More newbie questions - Mille Lacs Lake Fishing (Fishing Reports, Events, Tournament Information and more)

iwalleye · Member

More newbie questions

muskiemike · Member

For night time battery powered lights are hard to beat. I put a tap light above each hole. Got at Menards for about $3 a light, 5 led runs on 2 AA. The batteries lasted all season. I have some 12v led rope lights also. If I need more light I have some other ones I picked up at Hilltop trailer sales and I have 1 gas light. Most guys keep the generator in the back of the pickup.

Rick Anderson · Member

Generator: I have run my generator in my truck bed with the gate open and the tonneau cover on during bad weather, but perfer to set it out on the Ice when I run it for extended periods. I use a 25ft cord with Male to Male connectors. If I'm not using it I lock it in my truck or bring it in the shack at night.

I also have three double bulb 12volt RV style ceiling lights and several 12volt outlets that run off a 12v deep cycle battery. The 12 volt lights are connected to the battery through a on/off switch so at night I have instant light when the Eel Pout come a callin at 2AM. I also have 2 gas lights I use most of the time during the evening hours.
I sometimes use small LED lights in the holes like Muskiemike.

When I bought my house it can equiped with a Lugable-Loo (a 5 gallon bucket with a toilet seat attached). It aint pertty but it was effective. Las year I attached an "outhouse" to the end of my shack. Most houses, mine included still use a 5 gallon bucket that sits under a toilet seat configuration. Rule of thumb in my shack is "Use it then bag it. That helps keep the smell to a minimum.

Hope this helps #49

Matty V · Newbie

For the bathroom situation i would recommend bringing some cat litter with you. Each time you use the bucket switch the bag out and throw some cat little in the bottom of the bag for next time use. This will tremendously cut down the oder. BUT always change the bag. If you want to keep that kind of business out side of the shack, I have even heard of some guys who bring their portables up to use as an outhouse. Turn on the mr. buddy heater and in a few minutes its nice and toasty. This way it gives people a little more privacy. For the actual toliet i built a small one (like a simple box) out of wood that a bucket can slide in and out, a hole at the top along with a toliet seat. I believe they even sell camping toliets too. I had a perminate bathroom in the coner of my house and this year i took it out because i found it took up to much room that was wasted.

As for lights we have 3 gas lights but i find we use 12 volt deep cycle battry way more because its nice to have an on/off switch and gives off better light. If you're looking for a quick fix, there are some really good ideas above with things like taps lights. In my opinion i think 12 volt lights are the way to go. You can even find an alligator clip that attaches to the battery and on the other end a cigarette style outlit. Menards has different lights that run off of 12 volts

I personally do not have a generator but i see guys who do and it seems that they leave them out over night with no problems but thats just my guess. If you fish shallow i would make sure to have a very quiet generator and not one of those big ones made to power a house. Again, this is just my opinion

Hope this Helps

iwalleye · Member

Thanks for the help. wink

I don't have a pickup. I have a trailblazer. But I will most likely be pulling my utility trailer for my portable, auger, gas and the generator. With your suggestions I will try running the geneator out of the trailer bed, chaining it to the trailer and putting it on a rubber mat. I'm also trying to figure out how to cover the trailer like a truck bed cover. This should also help keeping things clean as I trailer everything during the winter.

Let me rephrase my 12v question. Will any 12v light work with any 12v battery? Is the battery amp number more an indictor on how long the battery will last? confuse

FYI the 12 volt light does have a switch mounted by the beds and uses a normal house size bulb ( yet 12v).

I have seen those 5 gallon bucket toilets. They sell bags for them that I thought were to expensive. Have you substituted a less expensive bag like a common trash bag with them?

Eyes of the world · Member

Lugable Loo is my friend indeed. Rick is right, use just a small amount of cat liter in the bottom, and change out after every use. At least I do. I have found most 13 gallon trash bags to be sufficient but prefer the little better quality bags such as glad. A small price to pay to avoid un wanted accidents!. Once job is accomplished, I put into a little larger black bag outside of shack, lets thing freeze up and it will be ready to haul away when you are.
Have fun in the new shack. I use mine so much, my girlfriend made me (or had someone make me) a mailbox on 4" x 4" so that I can change my address in the winter months. Good girl she is.
Come on colder weather.

Rick Anderson · Member

Any 12 volt light will work with a 12 volt Battery. biggrin

The difference is the amount of power draw the lights use.
Rule of thumb is the brighter the light the more power it draws.
Motors, in this case 12 volt fans, usually draw the most power.

