Anyone who is engaged in running fishing for pike perch, perch and pike knows what they are for fishing sled. They are very convenient for transporting your belongings, necessary gear, tools and everything that comes with winter fishing. Making a sled with your own hands is not difficult: you will need some materials, tools and basic skills in working with them. The need to manufacture them is due to the fact that almost all purchased products are not entirely convenient to use.
Sled for fishing from a box
A very simple and budget version of a sled for fishing in winter can be assembled from an ordinary plastic box. In addition to the box itself, the following materials will be needed:
- self-tapping screws;
- a piece of plywood;
- four bars with a cross section of 50 millimeters;
- a pair of old wooden skis.
The box must be polyethylene. You can check this in the following way: remove small shavings from the box with a knife and set it on fire - the smell will be similar to the one that comes from a burning plastic bag. It is advisable that the box already has holes on the sides for ease of carrying. The plywood should cover about half of the box and will serve as a seat. You can attach some soft pillow to it. The plywood is screwed with self-tapping screws onto three sides of the box, and the distance between the screws is 10 cm.
Four bars are screwed to the bottom of the box in order to secure the skis to them. It is better to screw bars that will be a little longer onto the back side. They are screwed from the inside: long bars are secured with three screws, and short bars with two.
It is best to attach wide mountain skis to these bars, since there are metal edges on the sides that prevent lateral sliding. Accordingly, if you install such skis on a fishing sled, they will not be blown away by the side wind. If you don’t have them, you can use regular ones, the main thing is that they are wooden. The screw caps must be “sinked” while screwing the skis.
To do this, first drill through hole in skis with a diameter slightly smaller than the screw, and then a shallow pass is made with a diameter larger than the screw head.
Alternative design
To make another version of a sled from a plastic box, you will need slightly different materials. These include:
- two plastic pipes;
- tool box;
- a piece of plywood and any soft material;
- self-tapping screws;
- rubber bands.
Instead of skis, two plastic pipes are installed at the bottom of this trough, which will provide better gliding on the snow. The tool case, which is screwed to the box, will serve both as a seat and as a place to store gear (fishing rods, hooks, balance beams). Plywood about 10 millimeters thick is screwed onto the top of the suitcase, and some soft material is attached to it to make it comfortable to sit on.
Such an improvised seat will not completely cover the sled, and there is enough space under it to put all the necessary things. The elastic bands are attached to two opposite walls of the box, and metal hooks are tied to them. Rubber bands are necessary to secure an ice screw or secure any bulky items placed in the sled.
It is better to make a through hole in the sled along its length in order to secure the claw. It is designed to test the strength of ice and is actively used during the first ice. In addition, such a claw is also useful when the ice is thick, because usually the diameter of fishing drills is about 100 millimeters, and if a large fish is caught, then with the help of this claw you can widen the hole and thereby remove the caught fish.
It is better to immediately choose a longer rope for the sled, since a short rope is inconvenient during transitions. It is secured simply: you need to make two holes in the top of the sled, insert a rope and make knots at their ends in order to secure it. When moving between holes, a long rope is again inconvenient and can be easily shortened by making the knot a little higher.
In winter (especially on the first ice) you should never forget about safety. In view of this, a rope must always be secured to the sled in case someone falls through the ice. The length of the rope must be at least 20 meters. It is better to tie some kind of stick at its end. This is done to make it easier to throw the rope, since it does not fly well on its own, especially against the wind. In addition, it will be comfortable for a person to grab onto it.
This unique accessory is attached to the back of the sled and must always be taken with you. Even if we imagine a situation where the owner of the sled fell through the ice, those walking nearby can help by using his own rope, since the sled will remain on the surface of the ice.
Finnish homemade sleigh
As an option, you can make a Finnish sled with your own hands (finka), which is no less popular among fishermen. Their design is extremely simple and consists of three main components:
- skis;
- back;
- chair.
It is better to make the design collapsible so that it can be conveniently transported on the subway or in a car. Immediately before starting the manufacturing process, it is better to sketch out a drawing of the future sled.
Making a sled starts with the runners. You need to select two metal rods about a centimeter thick, three meters long and six to seven centimeters wide. The ends of the rods are smoothly bent upward and holes are made for the rod, which will fasten the runners together. The rod itself should be ten millimeters in diameter, with threads on both ends.
