My dad installs the brand new thermal materials on my outdated Yukon. Contemplating a model new model of this shelter is $1,000+, the refurbish was properly value it.
I began utilizing a Dave Genz Fish Lure about 20 years in the past for a lot of my ice fishing. It was a one-seater. As my children grew, the bigger Yukon, with two full seats and a superb deal extra room, served us properly for fairly some time. Nevertheless, like many issues in life, it was put aside as life modified, and the as soon as well-used pop-up shelter was relegated to spending winter beneath a tarp within the yard. Final winter — impressed by a Fb group dedicated to the topic — I took it upon myself to replace my drained outdated Yukon. The time period used now for hot-rodding these models is “Trick your Lure.” In order that’s what I got down to do.
Salvage operation (free)
The very first thing I did was pull the outdated shelter out and provides it a superb look over. The plastic tub was in remarkably fine condition, contemplating its age. The plastic was not cracked, and the underside of the tub was strong, because of some outdated plastic runners.
The unique blue nylon tent was stained, solar damaged, and sported a number of holes. It must go. The unique body poles have been in respectable form and could possibly be salvaged. Total, the two-decade outdated Fish Lure confirmed indicators it had life left and was prepared for an excessive makeover. Now got here the enjoyable half.
Get a thermal tent ($250)
I’d been taking a look at quite a lot of new tents and flip-overs product of thermal materials. An insulated tent can be loads hotter than the nylon, however it could even be heavier, which needed to be considered. The Fish Lure is made by an organization referred to as Clam, and once I visited their web site, I used to be happy to see that they’d substitute tents for my classic Yukon. This was buy primary.
For the document, Otter, Eskimo, Frabill and different companies additionally make good trap-style shelters that may be upgraded and customised.
Add a pole rack ($65)
Spreader poles add pressure to your tent materials. Having the poles rolling free within the backside of the bathtub all the time bothered me. They typically froze collectively and bent. A storage rack, put in on the again of the bathtub, retains the poles certain and out of the way in which. A easy repair for a vexing drawback.
Lights & energy ($75-200)
My authentic Fish Lure had been fitted with old-school lights that by no means labored. All kinds of lights may be bought to brighten a darkish tent, from LED strips designed to be used inside vehicles, to lights that may be zip-tied to tent assist bars.
To energy these for a number of hours, you may get a rechargeable 12-volt battery. I selected to go along with a energy field that can be utilized with many various gadgets ― an Ontario-made unit referred to as the Lake Simcoe Energy Field. It has finished the trick famously. It has all the facility I want inside a Fish Lure and has fittings for USB and a automotive lighter in addition to alligator clips for electronics.
New runners ($75+)
My final buy was a set of Teflon runners to change the plastic ones on my tub. These have been purchased stateside and got here personalized — if at a premium worth. They might make for a significantly better towing expertise and lengthen the lifetime of the sled.
Equipment
One cool accent I discovered was a nook console shelf that doubles as a drink tray ($24.99). I additionally added a pordesk measuring stick and a common mounting system that permits rod maintainers, deal with baggage, and cup holders to be hooked up to the entrance of the entice. Lastly, I purchased adjustable cushions for my authentic Fish Lure seats.
Rigging the entice
With all these items purchased, there was nonetheless work to be finished. On a chilly night in February, Gord Sr. and I spent a night tricking my entice. Eradicating the outdated tent proved simple, as most of it was hooked up to the poles by Velcro. Probably the most tough half was taking out the screws that held the tent skirt to the again of the bathtub. A plastic flange held the skirt in place, and it needed to be eliminated as properly. When the tent was off, we added the spreader pole storage, nook console and measuring stick.
The brand new thermal tent was thick however with somewhat trial and error, we bought it on the poles.
The toughest half was attaching the skirt to the again. We completed the job in three hours. A later session concerned including the Teflon runners and the common gadget holders to the entrance of the entice. Dimmable LED lights have been added later and proved simple to put in. I additionally purchased a brand new entice cowl that could possibly be tightened excessive of the sleigh.
The tricked-out entice has lived up to the hype and the thermal tent has been an actual blessing. The tent holds in warmth and doesn’t flap within the wind just like the outdated one. The equipment are useful and the general fishing expertise has been nice. You probably have an older ice fishing entice, I recommend somewhat tricking this winter. It would make your on-ice expertise that rather more of a deal with.
Lure hacks
- After dropping two telephones down holes, I purchase greenback retailer sink protectors to position over the outlet. I lower a slot in them so when a fish hits, the protector may be pulled away.
- Interlocking foam squares will preserve your toes heat.
- Milk crates make a transportable desk.
- Clothes hooks which can be hooked up through velcro are an effective way to hold stuff.
Initially revealed within the Jan.-Feb. 2024 challenge of Ontario OUT of DOORS
