The Greatest “Boat on Ice”

Jackson, Wis. – The first thing you notice about any great fishing boat is the hull. Some showcase bright flashy graphics that turn heads like a supermodel. Others are just plain classy—sleek lines, elegant, hydrodynamic contours, and a look that screams high performance. When the ice fishing gurus at Frabill began design of their new Guardian ice shelter, it wasn’t just a bold new look they sought. Mostly, it was performance on the ice. Fortunately for anglers, Frabill achieved both.

“Frabill’s new-look ice shelters make a pretty bold statement,” says Great Lakes guide and Frabill pro-staffer Captain Eric Haataja. “Anglers are going to notice the new digs out there. But the Guardian is way more than looks. It’s really my boat on ice. When I sit in one of the padded swivel seats, I get the same feeling I do while casting from the bow of my boat. It’s got almost six feet of workable rod space inside, too—that’s huge for battling big predators with longer rods, all without having to flip the shelter open. The way I look at it, a comfortable angler is an effective angler.”

Similar to any great fishing boat, the Guardian features a rock-solid “hull.” The shelter’s durable yet lightweight thermo-formed sled traverses North Country ice like a deep-V cuts waves. Its Modular Seating System™ features two deluxe folding padded boat seats that are quickly adjustable and removable, allowing for customized seating options. Even the shelter material is high-tech, boasting 600 Denier tent fabric with multiple polyurethane coatings to keep heat in and light and moisture out.

“Inside the Guardian I can comfortably fish two or three anglers, and know they’ll stay warm and comfortable,” says Hall of Fame guide Tom Neustrom. “I really like the zippered front and rear doors, too. I can bank the shelter with snow, and still pop out quickly to tend a tip-up without flipping up the frame and losing heat. The windows are even removable. All in all, this is a pretty sweet set-up.”

Another Frabill innovation is the patented MaxVent™ adjustable ventilation system. “With a handy Velcro enclosure, I can vent the Guardian with perfect airflow,” says Haataja. “It’s not just the open window you see on other shelters. Those let vital heat escape. MaxVent has an advanced heat flap that keeps condensation out without letting cold in.”

Beyond hot new looks and highly fishable features, Frabill’s Guardian carries a retail price ($499.99) that’s fifty bucks less than competing shelters. Accessories such as a custom fitted Transport Cover, Hyfax runner kit, Rod Holder kits, and Towbars are all available by visiting www.frabill.com.

“In my mind,” says Haataja, “No one’s offering more quality features in ice shelters than Frabill. They’re the most fishable ‘boats’ on the ice!”