Real ice anchors

New to tent shelter fishing as i picked up a otter cabin insulated….a bit small but by myself 90% of time. Anyhow an acquaintance introduced me to tent shelter fishing last year, first time snow and no wind so didn’t need his anchors. Second time windy and solid glare ice and his anchors wouldn’t go in, despite being newer and sharp…instead they would basically chip ice out and not dig. I know there is a fitting you can out in a power drill but now taking another heavyish tool out. As a volunteer firefighter i am trained in icewater rescue and we have hollow ice anchors with a small handle….fast and consistent but expensive but wondered about buying 2 or 4 of them so i have reliable anchorage on windy days when ice is solid. Or is there a trick ti the T type anchors that came with my otter?

I’m gonna say drill a pilot hole first.
I’d measure the shank of your ice anchors and bring a regular drill bit about 1/16”’smaller. My 2 cents. - you’d still need to bring the drill, but might be worth the weight

Never had that issue before - strange. Like said i would try a pilot hole first if that happened. If that didn't work and you have a bit of extra time for your setup and it is cold enough you could over-drill a hole stick the anchor in and add water to the annular space - should freeze in pretty fast.

It's this simple....unfortunately the tool is very hard to find. Don't hesitate to buy it if you can find it.

I have it and it's worth it's weight in gold!!!

Otter Ice Anchor Tool

Tap it with a hammer to start a hole then screw it in.

Ive had this issue numerous times on glare ice. Spending over a half hour just to get anchors in SUCKS!!
As stated above, I use drill now aswell. Pop a couple pilot holes and the anchors fly in no issues.

Hey Youngknight,

I purchased one similar to what Washout posted but made by Eskimo. I put it on a spare impact driver and in seconds anchors are screwed into the ice.

Canadian Tire has this one. Check your local stores because some still have it in stock. But you could always purchase it online. The one sold at WallyMart says online purchase only.

Canadian Tire

WallyMart

The adapters are usually pretty universal as I have anchors from my old clam hut, new Cabelas hut and a Sail anchor set I bought last year on clearance when they were closing. It works for all 3 which are similar but also a little different with regards to length and gage.

If you bought an otter the ice anchors should work. If you are installing them in the ice by hand, make sure to have constant pressure on the anchor while turning it slowly.

I was always having a hard time by hand, so I take a little 12V drill with me. This makes my life easier since I no longer need to toggle the 18V drill between the auger and anchor bit. I don't mind the extra little bit of weight, even though I am a walker.

Always had this issue, just need to get it started. Constant pressure too.
If doing this with rubber coated anchors use something as a buffer otherwise you’ll tear the coating.
I’m for just using a drill bit for a pilot hole - no need for another little gadget that I or the kids - definitely the kids - will somehow misplace or loose.

Night and day difference with the adapter. I have two, I keep one in each pop up, with the anchors in the bag. I Anchor of all four corners and only the sides where the wind is blowing from unless it is very high winds then I will anchor all eight points.

https://www.cabelas.ca/product/129437/cabel...-anchor-adapter

I have a Rapala pop-up and assume the t-anchors that came with it are the same as what you're using. I've always screwed them in by hand and have found that ensuring you are angled fairly straight down helps with chipping. Applying consistent pressure as well until the anchor bites is another must. Have never had issues installing by hand as long as I keep those two things in mind.

Thanks all. The rescue ice anchors are quite pricey but amazing so will try by hand then oilot hole then buy adapter.

Has anybody tried using these? These screws are very sharp. I am a camper and they look a bit like tent pegs---I would put them in on a 45 deg angle as is usually done for tent pegs. My buds and I rarely use the tent for fishing. I bought 4 of them and have screwed then into the ice easily with a small drill just to check them out, but have not used them while fishing.

You open hole usually??? Must pick your days wisely! Lol