I use a 12 volt car fan in my house, but run it 30-45 minutes
2-3 times a day when the weather is cold. The tempature difference
from floor to ceiling can be 10-15 degrees so a fan can save fuel buy
pushing the warm air down. I also have a couple of standard 12 volt
(cigarette style) oulets I can use for my flashers or camera if need be.

When you run your generator you can recharge your 12 volt battery.
My deep cycle battery usually is good for 2-3 weekends before it needs
recharging.

Regarding the house light output: You can buy 12 volt bulbs that will fit
into a standard outlet. I have one of these outside my door. Those bulbs
generally draw 25 - 40 watts of power, much more power draw than RV
style lights which use automotive style bulbs. No problem if you are only
using one bulb in your house.

HAVING SAID ALL THAT...I use my gas lights much more than my 12 volt
system. They provide light and heat in the evenings. When I need Bright
Light I kick on the 12 lights in addition to the gas lights.

iwalleye · Member

Thanks again for all the help. Every bit of info is helping fill in the voids!!!

Next question. The only propane item I have now is a furnace. I do want to add a gas light or two and I'm pretty handy. Is there any real trick to tapping into the gas line and adding additional gas items. I know i'll have to get a flaring tool. I assume ( with the gas off) I'll use a tube cutter to cut the line, place the nut(s) on the line, flare the tube(s), put the fitting in place and tighten the nut(s) and then test for leaks ( with the gas on ) with a match. Right/wrong?

Where should I look for the gas lights ( where is the best place to buy them ), what should I look for in a light and is there any right or wrongs in gas lights?

I was given a good LP stove/oven, but I'm having second thoughts about hooking it up. Being I have a generator and a micro wave and a Presto pizza cooker. If I hook up the stove/oven it would be a permanant fixture. If I don't hook it up I have the micro wave, Presto and could use a counter top camping stove to cook with. This gives me more options as to setting the shack up and moving things around for summer and then winter use. Any thoughts on having or not having a stove/oven?

I just now hmm

realize that as I also have a refrigerator I may have to run the generator all night. Those of you with refrigerators do you run the generator all night or can it go without power all night and still keep the frozen items frozen and the cold items cold?

Bobber · Admin / Moderator

http://www.fishhousesupply.com/

Click on the link above...lots of good stuff for yor fish house needs!!!

iwalleye · Member

Thanks Bobber, I have added them to my favs.

Isle Discount had a couple there a month or so back.

muskiemike · Member

I have a 134,000 acre freezer right outside my door on the shady side of the house during the day. The fridge is under the house. biggrin

iwalleye · Member

muskiemike wrote:

I have a 134,000 acre freezer right outside my door on the shady side of the house during the day. The fridge is under the house.

Da!!!!!!!!! disbelief

Your right!!!!! Me bad hmm

That answer just was not in the same box as me. It was out side that box somewhere.

-- Edited by iwalleye on Thursday 19th of November 2009 05:36:59 PM

mbenson · Member

Regarding your gas line connection, sounds like you got it right. For checking, we use windex or some other mixture of water with suds. If it leaks, you guessed it, bubbles.

Mark

Rick Anderson · Member

I usually Check for gas-line leaks with a dish soap water mix because it seem to "stick" to the copper a little longer than windex. Good idea to check at least twice, especially if you are working in -32 degree weather. disbelief

DON'T USE A MATCH disbelief

To keep things cold, but not frozen, use a spare hole (with a sleeve or drop in a 5 gal bucket) with some insulation on the bottom. You will still need to check from time to time.

I have a small RV stove with a tiny oven. I usually bring food that is precooked so all I need to do is heat it up...and by the way Hunters food is great.

iwalleye · Member

Rick Anderson wrote:

I usually Check for gas-line leaks with a dish soap water mix because it seem to "stick" to the copper a little longer than windex. Good idea to check at least twice, especially if you are working in -32 degree weather. DON'T USE A MATCH

To keep things cold, but not frozen, use a spare hole (with a sleeve or drop in a 5 gal bucket) with some insulation on the bottom. You will still need to check from time to time.

I have a small RV stove with a tiny oven. I usually bring food that is precooked so all I need to do is heat it up...and by the way Hunters food is great.

I use the dish soap mix when working at home. But my brother-in-law (a plumber) use matches. R U checking the lines every time U use the house or move the house?

I'll take a soap mix up and keep there!

