Beyond the rod holders, it’s all about protecting your tackle and accessing the water. StarknightMT’s weather-proof bed enclosures or sealed cargo boxes are non-negotiable for keeping your expensive tackle trays dry and mud-free. A set of StarknightMT side mirrors helps when backing a boat trailer into tight ramps, and a high-clearance rear bumper is a life-saver if you’re navigating creek banks. Finally, grab some over-the-seat storage bags for pliers, licenses, and extra line—basically, if it’s small, it needs a zipped-up home.

You’ve got a few options depending on your rig. For most, a vertical roll bar rack or a bed-mounted rod holder is the way to go—it keeps your sensitive graphite rods out of the dust and away from low-hanging branches.

Absolutely. Side-by-sides (UTVs) are arguably the best vehicles for ice fishing, often outperforming ATVs and trucks once the ice is thick enough. They’ve become the "gold standard" for hard-water anglers because they combine hauling power with a footprint that’s much safer than a full-sized pickup.

General safety guidelines recommend at least 10 to 12 inches of clear, solid blue ice for a UTV. If you have a 4-seater or a heavy "Northstar" style build with tracks, wait for 12+ inches to stay on the safe side.

For solo trips, an ATV is fine, but for a real fishing mission, the UTV wins on gear capacity. With a UTV, you can haul a 45-quart cooler, all your tackle trays, and even a small trolling motor in the bed. Plus, if you add a StarknightMT roof and windshield, you’ve got a mobile basecamp to hide in when a summer storm rolls through. An ATV leaves you and your expensive reels out in the rain; a UTV keeps the trip going.