What New Ice Fishing Gear Has You Excited for This Season?

[AlbertanGP]

Mid-October seems like a good time for this sort of post. Someone always seems to start one of these with a table covered in new toys every Spring and Fall. And you usually can get a hot tip on a product you weren't aware of. So here goes..

I'm not posting a picture. I really have most everything anyways tbh. I did pick up an ActiveTarget so I can see if Lowrance's software updates have caught up to Garmin's LiveScope (looks promising based on some YT videos put out during the summer). I love my Livescope, and will probably just keep it to have both. But I hardly wet a hook this summer I was so busy mapping Sturgeon Lake, and I need to run Lowrance or HB to take advantage of all that work.

Despite not being a big fan of underwater cameras for the swamps that qualify as lakes in Alberta, I have to admit I did have fun with my Marcum 385c chasing perch in March before a windstorm blew it off the seat on my Otter and broke the case. After several calls back and forth with Aqua-Vu, TFH, and Cabelas, I gave up any hope of being able to get a Quad HD any time before January (50:50 not at all this season), so I picked up an HD10i Pro Gen2 during TFH's summer sale.

The only item I'm still hunting for is one of Otter's Pro-Tech rod cases. They sold out before November last season. But after somehow breaking a brand new TUCR in a Flambeau Rod Bunk the first time out last season, I really want a 48" case.

[nimrod]

If you look at riffle cases, this might fit what you need for a rod case, or even a arrow case

[AlbertanGP]

Dedicated rod cases can usually carry more rods in reasonably similar sizes and typically offer a bit better protection in my experience. But I agree rifle cases can work really well...I've used them in the past before hard-sided ice rod cases became a thing.

[Zip-in-Z]

This ... it's B-new for 2021/22 - Marcum Pursuit HD-L, got it last week and it did it's job finding structure = Whites. Looking forward to the hard water season.

D.



https://i.imgur.com/epfcGIV.jpg


https://i.imgur.com/CAEpuQU.jpg



.

[AlbertanGP]

Nice! Hard to beat that for hole hopping. Looks like it has a real good picture as well.

[JohninAB]

Only item I have purchased so far and long overdue is an Eskimo Keeper flotation suit.

Have been checking out some accessories for my Eskape 2600 shelter.

[Scott N]

I'm pretty happy / satisfied with the gear that I have and the condition it's in, so nothing too exciting on my list. I do appreciate quality warm clothing these days as I get older though, so maybe some new base layers for me.

[TheBigShooter]

Picked up a new Clam C-720 Shelter, hoping to do some overnighters and going from a 2 man uninsulated to this is a much welcomed change.

video: https://youtu.be/w8QXA9jbQR8

Picked up a Frostbite "Slapshot" rod 32" M looking forward to testing that out as well.

Picked up some accessories that I will release videos/reviews for.

[SamSteele]

I built a quick detach platform for the back of my snowmobile to carry my stuff easier, while still being able to pop it off quickly to tarp it. Looking forward to getting it out on the ice.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211012/d3b1f22a1d4873aa0f1e70a52ccc48da.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211012/f14537c46ea4ab2b7633f8b5081d923b.jpg

[AlbertanGP]

Only item I have purchased so far and long overdue is an Eskimo Keeper flotation suit.

Have been checking out some accessories for my Eskape 2600 shelter.

You'll love it! The dedicated ice fishing suits are warm and comfy and the added safety at first and last ice is nice.

Don't be afraid to check out other manufacturer's when looking for accessories to trick out your shelter. I have lots of Clam products in my Otters.

[AlbertanGP]

Picked up a new Clam C-720 Shelter, hoping to do some overnighters and going from a 2 man uninsulated to this is a much welcomed change.

video: https://youtu.be/w8QXA9jbQR8

Picked up a Frostbite "Slapshot" rod 32" M looking forward to testing that out as well.

Picked up some accessories that I will release videos/reviews for.

Interesting tent. I didn't know anyone was making a downsize hub shelter in that size range. Most "double hubs" are 8' X 14" like my Eskimo 9416i. I'll be curious how it works for overnighting.

[AlbertanGP]

I built a quick detach platform for the back of my snowmobile to carry my stuff easier, while still being able to pop it off quickly to tarp it. Looking forward to getting it out on the ice.


Sled looks good! Saw your boat at Rainbow the other day too.

[JohninAB]

You'll love it! The dedicated ice fishing suits are warm and comfy and the added safety at first and last ice is nice.

Don't be afraid to check out other manufacturer's when looking for accessories to trick out your shelter. I have lots of Clam products in my Otters.

