For many years, a little known cult-like group has existed during the Wisconsin winter on Lake Winnebago.  This group wanders from point to point on top of the frozen ice seeking active walleyes under the ice while fishing.  In local lore they are known only as “Tubers.”

 What is a “Tuber?”  The name “tuber” comes from the method of ice fishing in which they partake.  A tuber generally purchases a large sport utility vehicle (SUV) with 4-wheel drive to be used on the frozen lake.  The vehicle is modified by cutting a portion of the floor board out of the truck, typically in the middle row of seats in a SUV such as a Suburban or Tahoe.  These holes are then covered with a removable metal plate (or wood) and a floor mat to prevent normal street traffic slush, cold air and water from entering the vehicle.   

 

 When the truck is readied to go ice fishing, the fisherman will drill their holes into the ice with an auger. Typically, a fisherman will sit in the back seat or third row of the truck to accomplish this task by marking the precise hole locations prior to drilling.    Once the hole is prepared, the Tuber will position their vehicle over the hole so the floor board opening and ice opening align.

 A large tube of about 10” diameter is then placed through the floorboard of the vehicle and around the hole in the ice.  The tube acts as a privacy shield to prevent other nearby fisherman from observing what the tuber is catching.   The tube is fitted to be as airtight as possible to prevent blowing snow or cold air from entering the interior.  Some tubers will place rubber around the top of the tube as an air stop gap. Normal fishing methods are then employed such as a jig pole and a spoon. 

It has become local lore to follow the Tubers to find the fish.  The assumption is that they are doing well, but nobody really knows for sure.  Many times packs of Tubers will form, work an area of the lake and move on to other locations.  Several active groups of Tubers are based in Brothertown and Quinney,WI on Lake Winnebago’s eastern shore.  They tend to remain very anonymous, and don’t like to be identified.

 A local tuber known only as “Unidentified Tuber from Chilton, WI” indicated Tubers do enjoy some very fascinating ice fishing advantages.   They do not have to own a shanty or portable ice shelter to stay warm on the ice.  The anglers are sheltered from the elements and when they do become cold they just turn on the truck’s heater to warm up.  There is no equipment to drag across the ice as it is all self contained within the SUV.  If the fish are not biting, the mobile setup can relocate.  As with any truck, items can be plugged in the a/c outlets, so a bored angler can listen to the radio, plug in a hot pot for some hot chocolate, or watch a playoff football game on the portable TV.

 Our “unidentified tuber from Chilton” told me he currently uses a 1999 Suburban for his setup.  He and his family have been tubing for almost 20 years.  “It is a family tradition that started with my Dad and uncle.”  He also told me precautions need to be taken in regards to the “after effects” of fishing.  “We use extra carpet in the truck to put the fish on.  Otherwise the truck smells like fish in the summer.”

 As Tubers remain in a cloud of mythological obscurity, their methods are time tested.  Many have enjoyed ice fishing success for years without ever getting out of their SUV.  However, after preparing this article, I suggest checking under the carpeting before purchasing your next used SUV to make sure the floor boards are still there!

 

 

 

 

 

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