After this, the back and seat are mounted. They are made from hard wood such as oak or birch. You will need wooden blocks measuring 4 by 4 centimeters: two horizontal, vertical, transverse and one as a steering wheel. The sides of the seat are covered with boards. All wooden parts of the sled are fastened together with screws or bolts. The runners are connected to the main structure by welding. You can also weld a hook on the back of the backrest to secure a bag or backpack.
The distance between the runners should be at least 40 centimeters, but to increase their stability this value can be increased by another 10 centimeters.
If desired, you can make a kind of snowmobile out of such a sled by installing a chainsaw motor on it. However, this will increase the weight of the sled, and it will be problematic to move it from place to place. In addition, some fishermen equip a tent to provide shelter from the wind..
Modernization of fishing drags
For winter fishing, it is recommended to take two tackles due to the fact that one can always fail, and then the fishing may simply end. In addition, the presence of two fishing rods may also be due to the fact that two different baits can be attached to them. To ensure that fishing rods are not damaged in any way during transportation in a sleigh, you can make special holders from polypropylene pipes, which are purchased at a hardware store.
Installing rod holders
The diameter of the pipes should be slightly larger than the diameter of the fishing rod handle. It is best to attach them to the back of the sled using special fasteners, which can also be purchased at a hardware store. The height of the tubes should be equal to the height of the sled at the back.
The gear secured in this way in the sled will not break during transportation when you put it along with other things. They will not catch hooks on the backpack, and will not break the fragile parts of the fishing rod. When the tackle is in a vertical position, there is no risk of it getting snagged.
Securing the drill to the skid
A similar device can be made to transport an ice drill. An ice auger sitting in the mounts will not roll on the sled or fall, and the risk of it getting lost will be reduced.
The distance from the ice screw to the fishing rods must be made taking into account the fact that a fishing box, backpack or any other things will be placed in the space between them. The rest of the space in the sled will be used to accommodate the catch.
Typically, classic fishing sleds have holes in the bow for rope. However, it is better to drill holes around the perimeter and then thread the rope through them. During the movement of the sled, not only the bow of the sled will be involved, but also the entire body, which will allow you to better control it.
Of course, you can buy a plastic fishing sled and be content with the design option provided by the manufacturer, but, as a rule, during their operation the fisherman will encounter some problems. These may include the box falling out onto the snow while moving, as well as the inability to securely secure the fishing rods and drill.
In view of this, you should initially choose deep drag sleds so that the box does not tip over backwards. By providing this option, you can avoid additional time spent on modernizing the skids.
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Finnish sleds differ from classic ones in that they have a raised seat and long runners. The person standing behind rests one foot on the runner of the sled, and pushes off with the other, as if on a scooter. For convenience, handles or a special frame for riding are attached to the seat. The stability and speed of the device allows you to comfortably ride alone or together, as well as carry luggage.
Contrary to the name, Finnish sleds were not invented in Finland, but in Sweden. Initially, such sleighs were a traditional means of transportation in Scandinavian countries. Now they are used for outdoor activities in parks and skating rinks, transportation of fishing equipment and just for fun in the winter.
Finnish fishing sleds have a modified design. They have less weight (up to 8.5 kg), the length of the runners is shorter (1.37 m), which simplifies both movement over long distances and transportation in a car. The design of the sled allows you to quickly move around smooth ice and trampled snow (up to 15 km/h). For better gliding loose snow Plastic runners, similar to cross-country skis, are attached on top of the steel ones.
The high seat and a special frame attached to it reduce the load on the back. A sled is also used instead of a comfortable fishing chair with a high back. On a sleigh you can comfortably transport the equipment necessary for fishing, and on the way back, the catch. For greater convenience, additional hooks and elastic bands are attached to secure the tackle box. Collapsible Finnish sleds are especially convenient for fishing.
Technical characteristics and design features
There are two types of sleds: for walking and for fishing.
The walking version for adults weighs up to 10 kg, the length of the runners reaches 2 m. The design can withstand weight up to 180 kg. Sleds designed for children's entertainment are smaller in size. They are designed to carry weights of up to 110 kg; accordingly, the runners are shorter (up to 1.55 m), and the weight is also reduced.
