To shovel or not ?

[Dave]

Probably been covered before but, when you guys setup your portable shelters with no floor (like the Otters) do you shovel the ice clear of snow where you're settin' up?
I've been leaving the snow since I think it gives traction and doesn't get to wet. But, at times I have snow flyin' around in equipment if kicked up by boots and kids. Any better ideas?

[fiskyknut]

I've built sections of floor out of cedar for my Otter's. One sitting right infront of the tub, the other butted up against that one and out to the door. I used 2 pieces of 1x2 and a bunch of 1x1, best descrition is they kinda look like ladders????? Coated with marine epoxy, then sprinkled with coarse sand. Work good.

Fisky

[Matt D]

I've done both, but prefer to remove snow and ice chips, particularly from around the hole, to keep line from getting caught on it. Traction is an issue, but here's an idea you might try. Track down an old piece of short-loop or industrial carpet (jute backed; foam backed might freeze to ice) and cut it so it fits where you want it. Eventually it'll get wet & have snow/ice frozen to it -- just take it inside and let it thaw & dry out. You might talk to a flooring place and ask them to save a chunk of old stuff they take out on a job. The bonus is it puts an extra little layer of insulation between your feet and the ice.

[Gissert]

Sometimes I will shovel the space clear when there is not a lot of snow. I carry a rubber welcome mat that I put on the ice between the holes for traction.

[huskminn]

Dave,

I'd go with the rubber mat, as well.

There's just something about a rubber WELCOME mat under one's feet that makes a guy really feel like he belongs out there.

If the fishing's slow, you can also just flip it over so the fish can read it through the ice....

[Pig_sticka]

usually when i shovel the snow out, it gets very slippery when u have the heater going. i like to shovel alittle bit but leave snow in there and just try and be nimble and not knock it in the whole. then if the lantern goes or something i can set a candle right next to the hole n keep on fishin.

[Dave]

I tried telling my 7&9 year old boys to be "nimble"....no chance....

(I can blame them for a few more years )

[bturck]

Guys here is my solution to the snow. I shovel it clean to the ice. I went to Mills Fleet Farm and bought 3 rubber door matts ( the thick kind) I put one in front of each chair in my voyegeur and one lengthwise between the holes to the door. Works great. They lay nicely in the bottom of the sled for transporting. Tried rugs the first year and found when they got wet they froze and were hard to work with. Another friend of mine cut some conveyeur belt pieces, works good but much heavier. I slide mine just under the front edge of the sled and it helps hold it from sliding around if I move around, it also keeps feet from being directly on the ice. Bill

[Guest]

I typically leave a little snow when I shovel. I also use some of the slush and ice chips from my holes and spread that around the floor area. When it freezes to the ice and snow, instant traction!

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Adam Johnson
www.adamjohnsonfishing.com

[Dave]

All are nice ideas. I think I'd opt for the piece of rubber mat so far. Thanks