Ice Fishing Tips -Check your local regulations! > Equipment
Ice Well Live Well Review
LoneWolf:
Ice Well Live Well
This is a short review of the Ice Well Live Well. A few months ago I received the Ice Well to test and review. I've used it on numerous occasions and these are my findings.
I'll start with the dimensions. It measures 13 3/4 long from the top of the lip to the base. The top lip measures 11 1/8 across. According to the manufacturer it is 7.8 just below the top rim to accommodate 8 holes as well as 10 holes. There are numerous vertical slots to allow the water to fill the well and for quick draining of the water when the well is removed from the hole. The manufacturer states drill it, drop it, fill it, pull it and it really is that simple. You drill a hole, drop it in the hole, fill it with fish and pull it out when you're done or moving. Also it's made in the USA and from recycled materials.
When I first received the well I thought plastic and ice aren't going to mix well. Then I thought about my sled and my Fish Trap base. They have been holding up and for years so I dismissed that concern. My second thought was it is really going to benefit me in any way and I can now say yes it has.
Lets begin with you are not going to be able to put a large lake trout in the Ice Well. It's design allows plenty of room for crappies, perch or even bass. On one outing I had 6 keeper crappies and 6 keeper perch in the well. If I wanted to move throughout the day I would simply drill new holes and I would pull the well out of the old hole (with the fish inside) and drop it in a new hole. At the end of the day (6-8 hrs) most of the fish, if not all, were still alive. The great thing about it was when I got home I didn't have to deal with frozen fish ... waiting for them to thaw to filet.
Another benefit that came into play that I hadn't even thought of was it's use during an ice fishing contest. During many contests they want you to bring the entry in not frozen so they can measure and or weigh it. This meant either leaving my gear or dragging my gear and walking, some times a long distance, to the weigh in center. I lost time fishing and it was in general a pain. Now with the Ice Well I was able to keep my crappies, perch and bass alive or at least not frozen until I wanted to go in just before the end time. Also if I wanted to release a smaller fish from the well it was easy as the fish was usually still healthy.
Overall I was surprised as to how useful this product is and how much I actually used it. It works great and is well made. For the reasons listed I would recommend this product.
One thing I should mention is that when using my Nils 8 auger the ice well fit fine. If using an auger that claims it's an 8 and is actually a 7 1/2 the well will sit about 4 out of the hole. It's still usable but you lose about 4. I've heard guys have a work around for this by drilling holes in a clover leaf pattern.
For more information you can go to their website : Ice Well Live Well
I posted a short video on YouTube. The video actually shows the Ice Well in use.
IceholeHEN:
pretty cool idea. looks like it works great
LoneWolf:
It really does work great. I'm kind of surprised nobody thought of it years ago.
IceholeHEN:
I can't agree with you more. Seems like something a regular Joe Smo like myself among-st others should have thought of the idea years ago. Either way looks like the perfect idea. Also thanks for being a sponsor Ice Well.
SKIFFLAKEJIMMY:
Do they make a 6" model?
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