrap guide, I put the bolt through the back side of the house. It takes the abuse of the wind better) Tighten with the knot. I fished a couple weeks ago, after that freak rainstorm we had, on some of the smoothest ice, and in some of the stiffest wind, I can ever recall. My house almost blew apart, but never once was I concerned about it blowing away. This thing is fast, light and easy to use. It can't freeze in. I've tried all the other kinds (I lost a portable house on Mille Lacs once. I watched it fly away at mach 2). This is the cat's meow. Best of all, I had the parts I needed to make mine kicking around in my work room. It works better than the screw in types, and that little spreader deal available lately.

One last thing. Before you leave, drill out the anchor hole so no one else breaks an ankle there.

[Dry_Fly]

Sure have they work great but a bit spendy $25.00 for two. They also sub for safety spikes for walking on thin ice. Nice part is they are compact and easy to use. They come two to a package.