Tip up hole insulator

[SummerSucks]

Just wondering if other people may have a better idea.  So to keep tip up holes from freezing overnight or for long periods I started using foam mats, my problem is that they are horrible to transport and only work ok. Oh yeah and if they catch the wind they are gone. Anyone have any ideas.  Thanks.

[Fortpeck1]

I leave the snow piled up on the wind side of the hole and if the wind is really bad, put a little on the insulator
I use 3/4" black closed cell foam, works great and don't freeze to the ice.
Peck

[heine]

Fort peck, what kind of store would you pick this up at?

[missoulafish]

Just an idea, Michaels craft store has a lot of different foam material. I never paid attention to the size of pieces they sell though.

[hardwater diehard]

Fort peck, what kind of store would you pick this up at?

Floor mats ...https://www.walmart.com/search/?query=exercise%20mat&cat_id=4125

[sra61]

We bought these years ago. They work great. Holes will still freeze a little, but it's way better. If you want to make your own you can see what they look like at least from the pic. I had buddies use stuff like RV antifreeze a few years ago, and it made the hole bigger and tip ups were gone! Pretty funny. 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEP-ICE-FISHING-HOLE-INSULATOR-COVER-501-BLACK-12-25-DIAMETER-3-4-THICK-1-PK-/142157447090?hash=item21193e7fb2:g:D~gAAOSwHsRYC8Ds

[B bob]

I have tried everything under the sun and what has worked the best is 1) Conveyor Belt Rubber  2) Home Depot Rubber Utility Mat   Both are heavy enough to withstand the wind and insulate to keep the holes warm.  They can be a bit heavy to move around but so worth it. You can easily cut them into any size you desire.  I like  to go quit larger than my hole to make sure they have good coverage.

[Born Late]

I too use the round closed-cell foam and have had no issues.  Not sure how they'd blow away without the tip-up going with it if they're the type with a slit radius and a center hole but they seem to stay put with a little snow or slush on top.  I'd be curious to see the results of someone measuring how much insulation they truly provide as opposed to their value in keeping snow out of the hole.  As far as transport, I just run a short strap with quick-release buckles thru the center of the stack.

[curdog]

I to use the foam I've had them blow off with the tip up still hooked in only thing that save them was the hook snagging on the ice hole unspooled the whole dam reel across the ice

[Sonneshein]

Thanks for the ideas!

[Tizzle]

I also use close cell foam. When I leave them over night, I take long nails and "nail" the foam to the ice. Never had them blow away. Had them stolen before, but not blown away.

[icechamp1985]

Use foam and then a little bit of alcohol in the whole works great!!!

[BloodShotP]

Would thick cardboard work? I have some heavy duty cardboard that I was thinking of trying. Tired of having to clean out my jaw jacker hole all the time with the wind and snow.

[Fortpeck1]

Card board will freeze to the ice and make a mess.
Go to Walmart and buy an exercise mat and make some, light and inexpensive.
Steve

[Quantoson]

Extra Virgin Olive Oil works pretty good.  Fill the ice hole until the oil spread across evenly.  Then come back the next day, flip whatever ice is in there out and reel it up.  I used the Extra Virgin Olive twice because that is all I had for ice camping and I left my lines in the water next to my cot so I could fish while sleeping.  I used little clip on bells for hearing the bite.  Didn't get no bites but the ice flipped out as expected.  The oil was kinda yellow-green in the morning.  But it still dipped out nice and cooked taters and eggs.

[wyogator]

I still think the best thing is a spud bar.

[Baitandbullet]

I was thinking about getting a frisbee from the dollar store and cutting a hole in it. Would be cheap, light, and convenient. Might work?