Finnish fishing sleds are lighter than pleasure sleds (up to 8.5 kg), the length of the runners does not reach 1.4 m. This option can withstand 150-180 kg. Fans of winter underwater fishing often equip the structure with additional fastenings for cargo and use plastic covers on the runners. Finnish fishing sleds are also equipped with a motor and a special wheel, which increases the weight to 16 kg and increases the speed of movement to 40 km/h.
Both variations are durable: the racks and runners are made of metal, the seat and back are made of dried wood, coated with varnish or paint. For convenient transportation, folding models are made, which when disassembled take up minimal space.
How to make a Finnish sled with your own hands
Finnish sleds are simply designed: at home, a craftsman can independently make them for fishing or entertainment.
The choice of construction and design depends on skills and technical skills home handyman. The selection of materials and tools is determined by purpose vehicle: for fishermen, more durable and stable sleds are suitable than for riding. The walking version is made of wood or aluminum, but to make a Finnish fishing sled with your own hands, it is better to use steel as the main material.
Skids
The easiest way to make your own is to use old skis with a metal edge. 4 corners with pre-drilled holes for bolts are attached to the wooden runners.
To make a sled from aluminum steel you will need a pipe bender and welding. Also required is ribbed rubber for the footrest and footrest. From aluminum pipes the base bends: runners, footrests and chair mounts. Rubber is glued to the footrest and the back of the runners for an anti-slip effect, and holes are drilled for attaching the racks.
The most stable and durable structure will be made of metal. Skids are formed from bent sheet steel. A metal rod with threads at the ends is inserted into the holes drilled in the front part. To prevent slipping, as in the previous version, rubberized pads are attached.
Chair
Can be mounted on skids to save time and effort old chair, having previously marked and drilled holes for the bolts.
To make the seat and backrest yourself, you need to prepare wooden blocks or planks and cover them with paint or varnish. The wooden parts are attached to a frame made of aluminum pipes or metal. Holes are made in the finished chair for subsequent screwing to the runners and stand.
Racks
Finishing production wooden sleigh, the back is extended wooden blocks and install the top bar from the same material.
To install aluminum vertical racks, the frame is bent from pipes, the boards are fastened with rivets, and holes are drilled at the bottom for screwing to the base. For convenience, the handles or crossbar are covered with porous rubber.
A stand made of metal plates and wooden blocks is fastened with screws, a horizontal bar is attached to the top or handles are made.
If folding sleds are made, wing nuts are used to attach the vertical posts and chair to the runners.
How to make your sled more comfortable
Finnish sleds are equipped with wide plastic attachments, which are used for riding on loose snow when the runners begin to sink.
The sled can be turned into a self-propelled one by adding motor parts. The engine and gas tank are mounted on a separate frame, and a wheel is additionally installed. The speed of such transport will be almost 3 times greater (up to 40 km/h).
To reduce the likelihood of injuries, in addition to covering the handles and footrest with rubber, an additional anti-slip platform for the feet is installed and a pad is put on the shoes.
To secure the load on the sled, add various fastenings, elastic bands, hooks. This option is used by fishermen to transport equipment.
What is better: homemade or purchased sleds
In order to make a Finnish sled with your own hands, you need to have the necessary skills, materials and tools. From positive aspects independent work You can note not only the money saved, but also the design, limited only by the imagination of the home craftsman.
The purchased sled will be stronger and more durable: factory ones are used for processing metal and wood technological processes. A wide range will allow you to choose a model with necessary functions and related accessories. Whatever the choice, Finnish sleds will be both fun winter entertainment for children and adults, and a faithful assistant in winter fishing.
Today we’ll talk about such equipment as a fishing boat. Not the one that carp anglers use to bring in bait, but the gear that was used by our ancestors for long-distance fishing before the invention of spinning and fly fishing.
The boat, or sleigh, works on the same principle as a water kite. Due to the peculiarities of the shape and fastening of the cord, under the influence of current or wind, it is able to move away from the shore a considerable distance. The use of reverse in the latest models allows you to change the direction of movement of the water glider to the opposite.
Places of application
And in our time of advanced gear, there are places and conditions in which a boat for fishing can be indispensable. In addition, many fishermen simply like this type of fishing, it is sporty, exciting and fills the body with adrenaline when biting and fishing.
