Fishing Forum

[cool][#0000ff]Have had too much free time the last week so I addressed a couple of ice fishing sled problems that have been bugging me. The first was the rope and harness thing on the other post. But, snarky comments about not being enough PVC involved. Okay, here's a little somethin' somethin' fer ya.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]There are times (like right now) when the snow melts away around the access areas of a lake while there is still good ice (and snow) on the lake itself. In those situations we sometimes have to park a ways from our lake access spot and drag our heavy sleds across dirt, gravel, grass and even pavement. Not good for the sled and a real "drag".[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]A couple of years ago I started making some wheeled contrivances from golf cart wheels with which to haul my loaded up float tubes from my vehicle to more distance launch spots. A lot of golf carts have those removable wheels that slip onto a 3/8" metal shaft and you tighten them down with a set screw. You can install a 3/8" metal bolt in a PVC frame and put those golf cart wheels to good use for other things...like a cart to get your ice sled to the ice across hostile terrain.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Here are some pictures of my prototype. I tried it in my driveway and a short distance up my street...before the neighbors started calling Homeland Security, reporting terrorist activities. It works well for short hauls. I still need to give it a good workout in a real fishing situation.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The design is simple...a PVC frame with a riser that slips up through a hole in the rail of the sled for stabiizing. The frame is tightened around the sled with a couple of bungee cords. Easy attach and detach. And when not needed you just turn the cart upside down, push the risers down through the holes and keep on truckin'. Doesn't take up any room and can help secure the other goodies in your sled.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I can also verify that the wide surface on the golf cart wheels track easily over soft sand, mud and even some snow. So you don't have to keep changing the setup if you don't want to.[/#0000ff]

[#0000ff]There. Is that enough PVC fer ya?[/#0000ff]
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thats amazing Dude, quite the imagination.
I guess if you can think it you can build it. (out of pvc)
thats great,thanks.
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If you really want to impress me, invent something to put it in the back of the truck without me having to lift it. LOL!
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Now thats the PVC TubeDude I know. Great Idea, I am about to rub thru our sled....its getting thin. Thanks Pat,

Shawn
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[cool][#0000ff]That's what wives are for. Of course some are not easy to train. But that is a personal problem.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I might suggest that you don't try to lift the sled when it is fully loaded. Sled first, then fill it with the auger and other goodies. Easier that way.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]If that ain't good enough I'll start work on a PVC escalator...right after the cervezaritas. That should be a winner.[/#0000ff]
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Pat is the PVC god!!!...lol Better check the PVC stock prices!!
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Man, that's a good one! Easy, nice design and ballanced. I like how it rides on top when not in use.
One point of criticism, it has golf ball divots on it[]. I think you should paint a Walleye on one wheel face, and a Catfish on the other or maybe a perch[cool].
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[cool][#0000ff]Yeah, it is kinda spooky having to dodge golf balls while out on the ice. Also kinda dumb hollering "FORE" instead of "HOOK UP" when you catch a fish.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The one positive is that I can carry a nine iron in my rod rack for dealing with idiots that get too close...or for "delicate" release of carpkind.[/#0000ff]
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[quote TubeDude]
[#0000ff]The one positive is that I can carry a nine iron in my rod rack for dealing with idiots that get too close...or for "delicate" release of carpkind.[/#0000ff][/quote]

I'm thinking that a 9mm does a nice job of a "delicate" release as well. I'm getting excited to do my Volunteer work for the June sucker recovery program. I'm sitting here Remembering your previous years pics of the help you offered the carp. You're such a nice guy, and a great carp surgeon.
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[cool][#0000ff]I love my work. Glad it shows.[/#0000ff]
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