Ice-fishing shelters: Should I hub-style or flip?

Portable ice-fishing shelters have revolutionized the way we fish. From early models that served a singular purpose – often for only one angler – to larger models now that can be used for a host of extra purposes such as ice camping or hunting, there are a number of reasons to own one.  

Hardcore anglers like to hole-hop as well (I’m in that group), and when wind or cold makes it difficult to effectively present a bait to fish awaiting below, there’s nothing like the convenience of a portable to remain both mobile and comfortably stationary. The ability to drop tiny jigs to panfish when it’s 10 degrees or in winds greater than 10 mph makes owning a portable of any kind well worth its cost.  

If you’re in the market for a portable house, there’s but one big fork in the road. You can go with a hub-style shelter, which has a heavy-duty exterior, often insulated, draped over a collapsible framework of semi-flexible poles that meet in several “hubs” throughout. Or, you can opt for a flip-style shelter, which incorporates a sled as its base and has a series of hard-metal poles that retract or expand to form the framework of the shelter when packed or set up.  

Each has its upsides when it comes to getting out on the ice, and sometimes it’s even nice to own both, depending on what types of fishing you do.

Here’s a run-down of the best of each.

Hub style

Hubs have taken the ice-fishing scene by storm, once used only hunting blinds and uncommon across frozen lakes, to now the standard portable shelter for many. It’s for good reason too, because there’s a lot to love.  

First and foremost, there’s really no other way to get as much warm, fishable space for the money as with a hub shelter, with even more large and expensive models being just over $500. That translates to a relatively easy purchase for even non-serious ice anglers who just want to get the wind off their backs.  

Of course, there’s also the mobility factor, especially if you hand-tow or even take a truck onto the ice. It’s usually easy to pull the hub bag out of the back of a truck and set up the shelter, or to drag a small sled containing the fairly light hub system through snow. 

Both instances are prime hub territory for anyone looking to have a portable fish house, yet stay nimble along the way. 

There’s also the space factor.  A large hub can hold the whole family much better than can a flip-style shelter.  

That doesn’t mean that hubs are only “beginner” shelters, either, because there’s a host of features in today’s hubs that make them as functional as they are fun. Look for entryway doors that go all the way to the ice and prevent you from tripping as you enter or exit. Also, look for custom storage solutions, such as pockets for gear, rod holders, and even a port for your propane hose to keep it out of the snowy mess. Oversized carry bags to easily accommodate a frozen shelter and a secure ice-anchoring system are things you should expect from the upper-end hubs on the market.  

Flip style

Call these the original portables on the marketplace, for a number of uses. They still represent the greatest advantage for ice anglers everywhere. 

Almost without question, if your on-ice transport is via snowmobile or ATV, flip-style shelters are the clear best choice. With options to reduce sled-wear such as hy-fax runners, along with rugged hitch-systems that are roto-molded into the sled frame, there is simply no more rigorous shelter that can stand up to the elements when towed across open ice.  Some of that sturdiness comes with a bit more weight, mostly because of the sled. The upside is secure storage that hauls everything in a self-contained unit, all the way out to the spot and back. That leaves your travel vehicle free for other accessories or riders, and allows you to travel far more rapidly onto the ice.  

More than thinner sleds and even strapped-down hub shelters, the flip-style house with its encompassing travel cover makes for easy transport. For anglers fishing big water or remote areas, these systems are simply the way to go. Not to mention, there’s a host of great features with these shelters, too.

While originally, most flip-style shelters featured main front doors, most these days have that option plus a handy side door. The heater goes on the ice in front of the anglers, and they can enter or exit their individual side without fear of burning suits or the shelter. That’s a handy feature in and of itself.  

Which to choose?

For many anglers, choosing a portable ice-fishing shelter comes down to hand-tow or truck fishing (hub shelter) or ATV and snowmobile towing (flip-style). But there are a few more interesting use-cases that pop up.  

Especially for hard-house owners, portable hub shelters are a great value to extend either fishable space when extra guests arrive, or to use them as a portable, pop-up bathroom. Hubs can easily and cheaply add to the fun when you need an extra spot to clean fish, set up a food buffet, or even send the kids when they need a change of scenery.  

The same can be said for anglers who want all of their gear self-contained. With the help of a friend, a sled/shelter with propane, electronics, augers, rods, and tackle can be easily hoisted onto the ice, set up, and made ready to fish in mere minutes. If you’ve got a truck or SUV with the space to hold this unit, many anglers prefer to drive to a spot, plop down, and fish with no hassle of assembling or gathering a pile of items that were sloshing around in a sled.

Ultimately, it’s hard to make a wrong choice, and the used portable shelter market is strong should you wish to explore other options later.  

Consider the four S’s when purchasing any shelter, top to bottom: 1) Shell – A premium fabric with high insulative capacity. 2) Structure – Aluminum poles on the flip-style sleds that are square will prevent twisting and binding in heavy winds. 3) Seat – Either a bench or bucket seat that’s lightweight and comfortable. 4) Sled – If you’re shopping for a flip style, a roto-molded sled is the premium option.