Large, sled-based fishing shelters are optimal for groups who travel by snow machine or ATV and appreciate their towing and storage capabilities. They also facilitate frequent moves to stay on top of the fish. Load ‘em up. Hook ‘em up. Move ‘em out. Those in search of a progressive, flip-over shelter will do well to check out Frabill’s new Citadel Series. These large, sled-based shelters provide a fortified fishing experience with well-appointed features and trim towing weights.
Lighter than other 3-person sled shelters of similar size, the Citadel owes its weight-saving advantages to technology, not reduced strength, durability or functionality. It begins with a sturdy thermo-formed sled and continues with an all-new super-alloy frame that is 30% lighter and 30% stronger than traditional aluminum frames. Up top, a thick-skinned 600 Denier tent shuts out snow, ice, wind and rain.
Available in two non-insulated models and one fully insulated model, the Citadel is one massive shack, offering over 75 inches of headroom and 28.5 square feet of fishable space. Its supernumerary dimensions are bolstered by a vertical front wall design that unlocks extra space for unencumbered upward rod sweeps, standing, and enhanced heater placement options.
YouTube sensation, host of Uncut Angling, and Frabill prostaffer, Aaron Wiebe espouses the merits of the new Citadel. “You can’t beat the Citadel for fishing and filming,” says Wiebe. “It packs a ton of gear and is a sweetie to tow, especially when rigged with Frabill’s Universal Shelter Towbar and Hyfax Kit. The vertical front wall creates a lot more space and allows for wider interior shots while filming.”
Citadel Ice Shelters are available exclusively with Frabill’s revolutionary SideStep entry, a common-sense solution that simplifies in-and-out access and mitigates the risk of stepping on gear or into fishing holes. Rather than cutting in a door on the front of the shelter – creating an obstacle course entering and exiting – Frabill intuitively places faultless zippered doors on each side.
The savvy SideStep is what allows for a vertical front wall, unlike the angular nose on conventional shelters. The net result is a massive increase in fishable, hook-setting space.
Frabill Citadel shelters are also equipped with the company’s patented Modular Seating System (MSS), which accepts a variety of innovative and customizable seating options. The fully insulated model 3255 Citadel comes standard with a pair of uber-comfy Frabill Boat Seats, with room for a third, while non-insulated models are available with either boat seats (model 3205) or super slick Combo-Case Bench (model 3405).
Frabill Citadel Ice Shelters
- Large and lightweight sled-based shelter for up to three anglers
- New alloy frame is 30% stronger and 30% lighter than traditional aluminum frames
- 600D tent construction
- Sturdy thermo-formed base
- Modular Seating System (MSS) available with two boat-style seats or new Combo-Case Bench
- Generous headroom and optimized fishable space
- Vertical front wall
- Well-placed windows and openings
- SideStep entry
- Non-insulated and fully-insulated models available
- 28.5 fishable square feet
- Standing dimensions: 98.5”L x 71”W x 75.5”H
Citadel 3205 Non-Insulated with Boat Seats
- Weight: 101 lbs.
- Dimensions when folded: 71”L x 39.5”W x 18”H
- Item No. 640500
- MSRP: $599.99
Citadel 3405 Non-Insulated with Combo-Case Bench
- Weight: 128 lbs.
- Dimensions when folded: 71”L x 39.5”W x 25.5”H
- Item No. 640510
- MSRP: $649.99
Citadel 3255 Fully-Insulated with Boat Seats
- Weight: 106 lbs.
- Dimensions when folded: 71”L x 39.5”W x 18”H
- Item No. 640520
- MSRP: $699.99
Ice fishing is always an adventure. Whether you’re pioneering water with buddies 25 miles from the truck or plucking sunnies from the shallow weed bed right in front of your house with the kids, Frabill’s large and light line of Citadel ice shelters provides the serious gear-packing grunt and generous fishable space you need to make angling memories in comfort.
ABOUT FRABILL
Frabill, Inc. is in its 77th year of engineering premium, trusted fishing equipment. Frabill’s ice fishing product lineup consists of portable ice fishing shelters, rod and reel combos, tip-ups, bait containers, portable aeration, and premium ice fishing apparel. Open water products include landing nets, portable aeration, bait containers, bait care, bait traps and seines, accessories, and premium open water F Series Storm Gear. Visit www.frabill.com.