How to Set up an Ice Fishing House (and Choose the Right LiFePO4 Batteries)

By Renogy Marketing Team

Renogy Marketing Team

Dec 17th 2023

Ever thought about unlocking ice fishing adventures in winter? Ice fishing is more than just a chilly pastime. It’s also a unique chance to create lasting outdoor memories with family and friends. Picture the joy of spending cozy days together in an ice fishing house, chatting away and reeling in walleye, trout, and redfish. But setting up an ice fishing house, and choosing the right LiFePO4 battery, can be a bit tricky. No worry, because this article is here to help.

Table of Contents:

Essentials for Ice Fishing in An Ice Fishing House
LiFePO4 Battery vs. Lead-acid Battery
Choosing the Right Battery for an Ice Fishing House
Renogy 12V 100Ah Pro Series LiFePO4 Battery
Takeaways

Essentials for Ice Fishing in An Ice Fishing House

Before getting down to ice fishing, remember to prepare the following essentials well in the fishing house:

1. A reliable heating system. Different from fishing in other seasons, the freezing temperature is the worst enemy in winter. Fish houses provide a sheltered space for anglers to brave the cold. Yet, staying warm while fishing in sub-zero temperatures requires more than just insulated walls. Building up a reliable heating system could help anglers avoid fishing in the cold.

Many may choose propane heaters in portable or wall-mounted styles based on the size of their space. However, Propane heaters emit combustion byproducts, such as carbon monoxide and water vapor, posing safety risks and transforming the fish house into a sauna without proper ventilation. Running out of propane amid fishing adds another concern. Electric heaters, powered by generators or batteries, present an indoor, eco-friendly alternative. They avoid combustion byproducts, are ready to go when plugged in, and offer consistent heat output at a lower upfront cost.

While both types provide heat, electric heaters generally outshine propane ones in safety and environmental impact. Anglers can choose based on individual needs and priorities, ensuring a warm and comfortable ice fishing experience.

2. Fishing gear. When it comes to angling, fishing gear can make or break the experience. Think fishing rods, reels, lines, tackles, bobbers, lures, bait, and buckets – the tools that always make it onto the fishing checklist, no matter the season. Fish finder, a nifty electronic tool, empowers anglers to pinpoint the sweet spot, revealing the ideal fish type and depth. It enhances decision-making, significantly upping the odds of a triumphant fishing outing, whether on open water or across the icy expanse.

Speaking of ice fishing, an ice auger and skimmer are must-havesfor drilling holes in the ice and clearing away ice chips, making room for bait or lure drops. A tip-up also plays a crucial role in ice fishing. It simplifies the bait-suspending process, eliminating the need for constant monitoring.The visual cue of a tipped-up flag instantly alerts the angler to a potential catch as soon as a fish takes the bait.

3. A stable power supply system. When venturing into the icy world of fishing, a stable power supply system is non-negotiable. It is what keeps the ice fishing house running smoothly. Heaters, lights, TVs, and charging devices all depend on it. Anglers have two options: generators and solar power systems. Some even go for both when they're on the ice. Both of them support flexible on-demand power generation where and when it is needed. But the biggest difference is that generators depend on fuel, releasing carbon dioxide. On the other hand, solar panels harness the sun's rays and don't create any extra stuff. No matter what anglers choose, the battery system is key to keeping the power steady and quiet.

LiFePO4 Battery vs. Lead-acid Battery

What is the most suitable type of battery for building up a battery system in an ice fishing house? The age-old debate between LiFePO4 and lead-acid batteries brings ice anglers to a crossroads. LiFePO4 stands for Lithium Iron Phosphate and it’s the most prominent in deep cycling applications. Lead-acid is the first type of rechargeable battery ever created. In general, LiFePO4 batteries excel over their lead-acid counterparts. Let’s break everything down:

Depth of Charge (DoD): LiFePO4 batteries are notable for their high Depth of Discharge (DoD), often approaching 100%, although it’s generally recommended to discharge them up to 80% for optimal performance. This means that a higher percentage of the stored energy can be utilized before recharging. In contrast, lead-acid batteries are usually recommended to discharge 50% of rated capacity for an extended lifetime.

