FREEZING FIELDS

[GP3]

Does anyone have any ideas as to how to keep your hole around the pit from freezing? I know you can leave a well on or buy one of those big trolling motor like propellars.

[JEDJR]

You could try a couple of wonderducks or something similar. 2 or 3 of em swimming in your spread keeping the water moving should do it.

[GP3]

That sounds like a good idea. I was wondering if an old trolling motor hooked up to a battery in the pit would work? The only problem is the battery running down.

[Rob Jepson]

Here in Maryland when we used to get colder winters than currently, the people who used to leave their boats in the water year-round had "ice eaters" in their slips. Basically they consisted of an electric motor and a prop housed within a plastic frame...usually round and open on both sides...the prop in the middle. The frame had clips to attach lines to for positioning in and around the boat...power provided by dockside outlets.

The biggest obstacle to your problem is the power source in the field...the thought of hauling a "deep crank" battery in and out of the blind is not very appealling. I will keep this one on my radar and see if I can't find out some more info for you.

Rob Jepson

[Rob Jepson]

Here's what I found after doing a quick search on the internet... when you do your searches look for "De-icing equipment" Hope this helps...

http://www.shipstore.com/ss/html/SALE/SALEDEICER.html

[GP3]

Thanks, Rob. I am thinking about using my old 54 pound thrust trolling motor. Lugging the battery around will not be a problem on a 4 wheeler. I wonder what kind of battery I would need to run this all night???

[JEDJR]

Deep cycle marine battery would probably be your best bet.good luck to ya!