Questions from a first time wheel house owner

Actually a coworker of mine. They just bought an ice castle for summer and winter camping and are bringing it to Mille laces the following weekend. They are a little nervous as it’s their first time, so I’m trying to give them pointers. First thing I said is always respect the resort and their rules, and don’t go over 10mph!

What else should they know. Can they go out of any resort road? How do they find a spot, will resorts plow a location for them for a price? Or is it totally up to them to find a place to drop down? What’s a respectful distance to keep from other anglers? So on and so on

Have they ever set it up before? If not hydraulic they may want to do that before on the ice. As far as plowed spots, you may want to call around to see who does it. For distance try to give as much as possible. A good rule is give what you would expect. Also bring a shovel or two. Make sure you have everything you need before getting on the ice. Don’t crank the radio at stupid volume at night, try to respect others around you. Carry a small tool kit.

Don’t run the strobe lights unless absolutely necessary!!!

I know Beachside Resort on the South side will plow a spot for them for a fee, they will also assist with just about anything for a fee, they even deliver food out on the ice during the weekend. I went out on their ice road last weekend for the first time with my portable and had a great time. Most wheelhouses were moving around without needing a spot plowed, but that doesn’t mean that won’t change.

I’d make sure to give the drop down an extra shot or 2 of grease

My routine. Before leaving make sure tires + spare are aired up, have jack to change flat tire, have tool kit with. Once I get to the resort I turn my furnace on while I pay for my road pass (house will be nice and warm when arriving at spot). Ask resort max speed on ice road. Crack a beer, find a good flat spot not too snowed in. Drop house, I put 2×4 under all four corners and at the front V. Make room in house to drill holes ( I use a catch cover slush bucket to keep floors dry), get at least one rattle reel down and crack another beer then bank house real good. Hopefully already have a fish on rattle reel. Get the rest of the lines down. Organize house for the weekend. Then get generator running and house plugged in, relax drink more beer.

Mike S. wrote:

My routine. Before leaving make sure tires + spare are aired up, have jack to change flat tire, have tool kit with. Once I get to the resort I turn my furnace on while I pay for my road pass (house will be nice and warm when arriving at spot). Ask resort max speed on ice road. Crack a beer, find a good flat spot not too snowed in. Drop house, I put 2×4 under all four corners and at the front V. Make room in house to drill holes ( I use a catch cover slush bucket to keep floors dry), get at least one rattle reel down and crack another beer then bank house real good. Hopefully already have a fish on rattle reel. Get the rest of the lines down. Organize house for the weekend. Then get generator running and house plugged in, relax drink more beer.

This is about 100 percent what I do as well. But I try to sneak a shot of whiskey between beers

All the advice is spot on.

Also they’ll need to find out the best way to drill holes in their specific shack. I drop my tongue all the way and the axles half way. Then drill. My holes line up and I don’t have to deal with a slush catcher or chips on the floor.

I have a checklist on my phone for all the stuff to bring, but the most important list is in my head.

I ask myself the essentials which make or break a trip.

Heat? (Meaning do I have sufficient propane, charged house battery, and Big Buddy backup)

Light? (Meaning charged house battery, generator- I bring a backup too).

Power? Redundant, but it’s in my head.

Auger? Meaning an ice auger AND charged battery.

Bait/Beer? Can’t fish without
either….

My actual list is:

Generators
Gas 4 them
Check PSI/Grease
Garbage Bags
Wet Wipes
Paper: plates/toilet/towels
Auger/battery
Graphs/Chargers
Buckets
Minnow Bucket
Fillet Knife
Shovel
Scoop
Extension Cord
Torch

The rest of the “permanent” stuff like tools, spare, jack, blankets, pots, pans, tow strap, jumper cables, bag of sand, spare cable/clamps, etc etc etc aren’t on the list….but definitely essential.

Also, if they don’t already have holes sleeves, GET THEM.

Another thing regarding the resort roads: If off-road travel is good before a batch of snow and wind, don’t venture too far from the resort road….

If you’re offroad……you’re own your own to get out (or pay handsomely)