Sleds for winter fishing: how to choose the best model or make it yourself

Dragging sleds significantly increase the practical capabilities of snowmobiles and motorized dogs for transporting goods. In winter conditions, this is the best solution for fishermen and hunters, and also allows residents of remote villages to solve various problems.

The rating includes drag sleds that can serve as a trailer for motorized towing vehicles or snowmobiles. The best models were selected based on characteristics such as load capacity, reliability of fastenings, and strength. The selection also took into account customer preferences and the cost of the sled.

Which sled to choose

In order not to make a mistake when choosing a high-quality, reliable sled for winter fishing, you should adhere to some recommendations. One of the important parameters is the width of the model. We should also not forget that there may be various kinds of obstacles when moving. Therefore, only wide specimens have sufficient stability. In addition, they are convenient to use, but using them on very narrow forest paths can sometimes be problematic.

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As for the height of the sides, it should be from 200 mm. This is enough to arrange your existing utensils as conveniently as possible and not lose them during transportation. If you use a large number of things and additional accessories, the best option would be a model over 1.5 m long.

When purchasing, it is also worth considering what the sled is made of and the material. The best solution would be to purchase plastic drags. They are quite spacious, easy to use, practical and have a long service life.

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Flaws

It is difficult to find flaws in a sled of such a simple design, since it fully copes with the tasks assigned to it. An angler may be dissatisfied with a particular model. For example:

• big size;
• small capacity;
• inconvenient to fix equipment;
• low sides or front.

Some anglers complain that it is inconvenient to move with drags on high, loose cover. The sleigh, loaded with all the property, sinks into the snow, making movement difficult. You have to put in extra effort, which quickly wears you out on long treks.

Types of winter sleighs and drags

There is a huge range of quality fishing sleds on the market. Choosing a sled for fishing in winter is not easy for novice fishermen. To understand this issue, it is necessary to become more familiar with each of their varieties.

Plastic drags

Usually the sizes of drag nets for winter fishing are small: 1003x570x250 mm. Models made of plastic have sufficient capacity and load capacity. Their shape looks like a trough with high sides. Most products have a corrugated bottom, which makes it more maneuverable and glides well over snow and ice. If you wish, you can improve them and modify them yourself. You can add holes for the rope and provide straps for securing equipment.

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Inflatable

These sleds are made from durable polyvinyl chloride or rubber. They have the smallest size and weight. Therefore, inflatable drags are lightweight and do not create inconvenience during transportation. The only thing is that before use you need to pump them up when you come to the pond. Disadvantages include short service life and low strength relative to other varieties.

Sleigh on runners

You can find similar specimens in different designs. Basically, the base of the sled on runners is made of high-quality plastic. There are products made of metal, wood, and children's variations on sale. As a rule, this type of sled is often made independently by the fisherman. A box and old skis are used.

Finnish sleigh

These are already more complex models in design. In front they have a small stool with a compartment inside for storing the necessary equipment. This is an excellent solution for long journeys on ice with little gear. Often, small, but with sufficient capacity, drawers for various utensils are installed at the back of the structure.

Volokushi with a tent

When choosing a drag sled, you should pay attention to the variety with a tent. This mobile design has a folding protective device that can easily protect from piercing wind and frost. This mobile single-person tent has a side height of 200-270 mm. The width of the models is in the range of 60-80 cm. Their maximum length reaches 1.5-2 m. Strong belts and fasteners are used to securely fix the tent.

Motor sleigh

A motor sleigh is already a mechanized means of transportation. They are a Finnish sled with a seat for one angler, behind which there is a small engine, a wheel that drives the sled and a seat for the driver.

Motor sleighs include a seat for the driver

On clear ice and shallow snow, this vehicle shows good results, but if the snow thickness is more than 10 cm, then it is better to use a mini-motorized towing vehicle - it has higher cross-country ability. In Russia, motor sleighs “Ant” and “Termite” are produced with various modifications. Their cost starts from 45 thousand rubles.

Design

There may be a snow bumper on the front part of the drag sled design - this depends on the modification of the product. And also, at the buyer’s request, the sled is equipped with a plastic cover, which is quite convenient when transporting various cargoes.

Cargo products have a different design - it is much more complex than that of drags, but simpler than that of the version for passengers. They usually consist of elements such as a frame, runners and decking. It should be noted that the stability of this design is much better than that of drag nets. This is achieved by the fact that the skis on these sleds are located at a considerable distance from each other.

Advantages

Fishing sleds allow you to stow all your equipment - a winter box, an ice auger or an ice pick, tackle, and other equipment. You can store caught fish in them. If necessary, they will act as a shield, covering the hole from the wind, which is especially important when fishing with a jig.

Plastic sleds have the following advantages:

• light weight;
• compact dimensions;
• stability on ice;
• simplicity of design;
• reliability and durability;
• practicality;
• ease of use;
• capacity;
• low cost.

Modern drag sleds are made from durable and hard polyethylene, which does not lose its properties at low temperatures. It is not afraid of corrosion and can withstand many impacts and collisions with obstacles.

Case dimensions

The body or, as it is also called, the trough is a load-bearing element.
The performance properties of the drag directly depend on its size. The dimensions of the housing are the first thing you need to decide on at the design stage. Everything is simple here - the more things you plan to carry, the larger the trough should be. There should be enough space for the fisherman and his equipment. But there is one more nuance. To prevent the failure of a motorized towing vehicle from turning into a disaster for you, it is necessary to provide for the possibility of transporting it in a housing. Pulling a broken motorized towing vehicle is much easier than carrying it on your back. Depending on individual needs, the length of the trough can reach two or three meters, and the width - a meter. The height of the sides does not play a significant role. Everything is similar here - the more things there are, the higher the sides. You also need to take into account the height of the snow. The thicker the snow cover in your region, the higher the height of the sides you need to make. But if you have a wide motorized towing vehicle and narrow skids, then this indicator can be ignored, since the structure will slide on already compacted snow. The height of the sides ranges from 30 to 50 centimeters.

