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By: Rick Fowler
Fun 4x4 Icing Begins With Proper Extras
Purchase your new/used ATV in the Transition
Period
 March and April begin seasons of transition.
Not only in climate, topography and lake
turnover, but for motorized outdoor vehicles
also. Indeed, now is the time to look for deals
and possibly purchase 4x4’s that will make next
seasons ice fishing trips, (and on some lakes
yet this season) exciting and down right easier.
There are various opinions as to what mode of
‘hard water’ transportation is the best. Many
anglers prefer the quickness and roominess of
sleds, while others will attest to the
durability and reliability of 4x4’s. I would
have to agree. Indeed, what has made the 4x4’s
the brutes of the frozen lakes this winter has
been its versatility. On a given winter day this
piece of machinery can be used as plow or a
grader removing snow from the driveway. The
next, the outfitted machine, with racks (or rack
extensions in some cases) combo receiver
hitches, and tow bars is used for hauling all
the gear needed for a day on the ice.
So what does an ice angler need on his 4x4
other than what has been listed above and of
course a good trailer to be hauled in? To begin
with a good hardy plastic sled is needed; one
that can hold a lot of gear and also deep enough
to pack a portable shelter or two. With careful
arrangement the sled should be able to hole a
majority of other required necessities including
rods/reels, bait buckets, duffels, heaters,
mini-stove etc. Another essential item would be
waterproof saddlebags, an auger bracket that
will comfortably hold for transport, the ice
auger, and if possible a dash mounted compass or
a GPS holder. Another popular extra to have
aboard your ride is a cigarette lighter element
which will allow a plug in for whatever 12 volt
accessory you might want –from cell phones to
GPS to spot light to 2-way radios to fish
finders.
Many of items that are featured on the ice
can pull double duty on your ATV during the
summer. Obviously the sled will not be used as
is, however, with some adaptations, rods/reels,
saddlebags and 12 volt accessory can be used
year-round. The ice auger bracket can now hold a
variety of other gear an angler, hunter, or
rider might need during his time in the woods,
in the mud, or by the water. With a myriad of
accessories for the ATV enthusiast to look at in
catalogues and shop at in retail stores like
Cabellas and Bass Pro Shops, a lack of choices
should not be an issue.
“Tween Seasons” can be a time of change and a
period to purchase and outfit the ATV you’ve
always wanted. Be it new, or used, a properly
and carefully outfitted 4x4 can make life on the
ice an enjoyable experience.
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