Thus, this tackle is used in the following cases:
- when fishing at a very long distance with surface baits;
- under the banks with tree branches hanging over them;
- in overgrown reservoirs with the impossibility of placing spinning baits;
- when the fisherman likes this method.
It is best and easiest to use boat fishing in bodies of water with a current, where the force of the water flow presses on the surface.
In still water they fish using the power of the wind, in the calm air glider will not fly, and the aquatic one will not swim. About the design features for different conditions Let's talk below.
How does this work?
For an inquisitive mind, it is always important to know not only how a mechanism works, but also why it happens. In the case of a boat, everything can be explained using the example of the oldest such gear.
Reconstruction of a fishing boat
Imagine a piece of log about 40 centimeters long and 10 centimeters in diameter. The ends of this stake were sharpened, and two ropes were attached to them, one 20 centimeters long and the other 40 centimeters long. The rope was tied at this point, often on a ring, and to a working cord with a garland of two or three thin leashes was tied with it. A certain angle of attack was obtained: the current pressed on the log, and the fisherman, loosening or tightening the main line, maneuvered with the distance from the ship to the shore.
After the bite, the fish were brought ashore along with the boat.
Who is being caught and for what?
This gear is used to catch predators and peaceful fish using surface baits, which can be either natural or artificial, for example:
- chub;
- asp;
- pike;
- perch;
- carp;
- grayling
Depending on the type of fish, the baits with which the boat is equipped are used, these can be:
- bread crust;
- artificial fly fly;
- live insect;
- live bait;
- little frog.
Design
Fishing ships are currently manufactured in the form of catamarans of various modifications. In this case, the near plane or float is made low, and the tackle control elements are attached to it.
The second plane is made larger size, and some masters generally make it interchangeable depending on fishing conditions, for example:
- A part with a large surface part is better suited for fishing with a boat in a still body of water, using the power of the wind.
- The large underwater part is used in weak currents.
- In medium and strong currents, the size of the hydrofoil is reduced: the faster the current, the smaller the plane.
- For fishing on rifts, where the water glider can overturn, the lower plane is cut out in the shape of a semicircle.
On the near plane there are rings or brackets for attaching the working cord. Usually there are two of them for fishing from one bank or another, depending on the current.
The following rule is observed: if you are standing on the left bank, then attach the working cord to the right ring, if you look at the boat from the side of the fastener, and vice versa.
We remind you that river banks are named by their location relative to the direction of the flow.
Leashes are attached to the working cord with snap hooks or using the loop-to-loop method. The distance from the ship's hull to the first attachment point must be at least two meters. The distance between leashes is usually 1.5 meters with their own length being 350-500 millimeters.
The working line is attached to a large inertial reel with easy movement, for example, the same “Nevskaya”. The diameter of the fishing line depends on the power of the fishing boat and the conditions of use and varies from 0.30 to 0.60 millimeters.
To control the tackle, the reel is mounted on a powerful fishing rod. As it you can use Soviet aluminum forms or products of Chinese comrades under the brand name “Crocodile” or “Alligator”.
Catching
The process of fishing on a boat, regardless of fishing conditions, looks like this:
- The tackle is placed on the water and waited for it to float away a little under the influence of the current.
- Leashes are provided. Their number and the distance between them depends on who you are hunting and what bait you are using.
- The ship is equipped, fishing has begun.
- By tightening or loosening the line, we bring the glider to the desired fishing distance, where, in our opinion, there are asp, chub, pike or other fish.
- At the required distance, depending on the bait used, you can either swim it freely or play along with it in some way.
- The bite is determined either visually or felt by hand.
Manufacturing
Despite the fact that factory models are already appearing on sale, most fishermen make a fishing boat with their own hands. We will describe the manufacture of the simplest model, in our opinion, the materials for which can be easily purchased in the retail chain.
We will describe a model with average parameters; for fishing in other conditions, the characteristics will need to be changed or additional planes made. The requirements for them were described in the “Design” chapter.
We start making the boat by cutting out the planes. For the sidewalls we use wooden boards, preferably from hard rocks wood, thickness from 12 to 22 millimeters. We draw drawings of the blanks on the board and cut them out along the contour with a jigsaw.
They have the shape of a trapezoid with the following dimensions:
- The large distant plane, also called the leading one, has a height of 120 millimeters, and the bases are 350 and 230 long.
