Thinking about getting a quad for ice fishing

[MaxxiD]

I'll start off by saying that I know nothing about ATV or OHV or whatever they're called.

Thinking about getting one for ice fishing to drag my sled behind me and explore the lakes. I would likely use it in the summer/fall/spring as well for hunting, fishing and camping. This is why I am leaving towards a quad and not a sled.

Are there different types of quads? Are they suitable for ice fishing? Anything else I need to know?

Thanks for your help in advance.

EDIT: Gotta have room for the missus on the back

EDIT: and cheap

[Sooner]

Go find a mid 2000's Honda Rubicon, put a quad seat on the back that has compartments for gear. Go have fun. I choose the Rubi as it is a 500cc so should carry/pull the missus & gear nice.

That being said, I was a Honda guy but have a newer 700 grizzly now. Any older yammy is good too from what I hear.


Those would be the 2 choices I suggest. Get ready for a multitude of choices for brand. Most are good.

[Smokinyotes]

After owning basically every brand and as much as my Canam ****ed me off I can say in cold weather it started better than all the other brands.

[JohninAB]

I have used a quad/atv for ice fishing for a few years now. Allows me to access lakes not accessible by vehicle and before ice thickness is safe for vehicular travel.

Over the years I have changed a few things in my arsenal to make using the quad even more convenient (rod case, rear cargo box, auger mounting).

I concur with the previous posters Honda recommendation. Would add for improved ride quality, especially for the wife on back, independent rear suspension be worthwhile. I run a Suzuki King Quad personally as I prefer cvt versus Honda manual. For reliability my vote be Honda, Suzuki and Yamaha.

Here is my current set up, Suzuki Kind Quad 750 with power steering. Rear box is an Otter Monster box which my Otter rod case attaches to the side via a slide mount and on other side I have a milk crate with the same style mount to haul my Vexilar or propane bottle in. Inside monster box I can carry my lunch bag, tackle bag, ammo box power supply, underwater camera, Vexilar or 5lb propane tank, extra gloves etc. ice auger is carried on front rack via Rhino mounts. Quick note also that if pulling a sled/toboggan behind a quad/snowmobile you must use a solid hitch(no tieing it on with rope only).

[AlbertanGP]

I was going to buy one last year for a small one or two weekend window where I'm not comfortable running the Expeditions but also didn't want to walk. My recommendation (strictly from an ice fishing point of view) would be to resist the urge to upsize. I was looking for a 400-500cc quad...plenty of power and speed to get you where you need to go on the ice. The lighter it is the earlier you can get it on the ice and themore you'll use it. Get a big 1000 and you're only looking at a weekend or two between when it's only safe on foot and when you can drive out.

[58thecat]

Agree a 500cc is plenty. We got two Hondas 350 fourtrax fm’s going on 20 years now and never felt under powered all loaded up with gear.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[MaxxiD]

Originally Posted by AlbertanGP

I was going to buy one last year for a small one or two weekend window where I'm not comfortable running the Expeditions but also didn't want to walk. My recommendation (strictly from an ice fishing point of view) would be to resist the urge to upsize. I was looking for a 400-500cc quad...plenty of power and speed to get you where you need to go on the ice. The lighter it is the earlier you can get it on the ice and themore you'll use it. Get a big 1000 and you're only looking at a weekend or two between when it's only safe on foot and when you can drive out.

Originally Posted by 58thecat

Agree a 500cc is plenty. We got two Hondas 350 fourtrax fm’s going on 20 years now and never felt under powered all loaded up with gear.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Good to know. Thank you for the advice.

What kinda yearly cost an I looking at i.e maintenance, registration etc?

[Hilgy]

Originally Posted by MaxxiD

I'll start off by saying that I know nothing about ATV or OHV or whatever they're called.

Thinking about getting one for ice fishing to drag my sled behind me and explore the lakes. I would likely use it in the summer/fall/spring as well for hunting, fishing and camping. This is why I am leaving towards a quad and not a sled.

Are there different types of quads? Are they suitable for ice fishing? Anything else I need to know?

Thanks for your help in advance.

EDIT: Gotta have room for the missus on the back

EDIT: and cheap

Sounds to me like you need a Suzuki Samurai. Nice warm seat for the wife, cheap, and you can drive it right to the lake. While I wouldn't recommend it I've had mine on 6" of ice.

[MaxxiD]

Originally Posted by Hilgy

Sounds to me like you need a Suzuki Samurai. Nice warm seat for the wife, cheap, and you can drive it right to the lake. While I wouldn't recommend it I've had mine on 6" of ice.

Ah, I had a Suzuki sx4 before. That thing was awesome! Pretty similar to a quad haha. Just too small though. I like having a full-size SUV now