Rick Anderson · Member

I checked all the Lights, Stove and Furnace fittings and when I bought the house.
I visually recheck the outside gas lines each year for damage before I turn on the Propane.
Propane has a strong smell so I check the lights, stove and furnace by each time I go out.
Everyone has their own checklist for opening and closing thier house When I first bought my house I actually kept a check sheet in a small notebook. After a while the procedure becomes second nature. There is nothing worse than trying to remenber if you shut off the furnace when you are 100 miles from Hunters! confuse

You will need to replace the gas light mantles after you get moved so stock up.
Make sure you have a good Fire/carbon-monoxide alarm.

iwalleye · Member

Rick Anderson wrote:

I checked all the Lights, Stove and Furnace fittings and when I bought the house.
I visually recheck the outside gas lines each year for damage before I turn on the Propane.
Propane has a strong smell so I check the lights, stove and furnace by each time I go out.
Everyone has their own checklist for opening and closing thier house When I first bought my house I actually kept a check sheet in a small notebook. After a while the procedure becomes second nature. There is nothing worse than trying to remenber if you shut off the furnace when you are 100 miles from Hunters!

You will need to replace the gas light mantles after you get moved so stock up.
Make sure you have a good Fire/carbon-monoxide alarm.

Do U still have a copy of the check list. There maybe things on there I have not thought of yet.

I have two fire/carbon-monoxide alarms. One above the top bunk and one on the ceiling in the other end of the room. I also have a vent less furnace so I'm happy having two. The furnace also has a auto shut off for low oxygen. I also sleep with two windows crack open. Is CO or is it CO2, lighter or heavier than air?

-- Edited by iwalleye on Saturday 21st of November 2009 10:13:46 AM

iwalleye · Member

muskiemike wrote:

For night time battery powered lights are hard to beat. I put a tap light above each hole. Got at Menards for about $3 a light, 5 led runs on 2 AA. The batteries lasted all season. I have some 12v led rope lights also. If I need more light I have some other ones I picked up at Hilltop trailer sales and I have 1 gas light. Most guys keep the generator in the back of the pickup.

I think I found them at Fleet Farm. They have 5 led lights in a gray small puck like case that you push the light lense to turn on and off. They use three AAA batteries. They came three in pack for $6.99

Rick Anderson · Member

The list was on my old computer.

Just walk yourself through the opening/closing secquence.

Example: Upon arrival

I have a LED lantern that I keep by the door for night arrivals
Turn on Propane
Start Furnace
Night: Light gas lights
Punch holes (If you have a gas auger you will need to keep your door and windows
open until you finish punching your holes.)
Connect Battery
Set rattle wheels
Unload equipment, food and Beverages.
Have a Beer and relax, It usually takes the house 20-30 minutes to completely
warm up.

I don't leave much in the house when I'm not there.

These are some of the standard things I do before I leave:

Disconnect the 12 volt battery so I won't have any power bleed-off.
Bag up and/take out trash and any beverages/food that could freeze.
Load auger, flasher and camera.
Check all propane devices ( I shut my propane off between visits, some folks
leave the pilot-light on.)
Lock and lower shades on windows.
Do walk around house for any trash, shovels, etc.
Check outhouse.
Lock both doors.
Turn off propane tanks.

After a few trips the secquence becomes routine.

iwalleye · Member

Thanks, I didn't see any surprises there. But being new 2 this I know there are and will be new things 2 learn.

Your list brings up another question. I saw a topic on the LSF forum where a lot of the shack owner leave their's unlocked when they leave. They believe it's cheaper to just leave unlocked than damage from a break in. (FYI I do plan on taking most items of value home each trip, not how ever my frig. and mirco.) I real just can't see leaving it open!!!!

What do people do for insurance?

What r the best radio stations that you can get on the lake? I like rap, soul and show tunes.

Just kidding!!!!! I do like rock and country ( no kidding ). Most of the time I listen to the Power Loon ( which is in or near the 107's if I remeber right) when there. I would like more options including more country. Which station has the best weather 4 the pond?

Sorry Doug 4 cheating with another forum, but is it better or worst that it is kinda a sister forum.

Rick Anderson · Member

WELL !!! There was a time you could leave your house open.
I wouldn't advise that now. disbelief This subject really "ticks" me off! furious

I leave my battery, jumper cables; I also have a few basic tools, shovels etc.
I also leave a couple of rods, some jigs and a small portable in my house.
Adding up the replacement cost may suprise you.
It only takes one Thief to ruin your day.

I have had Guys on snowmobiles pull up to my house more than once
when my truck was gone. I usually keep some stuff outside during the day
while I'm fishing. Both times when they saw me in the window they took off confuse

Read into that what you will, but my door stays locked when I'm not there.
99% of the fishermen out there are honest and willing to help if you need it,
But, every year theives steal generators, trailers, and fishing gear, sometimes right
out of pickup trucks parked at the resorts.

grady white · Member

How do you guys keep running your t.v. going at night without a generator ? i have had a flat screen t.v. in and out of freezing weather for four years now without any trouble.

