Move Your Gear Easily With the Best Ice Fishing Sleds
It’s hard enough to walk on ice without taking a fall, so how can you possibly carry several pounds of gear all alone? Well, you should consider investing in a multi-functional ice fishing sled. Using one lets you comfortably drag all of your equipment everywhere you go.
But, as you browse the marketplace, you’ll notice that there are thousands of options available. This makes it incredibly challenging for you to find the right product for your needs and budget. But don’t worry, because we’ve scoured the internet and found some of the highest-rated ice fishing sleds in 2024. So without wasting any more valuable time, let’s buckle up and slide right into the first product on our list.
Our Top Picks
Compare the Finest Ice Fishing Sled in 2024
Best Overall
First up, we’ve got the Shappell jet ice fishing sled. It’s made up of 100% polyethylene, which makes it sturdy enough to handle any type of load without an issue (as long as everything fits in there). Whether it’s ice fishing gear, traps, feed, or firewood, you can safely sled it wherever you may need it. The sled’s dimensions are 54 x 26 x 10 inches, it weighs 12 pounds and, because of its unique hull design, this fishing sled is extremely easy to pull along with you. It’s also the deepest and widest ice fishing sled on this list, making it stand out as the best option overall.
Pros
- Lots of storage space
- Very strong build quality
- Suitable for several different purposes
Cons
- Only available in black
Most Versatile
Next up, we have the multi-purpose utility sled from Pelican. You can use this for stuff like ice fishing, hunting, camping, and much more. The resilient RAM-X construction is designed for heavy-duty use and won’t fail you no matter how rough things get. And if it does, the manufacturer offers a warranty to repair or replace the item for free within 60 days of purchase! In addition, the sled weighs six pounds, has dimensions of 45.5 x 20 x 8 inches, and features a unique design that allows you to join two together for double the amount of storage.
Pros
- Multi-purpose utility
- Very high load capacity
- Extremely durable, heavy-duty build
Cons
- Shortest length on this list
Best Heavy-Duty
Next up, we’ve got the Trek 60 Ice Fishing Sled from the same manufacturer – Pelican – but this one is designed for tougher use! It is made out of durable polypropylene, weighs two pounds, has dimensions of 46.9 x 1.9 x 0.7 inches, and comes with a one-year manufacturer warranty.
The runners on this sled feature a shock-resistant design and great craftsmanship for enhanced longevity. Plus, each runner has a hidden red layer that reveals itself with time and reminds you to perform regular preservation, which is a thoughtful feature that helps you maintain the sled’s original condition.
Pros
- Designed to last long
- Suits heavy-duty users
- Capable of resisting extremely harsh weather conditions
Cons
- Difficult to assemble
Longest Option
Lastly, we’ve got this ice fishing sled from Flexible Flyer, a manufacturer that has been in this particular industry since 1889. All of their offerings are backed with top-quality and high-affordability and this sled is no exception. It’s made up of plastic with dimensions of 66 x 20 x 6 inches, weighs about 7 pounds, and can comfortably hold all your ice fishing equipment in one trip, saving you time and energy. Best of all, you can comfortably pull it for a long period of time without getting too tired.
Pros
- Durable one-piece no-break resin build
- Lots of storage space
- Well-regarded, experienced manufacturer
Cons
- Lacks depth and width
Finding Your Next Ice Fishing Sled: A Buyer’s Guide
Whether you’re just a beginner in the world of ice fishing or a seasoned pro, you can’t accomplish much without a great sled by your side. It isn’t a permanent choice, but your sled sticks with you for a very long time, so it’s important to make your purchase decision very carefully. After all, no one likes to pay twice! So here are all the boxes you need to tick before pressing the “buy now” button!
What’s the Load Capacity of Each Model?
When you’re shopping for an ice fishing sled, the first factor to consider is load capacity and space. Carefully review each product’s dimensions and see if it matches your requirements. Ideally, you should be able to carry all your bait, buckets, and tools — along with some essential supplies like food and drink — in one go.
If a specific model isn’t suitable for you, then just move on. The market is flooded with many options that offer plenty of storage space to accommodate all your needs, so this isn’t something you should compromise on!
Is Portability Important?
The main reason why you’re buying an ice fishing sled in the first place is easier transportation, right? That’s why you should look for a model that features molded runners. Not only does this make the entire ride smoother, but it also makes pulling the rope effortless.
You’ll likely be able to find this kind of information mentioned somewhere in the item’s description.
Is Shape Something Worth Considering?
There’s not a lot of diversity in terms of shape. Some have a pure rectangular shape, while others are longer and have more rounded edges.
Elongated ones slide easier on ice and snow, while rectangular ones are more practical for storage as they’re deeper and wider. Since there’s a tradeoff between pulling ease and practicality of storage, you will have to make your choice depending on your intended use and storage needs.
What Are the Typical Materials for Ice Fishing Sleds?
The next thing that you should pay some attention to is the material of the ice fishing sled. Most of the models on the marketplace are built out of thick polyethylene (a type of plastic) and are designed to be sturdy, even in tough conditions!
You might occasionally come across a metal sled, but they’re few and far between. They can offer just a little more durability than a high-quality polyethylene type, but they’re not recommended as the extra weight isn’t worth it. Some of them can even develop oxidation and rust after a year of use, which isn’t something to worry about with plastic options.
Speaking of material…
How Can You Find a Durable Model?
Even though most ice fishing sleds are made from the same material, the overall durability can massively vary from one specific model to another.
For instance, the top-quality sleds are made out of thick plastic and come with creative solutions for wear and tear (like the Pelican Trek 60 described above). Keep an eye out for such thoughtful features as they can extend the life of your sled, no matter how many rocks you encounter between your fishing spot, camp, and car.
How Much Do Ice Fishing Sleds Generally Cost?
If you’re willing to purchase an ice fishing sled, then you should be fully prepared to spend anywhere from as low as $60 and even up to $400 for some. The full price scope will inherently vary depending on several different factors, including:
- The type of construction material
- Size dimensions of the model
- A reputable manufacturer
People Also Asked
What are the most widespread manufacturers of ice fishing sleds?
There are thousands of brands on the marketplace, but not all of them offer the same quality ice fishing sleds. Here are a few of the most widespread ones: Flexible Flyer, Generic, Pelican, Shappell, Kkeatoy, and Sportsstuff. Generally, these manufacturers have thousands of customers and years of experience in this business.
What is the best size for an ice fishing sled?
The “perfect size” for an ice fishing sled is subjective and depends on your personal requirements. For basic storage needs, a sled with dimensions of 50 x 26 x 10 inches would be more than fine.
How can I drag my ice fishing sled quicker?
For manual pulling, you can speed things up by using reinforced, molded runners for a smoother ride. Another way is to hook it up to a vehicle, but make sure to use a tow bar instead of a towing rope for more stability.
Do ice fishing sleds float on water?
An ice fishing sled will float or sink depending on its size and the weight it’s carrying. Typically, bigger sleds and ones with fewer items loaded inside have a better chance of floating.