New Hub Shelter - Accessories Help

[jimhaney08]

Hi Everyone,

I'm new to ice fishing and am ordering my first shelter.  I'm getting the Clam Bigfoot XL2000.  Going that route because it has the most headroom of comparable shelters and I'm 6'4".  Being in Pennsylvania, I think I'm fine with non-insulated.  We generally aren't dealing with negative digit temps here.

My question is what kind of accessories really make a difference in the shelter?  I already have a depthfinder and have a heater ordered.  What other accessories really make a difference?  Throw your best ideas at me. 

I currently have a sled, auger, slush scoop, folding chair, and 5 gallon bucket.  What am I missing?

-  Jim

[hardwater diehard]

Eskimo Ice Anchors ...cam buckle straps ...some led lighting is nice ..Hub shelter hooks for jackets and bags

https://www.amazon.com/Clam-Hub-Shelter-Coat-Hooks/dp/B00G7MXUUC

https://www.scheels.com/p/eskimo-2-pack-ice-anchors/01264269138.html?cgid=ice-fishing-shelters

https://www.scheels.com/p/eskimo-deluxe-strap-tie-down-combo-kit/01264200403.html

[ActiveTrapChecker]

welcome to the sport of ice fishing!

A spud to test ice unknown ice, for safety
I would add an aerator for the bait bucket. I use a Bubble Box when on the ice and travelling
I recommend adding a nylon strap to your sled rope. the length helps with the trials of the drag and you can also add a should harness to distribute the wait
Headlamp, for the early mornings and the night bite

[jethro]

Some advice with that hub.. you want more headroom? Don't shovel an area where you set it up, shovel it out afterwards and if there is a foot of snow you get another foot of headroom! I love that trick.

[hardwater diehard]

Good advice is to practice practice practice setting it up and down several times ...including putting it into the bag ...you may want to replace the ties that secure the bag

http://www.niteize.com/collection/Gear-Tie.asp

[Tinker]

Yep, do some practice at home first, read the instructions for set up and take down.  I haven't done it but I have seen a hub essentially turned inside out and we were unable to get it set up out on the ice.  I also know of another fellow that had the same issue and ended up taking the hubs apart to straighten it out.  For me set up is pop the top first then the 4 sides, take down is reverse and I will admit I forget what the instructions say but I almost think there are on a tag sewn into the storage bag, I have the eskimo fat fish 949  I would recommend you anchor at least 2 corners every time you set up regardless of wind, wind usually comes with a first blast around me and by then its too late.  You will also want to anchor the walls that are on the wind side, the side can pop in with a good wind and when that hub hits you in the forehead because you were too busy fishing it hurts like hell.  Lots of guys use the cam straps for anchoring the hubs but I don't think I ever will.  I can tie knots pretty well so I just have a length of cord tied to each hub that just stays on the shack, can't lose them and they never get left behind. 

[jimhaney08]

Awesome suggestions guys.  Keep them coming.  Any need for floors?  I see some guys use exercise mats or car style floor mats.  Any need for a table?  I intend to have my sled inside the shelter.

[ActiveTrapChecker]

Awesome suggestions guys.  Keep them coming.  Any need for floors?  I see some guys use exercise mats or car style floor mats.  Any need for a table?  I intend to have my sled inside the shelter.

What are your intentions with the sled inside the shelter?

[hardwater diehard]

I don't see any need for a floor ..maybe a rubber door mat or two ...may want to get some other method to close keep the tent closed during bag placement/transport.

 https://www.walmart.com/ip/Gear-Snake-Black-16-5-feet-of-cut-to-length-wire-twist-material-By-UST/788961251?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=12923&adid=22222222222000000000&wmlspartner=wmtlabs&wl0=e&wl1=o&wl2=c&wl3=10352200394&wl4=kwd-1103028060075&wl12=788961251_10000013352&wl14=gear%20snake%20wire&veh=sem

[mboss13]

I got these for my Otter XTH Pro Lodge, but haven't used them yet.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Gold-s-Gym-High-Impact-Flooring-Puzzle-Mat-6-Pieces/43524147

Last year I used a 2 man off brand shanty and build a complex floor from a 1/4 ply with styrofoam insulation sandwiched behind a sheet of plastic. It was very comfortable but a pain to carry as it added some weight, not to mention how bulky it was. I am hoping the foam will do and can be packed easily and super light. I am a big fan of having a floor, especially when it is ultra cold windchill around here. I think it makes a huge difference. I should mention that I usually don't hop around the lake at all. If you plan on moving around, it'd be a pain.

[Tinker]

What are your intentions with the sled inside the shelter?