Finnish sled: making it yourself

If you have the necessary materials and tools, every master can build a sled, and then use it for riding or fishing.

Skids

The easiest option is to use old, unnecessary skis with metal edging as runners. If they do not have an edging, then 4 corners with drilled holes for bolts are simply attached to the tree.

You can also make reliable metal runners using the following materials as a base:

• round aluminum pipe 30 x 4 mm and 22 x 3.5 mm;
• sheet aluminum 4 mm thick;
• porous ribbed rubber for the footrest and footrest.

Making Finnish sleighs from aluminum pipes
To make runners, you will have to get a welding machine and a pipe bender. From a pipe measuring 30 x 4, bend the base of the sled (2 parts), drill holes in it for attaching the chair and footrests (the latter are made from a 22 x 3.5 pipe and sheet metal). All elements are secured by welding, and pieces of rubber are glued on top of the back of the runners and the footrest. A frame is also placed on the guide tubes to add rigidity to the entire structure.

Chair

To save money and time, you can attach an old chair to the runners by drilling holes in it for the bolts. To make your own chair you will need:

• aluminum pipe 22 x 3.5 mm;
• planed wooden planks.

Legs and vertical posts are bent from the pipe, and wooden planks - the seat and back - are fixed in their corresponding areas with rivets. Holes are made in the finished chair for attachment to the runners. Cover all wooden elements with paint or varnish.

Seats made of wooden planks for Finnish sleighs

Back

The back of the chair is “built up” with similar wooden planks, and a top wooden bar is installed. For comfort, the handles are covered with porous rubber. If you plan to make a folding sled, then wing nuts are used to fix the vertical posts and the chair.

Modification of the sled to improve comfort

To ride on loose snow, it is worth purchasing special plastic attachments for the Finnish sleds made - they will not allow the runners to sink into the snowdrifts. To reduce the risk of injury, you can cover the handles, footrests, and also install a platform for the feet with anti-slip material. In order to secure the load, elastic bands and hooks in the required quantity are immediately attached. If desired, the sled can be made self-propelled by adding a motor and a gas tank on a separate frame.

Despite the greater durability and wear resistance of purchased sleds, many anglers prefer to make them themselves. With winter transport, fishing will become more accessible, comfortable and fun entertainment, and without extra costs.

Manufacturers

Among the huge selection of sleds, it is worth focusing on the best options, whose characteristics were largely liked by consumers. Below is a rating of the highest quality sleds.

Otter sleigh ride. The US manufacturer made it clear who the market leader is.

This attribute is intended for transporting any cargo and has the following indicators:

• sled material – impact-resistant frost-resistant polyethylene;
• operation possible down to -30 degrees Celsius;
• the design has a low center of gravity, making it reliable when trying to overturn;
• deep snow is not a hindrance, because the sled has a wide supporting surface;
• the presence of a high bumper side protects from snow;
• the high side helps to securely place the cargo being transported on the sled;
• the possibility of installing special skids that will ensure low slip and protection of the lower part of the structure.

It is worth noting that the American manufacturer, at the request of the buyer, can improve the design and additionally install a drawbar with a shock absorber, which is equipped with a coupling bracket.

"Polymerlist" Safari. The drags from this manufacturer are also loved by consumers. The sled design is used as a trailer for a snowmobile. The dimensions of the trailer are impressive - 2400x870x400 mm. This amount of free space is enough to transport a huge amount of luggage. The sliding area is quite large, which ensures the required stability and maneuverability of the trailer. The plastic is resistant to low temperatures, and the black color does not fade in the sun. Thanks to improved strapping, the strength and reliability of the trailer is ensured.

At the buyer's request, the seller can equip the trailer with a hood that will protect from snow and gusty winds. Buyers appreciated this product. They liked the maneuverability, stability and reliability of the trailer. The only drawback, in their opinion, is the price, which is somewhat overpriced.

"Snowstorm". This is a cargo-passenger trailer. The body of this unit is made of fiberglass. Inside the hull there is a reclining seat for two passengers. The seat has a cushion. In the event that a cargo space is needed, the backrest folds, creating an empty space for carrying cargo. The front part of the case is equipped with a visor made of polycarbonate. The top of the trailer is covered with a cordura awning, which is stretched over aluminum arches and attached to the visor using Velcro and a button. The awning is equipped with zippers and ventilation valves. It is worth noting that it has windows.

The body and steel frame are rigidly fastened. The front part of the frame is equipped with a drawbar with dampers and a ring, with which the sled and snowmobile are fastened.

Kettu. Finnish drag sleds quickly fell in love with buyers from the Russian Federation. The Finns make sleds using seamless casting technology. The material is polyethylene, which is elastic and light. At the same time, the plastic retains its properties at -45 degrees Celsius. If you do not give the sleds more than normal load, then they can be operated at lower temperatures.

Snowcoach sled. These Canadian-made trailers are enclosed and made from impact-resistant polyethylene. The cabin glazing is made of polycarbonate, thanks to which passengers will be pleased with the opening landscapes. The design of the sled includes a suspension with spring mechanisms and shock absorbers. Thanks to a combination of additional elements, the start of driving and braking become less noticeable.

In terms of equipment, the Snowcoach sled has side reflectors and brake lights. For the safety of passengers while driving, the manufacturer has provided seat belts.

Photo gallery

In our photo selection, we invite you to familiarize yourself with the varieties of drags, which are intended not only for passenger raids, but also for transporting various types of cargo.