Rick Anderson · Member

Grady,

I have a 12/120 volt TV but it is analog. Some times during the day (especially for Perch) I connect my Aquaview camera to it.
When I used the TV in the 12 volt mode it would run the battery down pertty quick.
I bought a Honda generator to recharge the battery and run my TV in the evenings.
That solved all my power problems and I didn't have to lug my battery home to recharge
it every weekend.

I plan on getting a small LCD TV soon. I only Watch TV a couple of hours a night and
usually have the generator running. With digital signals and a LCD TV is will a real pain
getting "over the air broadcasts" because we will have to rescan every time we move
or the antenna shifts. Don't know how this will workout, may be more trouble than
its worth.

Rick

gms_mn · Member

most RV sells have 12V lisght & gas lights they sell & most needs

iwalleye · Member

Can someone give me some blocking basics. Do you clean down to the ice to place the blocks? How many blocks would you use for an 10x18 shack, each skid is 20+ feet long? I assume the more blocks used the better the weight of the house is spread out on the ice. What to do for different ice/snow conditions? Is there weekly or monthly or on going maintenance I need to do to keep the house from freezing in What else do I need to know? What are common mistakes? Is there printed or video info out there that would help me with ice house 101 basics? I'm thinking of have Hunter's block it the first time and watch and learn.

FYI I have cut up old skids into 2, 4 and 6 inch blocks for blocking so I have some blocks. Jason suggested this. I assume I use the different size blocks to assure that the skids are above any moisture on the ice and yet stay as close to the ice as possible.

Again thanks for all the help that has been freely given here!!!!

Rick Anderson · Member

Blocking your house is relatively easy. Make sure you have a good jack
and plenty of blocking.
When Hunters pulls your house to the HOT SPOT you've chosen,
they will plow the area of any drifted snow. This will give you a fairly
level spot to set up on.
I usually shovel to the Ice if the snows not deep, but many folks don't.

Jack one end up and block.
Jack the opposite end up and block both the middle and end.
Lower the jack to see if you have equal pressure on all blocks,
if not, shim up low spots or try removing packed snow in high spots.
Once level, bank snow around your house and your set.
(I usually drill my holes and start fishing before I bank the house.)

The blocking height is dependent on the thickness of Ice and the
weight of your house.
Early in the season when the Ice is 12-16 inches thick I block at 6-8 inches.
This will allow the house to stay above the waterline if the ice sags and water
settles under the house when I'm not there. Water under the houses occurs
during a warm period on the lake.
When the Ice is like last year 24-30 inches, I only block at 4 inches.
The blocking height is also dependent if you use sleeves in your fishing holes.

This task is much easier and faster with two fishermen biggrin

iwalleye · Member

Thanks Rick. You have been alot of help.

iwalleye · Member

What are the sleeves used for? Do you still bank the house if you use the tubes. Has anyone made their own tubes as they cost so much? Do you cut the tubes so they are in contact with the ice?

Rick Anderson · Member

Sleeves are used to block the cold air from under the House. Even if you bank your house you will experience some cold air coming up the hole. Sleeves cut down the amount of air coming up by 50 to 75% on windy days. The holes in my house were square and the previous owner had made sleeves out of plywood. The plywood sleeves worked fine, but took up a lot of space in my small house. I bought covers and sleeves for two reasons; first the wooden covers wouldn't stay on the holes when the house was moved over rough terrain and secondly, the sleeves were always in the way when not in use.

Many fishermen use the Catch-covers with 5 gallon buckets for sleeves. You simply cut the bottom of the bucket out to the desired height. Leave some snow or slush on the bottom of each hole and set the sleeve int the slush to make a tight seal.

You can view Catch-Covers at www.fishhousesupply.com or a similar product at www.milacaicecastlefishhouse.com

Covers and sleeves are not required but nice to have, you may want to experiment before spending the $$.

The covers and sleeves should be available at the St. Paul Ice Fishing Show this weekend. I try to make the show every year, there are some good buys, new products and experts to answer all your questions. confuse

iwalleye · Member

I've installed the catch cover brand hole covers. The house came with plywood screwed to the floor. I found the covers on sale at Fleet Farm a couple of months ago. But I've yet to find the sleeves on sale and the longer ones seem to be in the upper twenties each. I believe that I need the long ones as I have 12.5 inches from the floor to the bottom of the skids then plus the blocking. I need seven if I buy one for each hole. I may buy two to four for now and keep them in active holes and just keep others covered. I'll be at the show on Friday and will check there.