I do this too when I am out by myself, leave everything on the sled, set up shack, anchor two corners on the same side then you can lift the un anchored side and push the sled under the shack.  Saves from packing all your crap in the door.  If you do pack it all in the door when you are done fishing tip the shack rather than packing everything back out the door.  A benefit to having the sled inside is a place to set things without them being on the wet ice/snow.  Here is another, if you plan to heat the shack pack your heater in a milk crate, take heater out of milk crate and turn the crate upside down to make a stand for the heater.  Elevated heater tends to keep the ice/snow from melting. 

[ActiveTrapChecker]

I do this too when I am out by myself, leave everything on the sled, set up shack, anchor two corners on the same side then you can lift the un anchored side and push the sled under the shack.  Saves from packing all your crap in the door.  If you do pack it all in the door when you are done fishing tip the shack rather than packing everything back out the door.  A benefit to having the sled inside is a place to set things without them being on the wet ice/snow.  Here is another, if you plan to heat the shack pack your heater in a milk crate, take heater out of milk crate and turn the crate upside down to make a stand for the heater.  Elevated heater tends to keep the ice/snow from melting.

i leave the sled outside to help transport the bait when checking traps. if too cold, i will bring the bait into the shanty to keep from freezing. the sled takes up too much space to stay inside, although i only have a 4 man popup

[Light liner]

http://www.cabelas.com/product/ESKIMO-ANCHOR-DRILL-ADAPTOR/2077490.uts?productVariantId=4238155&WT.tsrc=PPC&WT.mc_id=GoogleProductAds&WT.z_mc_id1=04214304&rid=20&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIx623rOeM2AIVkYizCh1gywMwEAQYASABEgI7PvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

[MACgaffer]

I take briquettes, starter fluid, cheese and bologna every time I go!

[lynng]

Some things I haven't seen mentioned:

1. Build yourself a "Smitty Sled". Lots of threads about this on here if you do a search.

2. If you have a "Buddy" heater; build or buy a cooking gratet to reheat or cook on.

3. some sort of table is nice. I use a storage bib that doubles as a table.

4. Echo the benefit of Eskimo anchors and maybe an installation tool. Also change out the straps for the hub anchors to a bit more sturdy ratchet strap.

[32footsteps]

Not an accessory as much as this is a modification.

In the corners the support ribs slide into pockets. I know on older Clam hubs these pockets would often pull apart. Not sure if this has been reinforced in newer hubs or not. Anyway....it might not be a bad thing to reinforce yourself. I took 100# braided fishing line and hand sewed those pockets.

[Deal Ninja]

Awesome suggestions guys.  Keep them coming.  Any need for floors?  I see some guys use exercise mats or car style floor mats.  Any need for a table?  I intend to have my sled inside the shelter.

Table - https://www.amazon.com/GCI-Outdoor-Compact-Folding-Table/dp/B00HKCXVWU/ref=lp_3400841_1_13?s=outdoor-recreation&ie=UTF8&qid=1513423587&sr=1-13

They’re great, light and fold up to the size of a laptop.  I use this and the GCI Pico chairs in my hub.

DN

[honest john]

I think most of the important accessories have been covered, but I don't think anyone has mentioned a FAN.  A small battery powered fan hung from the ceiling will move the warm air down from the ceiling of your hub to more evenly heat it.  A fan also helps reduced condensation.

Enjoy.

[ActiveTrapChecker]

I think most of the important accessories have been covered, but I don't think anyone has mentioned a FAN.  A small battery powered fan hung from the ceiling will move the warm air down from the ceiling of your hub to more evenly heat it.  A fan also helps reduced condensation.

Enjoy.

That’s a great tip. I never thought of that. Thanks for sharing!

[WYIfish]

I think most of the important accessories have been covered, but I don't think anyone has mentioned a FAN.  A small battery powered fan hung from the ceiling will move the warm air down from the ceiling of your hub to more evenly heat it.  A fan also helps reduced condensation.

Enjoy.

I too am a big fan.   accesseries...floor mats 20 x 36  non slip at Home Depot for $3 each.

[straightShot]

1. A safety rope with a weight on the end that can be thrown.
2. A light, a headlamp, and a flashlight.  I have all three.
3. A compass and a GPS.  If it's blowing snow and pitch dark, you want to be able to walk back to your vehicle and walk on ice that you've already walked on.  You can also use the GPS to mark your fishing spot.
4. Bags for your garbage.
5. I have a plastic cup with a handle so that I can add water to my minnows, a little at a time or to change out the water.
6. A large, empty Gatorade bottle or plastic coffee can with a lid to use as a urinal.
7. An ice scooper.
8. A friend to go fishing with.
9. Extra dry gloves and socks packed away.
10. Ice picks on your person.
11. Coffee and snacks.
12. A lightweight drill motor for your Eskimo ice anchors and insertion tool.
13. An extra pole or two so that if you have equipment problems, you're not spending all day messing with the problem.