Lifespan: LiFePO4 batteries provide an impressive 15,000 cycles at 50% DoD, whereas lead-acid batteries manage about 500 cycles. It means that LiFePO4 batteries can last roughly 30 times longer than their lead-acid counterparts.

Weight: Lead-acid batteries might tip the scales with their sulfuric acid and water content, making LiFePO4 batteries significantly lighter compared to lead-acid batteries. They are about 1/2 to 1/4 the weight of lead-acid batteries with similar capacity.

Charging Efficiency: LiFePO4 batteries charge significantly faster than lead-acid batteries. To be fully charged, 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 batteries take about 1 hour, while lead-acid counterparts take more than 3 hours.

Safety: LiFePO4 batteries are considered safer than lead-acid batteries. They are more stableand do not contain corrosive acid. Lead-acid batteries, especially when mistreated or overcharged, can produce hydrogen gas and are more susceptible to acid leakage.

Cost: Cost is one of the most crucial factors when deciding between the two battery types. Considering the initial cost, lead-acid batteries might seem like an affordable option. However, factoring in LiFePO4 batteries’ 30 times longer lifespan, they’re more budget-friendly in the long run.

Choosing the Right Battery for an Ice Fishing House

Now, anglers may wonder which LiFePO4 battery is ideal for their ice fishing house. Taking into account the voltage setup in the ice fishing house, the need for continuous charging and discharging, the icy temperatures, and the splashing that happens during ice fishing, the ideal battery should be 12 volts, equipped with self-heating, Bluetooth connectivity, waterproofing, and safety features.

Renogy 12V 100Ah Pro Series LiFePO4 Battery

Get ready to transform your ice fishing adventures with the Renogy 12V 100Ah Pro Series LiFePO4 Battery. It is a powerhouse designed for unmatched safety, reliability, and convenience. The battery outperforms its counterparts with its cutting-edge features.

Here’s why it stands out:

Self-heating & Bluetooth: The intelligent self-heating function is automatically triggered when the temperature drops below 41℉ (5℃), ensuring a continuous power supply in the icy world. A 20% faster heating speed allows the cell temperature to rise faster for resuming charging. Plus, Bluetooth connectivity puts energy monitoring at your fingertips for effortless control.

IP67 Rating & Corrosion-resistant (ISO 9227 Certified): Designed with an IP67 rating and certified as corrosion-resistant under ISO 9227 standards, this battery not only withstands the icy elements but also guarantees a reliable and resilient performance. Ice anglers can feel free to indulge in the exhilarating pastime as the battery always has them covered.

Double Active Safety System: Safety takes center stage with this battery. Offering 200% more protection and alerts than its counterparts, it boasts over 60 BMS protections for precise control. The Active Backup Protection serves as a second line of defense, breaking the circuit and shielding the battery from ongoing overheating in case of hardware failures. No need to worry about power outages during the adventures, the battery goes above and beyond to safeguard the power supply.

Renogy 12V 100Ah Pro Series LiFePO4 Battery is a game-changer to ensure the power game is on point for a smooth ice fishing experience. Let’s give it a try and stay hassle-free with the safest choice for ice fishing.

Takeaways

Preparation for an ice fishing trip involves securing a reliable heating system, gathering essential fishing gear, and establishing a stable power supply system. Opting for a LiFePO4 battery, especially the Renogy 12V 100Ah Pro Series, ensures a seamless and enjoyable ice fishing experience. As anglers gear up for their ice fishing trip, trust in the right equipment to make the journey a resounding success.

The Renogy 12V 100Ah Pro Series LiFePO4 Battery is now available on Renogy's official websites in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Other Europe, Germany, and Japan.