Argo as "portable" ice fishing shelter.

[thorn]

My ladies and I did a little ice fishing over the weekend. We went to a lake that is too crowded for our tastes in the summer, but when it is 0 degrees and very windy we had the whole lake to ourselves.

We have a real portable ice shelter, but we decided to see if the Argo would have yet another purpose and...P1010075.jpgP1010070.jpgP1010074.jpgP1010072.jpg

The little ones didn't get away, but they made a fine meal! We caught these right out of the Argo and stayed nice and warm. The last pic is a close up of the grouser/cleats I have on my Supertracks. I would highly recommend these to anyone that operates in a lot of snow. They allowed us to descend and climb out of a very steep ravine to get to this lake. Even my Avenger with Argo ice cleats on the inside and outside of the tracks would not have made it. These came from the dealer out of Colorado Springs (Argo Outdoor Sports or buyargo.com). They also have allowed me to travel in some deep slushy spots on lakes that I would have been in trouble with just the tracks.

[deerchaser]

Well looks like the girls were enjoying it,I like the cab you have ,did you built it?

[thorn]

I wish I had that kind of capablity/talent. The cab is also from the dealer in Colorado. You can still fold down the windshield and the inside of the top is lined with thick foam. I also like that it has a rail/rack around the top so you can carry gear on it.

[JoeMeg]

That looks like a good time! Are those Trout?

Joe.

[Rock Doctor]

So, was it warm inside just from residual heat, or body heat, or did you run the engine, or a heater of some kind? Just curious. Nice top, I like that one.
How much ice did you have to screw through? We have it easy up here this yr, only about 20" of ice on the lakes (Lots of snow to insulate the ice, but lots of water overflow between the snow and ice too).

Do you have any pics of your top without the canvas attached, that you would be willing to share?

RD

[thorn]

16660253.jpg16660280.jpg

So, was it warm inside just from residual heat, or body heat, or did you run the engine, or a heater of some kind? Just curious. Nice top, I like that one.
How much ice did you have to screw through? We have it easy up here this yr, only about 20" of ice on the lakes (Lots of snow to insulate the ice, but lots of water overflow between the snow and ice too).

Do you have any pics of your top without the canvas attached, that you would be willing to share?


RD

It does have the heater/defroster kit in it, but I use a Coleman catalytic heater in my ice shelter and this day in the argo. It runs off the 1 lb propane tanks.

I had to screw through about 1 foot of slush and 1 foot ice. My auger was maxed out.

Here is a pic with the sides/rear off when I first bought this last year. I will try to get you some others when I have more time. It is a very beefy and well made top.16660253.jpg16660280.jpg

[thorn]

Yes, Rainbow trout.

[Shawn H]

That's what I'm saying, great pics!

[Rock Doctor]

Nice Top, I like the simple but functional design.
Just a thought on the Hand Auger..... I built a simple adapter for mine, I can put my 1/2" Cordless Drill on my Auger. With less than 20" of ice, it will punch 5-7 holes on a charge. Chuck a couple extra batteries in your Argo, and you should be good for the weekend. Have to be very carefull that the drill Chuck does not come loose while drilling a hole, otherwise you will be fishing for your Auger Blade in your Fish Hole, lol. I actually use a "Whip Check" on mine, it's a light cable with a spring loop at each end, 1 loop goes around the Auger Shaft, the other loop goes to the drill. If I loose the Auger, it's still hooked to the drill, but you have to make sure that the cable does not get tangled with the Auger while your cutting a hole.

RD