- The small near trapezoid, or supporting one, is made with a height of 90 millimeters, with base lengths of 300 and 220.
Oblique side faces We cut the trapezoids obliquely so that they can more easily cut through the wave. After finishing the carpentry work, the planes are ground and impregnated with drying oil. When the drying oil dries, you can paint the sides. To visualize fishing on a boat, parts protruding from the water are painted in white, you can add stripes of red or yellow. The underwater part is covered with a blue or green color for camouflage.
The planes of the catamaran are connected in several ways:
- screw studs with nuts;
- strips of metal;
- slats on the top of the boat.
The distance between the planes is maintained from one hundred to two hundred millimeters. Two brackets are attached to the supporting plane for fastening the work cord.
Ship under construction
The last thing you need to do is load the planes. To do this, lead or steel plates are attached to them from below. Most of the catamaran, like an iceberg, should be under water, with the exception of models designed for wind pressure.
The ship is ready for launching
Loading must be done so that the structure does not skew to one side. Ideally, the planes should make a right angle with the surface of the water.
Reversible boat
In order to be able to move in different directions, came up with a device that turns an ordinary ship into a reversible boat. To do this, a special device is attached to the supporting plane or float.
The boat is equipped with a reversing mechanism
The reversing switch consists of the following parts:
- Base for mounting the mechanism. It could be metal plate, into which a bolt is screwed, which will serve as the axis of the lever.
- Lever movable on an axis to change direction. It can be made from a strip of metal. The hole in the strip will make it possible to place the lever on the axle and secure it with two nuts.
- A bracket to protect against line entanglement is placed above the lever. It could be a simple piece of insulated wire.
- The support for tensioning the elastic is a hook attached to the bottom of the support plane.
- Rubber band for fixing the lever. Better is an aircraft model or a “whale” one made from a plug.
The mechanism works as follows:
- The work cord is attached to a movable arm.
- When tensioned, the cord presses the lever to one side, and the elastic pulls it in the opposite direction.
- When the cord tension is released, the elastic will return the lever to a position perpendicular to the planes.
- A sharp jerk of the cord will throw the lever in the opposite direction, and the direction of movement will change.
To make the mechanism obedient, you need to carefully select the elastic band and its tension under the resistance of the water, so that the reverse does not work spontaneously.
Two truths are unconditionally accepted by all forum members and are not subject to discussion. First: let the sled barely fit into the trunk, taking up all its space. And second: the sled should not tip over snowy ice. How are these two requirements related? Answer: the wider and longer the drag, the more resistant it is to turning over. You can, of course, purchase the largest sliding trough and attach it to the roof of the “fishmobile”. Then the trunk problem becomes irrelevant. Everything else, down to the loops and knots, the composition of the fastening rubber and the size of the hooks on it, as well as the length of the “leash” on which the sled is pulled along, is being actively discussed.
Do it yourself
On all the pages of the thread, the decision to make a sled with your own hands is mentioned only once. This is probably a real example of amateurism - making devices for your hobby, not using anything ready-made, buying only materials in the store. A master from Zhodino bent 8 mm. plywood by steaming it in a home bath. Treated the body with ship's varnish. I placed the sled on aluminum runners. All 150 kg. The fisherman's luggage entered the sleigh. And the “trough” itself fits in the trunk. It assures that the canopy glides over the hummocks like butter. It also serves as a table in a tent for a modest fisherman’s meal. We repeat, modest. A true lover will never allow himself to be in such a state when, instead of a snack, he puts a nozzle in his mouth.
If the local river is small, then the main testing ground for the delivery of equipment for ice fishing is on large rivers or reservoirs. For example, in the Borisov area, on the Berezina. Local amateurs often try out new sleds there. Craftsmen do not leave purchased ice boats the same. An amateur from Minsk attached strong loops around the entire perimeter of the finished sled at a distance of 10-15 cm from each other, and through them he covered the body with strips of rubber, fixing the tension with hooks. And established ice fishing groups are advised to purchase “troughs” of the same size in order to nest them one inside the other, then there is much more space left in the trunks for equipment.