I'm finding a lot of info on ice fishing in books, video and here. But someone needs to put out ice house 101.

Again thanks Rick and the other that have been so helpful.

gms_mn · Member

try fish house suply http://www.fishhousesupply.com/ they have sleeves

-- Edited by Doug Ertl on Thursday 3rd of December 2009 07:57:48 AM

Rick Anderson · Member

Jim

Measure a the 5 gallon pail depth, that might work for you and they cost 3-4 dollars.
Don't cut them, just drop one in the Catch-Cover as a test. If you decide don't like the pail option no big deal. Its good to have a couple of pails in your house for slushing, fish, trash, etc.

As for depth, you don't have to go all the way to the ice, just leave some of the slush
on the bottom of each hole. you just need to make a good seal with the sleeve.

iwalleye · Member

Thanks Rick! I'm going to try a pail in a catch cover rim at Fleet Farm ( they have the catch cover brand). I'll see how close they are.

Just to verbalize my earlier thoughts of making the tube from scratch for those interested. I saw rolls of aluminum flashing in different widths at Menards, I thought could be pop riveted into a tube and duct taped or electrical taped to the catch cover rim to seal. Another thought was to use a thin flexable plastic sheet instead of flashing.

I just hate to pay $29.00 for a plastic tube!!

Has any one else made their own tubes? How did you do it.

polar64 · Member

I like that fish house supply link. thanks

iwalleye · Member

Well my house was pulled out on the 31st. With everyones help my wife and I had a great first night in our house. This was her first night on the ice.

With your help and suggestions here is how we set up the house.

1 I set up my generator on a ( blocked) pallet at the end of my house with
it locked to the end of a skid. I ran it all night to power the fan and refrig. Found that a fan was needed to mix up the heated air in the shack! I am planning on looking into those aux gas tanks so I won't have to worry about the generator running out over night.

2 I got one of those medical bed side toilets. It was my Xmas gift. We use Kitty litter with each use.

3 We have several of the tap lights around the shack.

4 I confirmed the one ceiling light is a 12v with a on/off switch by the bunks. I have plans to hook up a small 12v fan for over night use. For now I have no plans on adding a gas light.

5 Have a couple of the catch cover tubes, the long ones. With my house blocked at four inches these tubes are the perfect length. I will be spending the money and getting tubes for the rest of the holes. They just work so well. I will go strait to http://www.fishhousesupply.com to get the white ones.

I have yet to decide how I'm going to do the TV. Plan on hanging out at Rick's for now, sit on my new Loo and watching his new TV. I like my popcorn buttered! smile

Rick Anderson · Member

Jim,

It sounds like everything went smoothly for your first outing.
Each time you go you will find shortcuts and easier ways to get setup.
I tend to carry a lot of things I really don't need, however, I have had a few
problems. I got "froze" out of my house last year when the tempature was in the negative teens. I spent 15-20 minuites trying to open my door (Lesson Learned).

I'm finally going up tomorrow to get pulled out. The weather looks a little cold,
I will more than likely stay in the house most of the trip.

ObiWon · Member

Nice artical and responses. Keep some liquid Ice away for the door. The spray stuff. Works great.

Rick Anderson · Member

ObiWon

Now you tell me!!

I spent 35-40 Minutes opening my Outhouse door

it damn near turned into an emergency !! ashamed

iwalleye · Member

My "LAKE" cabin is no longer a "LAKE" cabin as it is back on land. My wife and I had a great first year. She commented on how much the "cabin" helped make the winter pass. We left it in one spot all winter and had a morning and evening walleye bite up until about mid Feb. My biggest fish this winter was a 24" with most of the fish being of eating size. Perch fishing however was poor, had a lot of perch under the house but all we saw/caught were very small.

A couple of last questions. First, my house was blocked a 4 inches and I still had to chip out one side of the house at seasons end. It appears that the water pulled up by the auger (every time I re-opened the holes the auger pulled up a lot of water before the blade made it though the bottom of the hole) built up under the one side of the house. Next year I will block it at 5 inches. My question here is can I do anything to not auger up so much water?

Second question is what do you do with your keeper fish while your on the ice. I put them in a bucket I had in the house. This bucket I used to put the skim ice in from the holes and always had ice in the bottom. This worked well except my wife felt bad for the flopping fish in the bucket. I then threw the fish out on the ice where they froze. I would prefer to take the fish home, clean them and then freeze them if not cooked up right away. So are there any other options? No I'm not going to throw the wife on the ice!