Which sleds to choose and buy
Battles occur over the choice of sled types. Some argue that companies that report some special qualities of their products, such as “the box does not retain moisture inside,” are simply advertising that has no meaning. practical value, except for price gouging. We are completely satisfied with the simple Belarusian sled “for 400 thousand squirrels.” Others cite the long service life of imported sleds as proof of their durability. They buy “land” sleds for snowmobiles and ATVs, with their super-loading capacity and maneuverability. Some people pull a couple of sleighs with belongings along the ice like a “locomotive” for all cases of fishing unpredictability.
Sled dragging: is it that simple?
You won’t immediately understand whether amateurs are jokingly or seriously optimists talking about a parachute on a sled as a draft force. Maybe this is quite real? Especially on long crossings and with a tailwind. And pessimists remind that such snowmobiles need a device for controlling the lines and a braking system Last point put by an optimist who advised getting a Labrador to jump and pull the cart to its destination. More useful tips.
An experienced fisherman differs from a simple amateur in that a lot of fishing equipment can be found in his home. If he goes winter fishing, he will definitely need not only a tent, a fishing rod and an ice screw, but also a special sled, which he can make himself. Basic model features and its complexity depends on the character fishing and financial capabilities. But sleds still don’t become expensive, because you can use materials that you can find in your barn.
Movement on crust and ice
If you want to go very far, it will be impossible to get there by car, so you need to think about the right means for the delivery of special equipment. Moving on the ice surface is not as easy as it might seem. This issue can be resolved using a sled. For some fishermen, they even become a haven for overnight stay and rest, because to catch a trophy specimen sometimes you need to be away from home for several days.
If you want to make a sleigh for winter fishing yourself, then it’s worth preparing various devices and materials, among them it is worth noting:
- Pine boards.
- Sandpaper.
- Drill.
- Special glue.
- Electric jigsaw.
Detailed instructions
Two boards can act as runners, which must be used first. A compass will help you draw half circles that are cut using a jigsaw. To secure special bars on the runners, holes are created. Their connection should be made using rounded probes gluing method. The created structure should be strengthened at the back and front of the runners; for this, transverse strips are laid on the spikes. The design should look beautiful, so after the glue has dried, the excess should be cut off.
A fishing sled should definitely have a seat; a board can be used as a seat. In the area where the equipment box is installed, it is worth making grooves for connecting to the runners. In order to do structural reinforcement, on the back side of the skis you need to glue the bars. In the areas where the runners are rounded in the lower part, it is necessary to reinforce a strip of steel with screws.
Before complete assembly, the design should be examined to check the accuracy of the connections. If there are parts that were sanded before, they should be coat with waterproof varnish. After completing work on their creation, such sleds must be checked for strength. To do this, all the equipment needs to be placed inside, because no one wants the product to fail at the most important moment.
Making a sled from aluminum
A fishing sled should not only be functional, but also quite light, because sometimes with their help a person has to move on ice that can crack. To create a sled from aluminum, you should take a sheet suitable material and profile. The parameters must be selected based on the size of the tools being transported and the parameters of the fishing box. The design consists of three parts, namely:
- Skids.
- Two side walls.
The work will require a bending tool. You can get by with metal corners and a mallet. The side parts should be made identical and reinforced; the back wall is made in the same way.
The latest to be done aluminum bottom. It is necessary to make the edges of the sled safe; to do this, they are bent. Additionally, they also make runners. They can be made from aluminum profile. To make bending the runners easier, it is worth making slits in some places. On last stage I need to assemble the sleigh. For this purpose, nuts, bolts and screws for metal connections are used.
Modification of plastic sleds
Such designs are made trough-shaped, are lightweight and can survive impact low temperatures and may have different dimensions. But such sleds have one drawback: they do not have a rope attachment. Correcting this deficiency falls on the shoulders of the fisherman himself.
Special drag sleds can be supplemented by equipping them with suitable fastenings. To do this, drill the required number of holes around the perimeter into which a metal cable with special fasteners can be inserted.
To install a special rope on the front side of the product, you should install 2 eye bolts, and the rope will be secured to carabiners. Eye bolts must be installed using nuts, which will be durable and quick to fasten. This modification of the fishing sled demonstrates that the fastening system has not failed over many years of use.
You can easily create a fishing sleigh with your own hands; they can be supplemented at any time. For example, modifications include the back, as well as the trunk and even decorative elements. Such a strong sled can become budget option and an excellent alternative to factory models.