Definitely! Eskimo is a bit lacking when it comes to quality accessories so I have been checking out Otter as they seem to have some nice stuff.

[SamSteele]

I put my Helix 8 MSI+ on a portable shuttle as well. Helix 5 with ZeroLines card will go on the sled dash for driving and can drop on a second shuttle if I have others along to serve flasher/sonar duty.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211013/41bf4dfcf108e07ec83ee1dc17da7763.jpg

[AlbertanGP]

Something tells me you won't be zipping that Helix 8 up. lol. I bit the bullet and bought a Summit Shuttle for my ActiveTarget yesterday. Close to $500...without a battery...YEESH. Then Brian at TFH informs me today that Lowrance is coming out with a case. But a) It probably won't fit my HDS Carbon 12 and b) who knows if it'll even be available this season. Availability seems to be worse this year than last. People that wait until its time to fish to buy stuff are going to be sorry...

[Poppa]

Thanks to the OP for this thread... So stoked for hardwater!

At the end of last season I bought new Striker Hardwater bibs that I only got to use once and I'm very excited to use them more. Also bought a Frostbite Dipstick for dead sticking and it was phenomenal the one that I used it. Again, super stoked for a full season with it.

For new stuff, I'd love to upgrade from my Jiffy propane auger to a 40V, but just can't justify it when the propane still runs like a dream. As mentioned in another thread, we want to upgrade from a double bubble non insulated tent to a massive insulated unit that we can do overnight trips in. Still doing research on what is the right model for us.

Last year we really dialed in a new to us fishing spot and are looking to take the next step this year by consistently putting trophies on the ice and not just any fish that bites. ****ing gas prices are going to be a bit of a pain (spot is 3 hours from home) but life is short and fishing is important! :)

[Freedom55]

None of it!! I have decided to hang up my ice cleats and sell my (4 man-2 man) tent and 8" power auger. Too cold for my old bones anymore. I'll keep the basics just in case; it's all vintage anyway and makes a nice addition to the walls of my den.

Free

[AlbertanGP]

Last year we really dialed in a new to us fishing spot and are looking to take the next step this year by consistently putting trophies on the ice and not just any fish that bites. ****ing gas prices are going to be a bit of a pain (spot is 3 hours from home) but life is short and fishing is important! :)

I read an article this morning from reliable sources that gas will almost certainly be $2.00/l next December. Also read another article about how Trump was building LNG export terminals while we couldn't get our $%^& together up here. Now the US is in a position where they could actually export every bit they produce overseas and just buy ours at a discount and make a tidy profit. GJ Canada...

But I digress. Back to a happier topic. :)

[AlbertanGP]

None of it!! I have decided to hang up my ice cleats and sell my (4 man-2 man) tent and 8" power auger. Too cold for my old bones anymore. I'll keep the basics just in case; it's all vintage anyway and makes a nice addition to the walls of my den.

Free

I was thinking about when this time would come for me last night. I don't see it for a long time yet thankfully. But I figured it would be the cold that would eventually do me in. Hopefully the kids take me out and drill my holes and bait my hooks for me when I get too old to do it myself.

[StringTheory]

The only item I'm still hunting for is one of Otter's Pro-Tech rod cases. They sold out before November last season. But after somehow breaking a brand new TUCR in a Flambeau Rod Bunk the first time out last season, I really want a 48" case.

I see that Cabela's has the Otter Pro Tech cases in stock online:
https://www.cabelas.ca/product/141378/otter-pro-tech-rod-case

Last year I added a Ice Defense Pro to my flasher since I was fishing outside most of the year. (Didnt want to share a tent during Covid). Its a great accessory, kept my hole from freezing over completely during a -35 cold snap!
https://www.stringtheoryangling.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/IMG_6004-768x1024.jpg

https://www.stringtheoryangling.ca/cold-nation-outdoors-ice-defense-pro-review/

How do you like that Eskape 2600, JohninAB? My one man flip is feeling a bit too cozy.

[Esox]

I built a quick detach platform for the back of my snowmobile to carry my stuff easier, while still being able to pop it off quickly to tarp it. Looking forward to getting it out on the ice.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211012/d3b1f22a1d4873aa0f1e70a52ccc48da.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211012/f14537c46ea4ab2b7633f8b5081d923b.jpg

what kind of sled is that mounted on? I am looking at getting one for mainly fishing and trapping.

[Lornce]

Also read another article about how Trump was building LNG export terminals while we couldn't get our $%^& together up here. :)

Do you have a link to Trump building this? Is it a new private project of his since he left office.

[SamSteele]

what kind of sled is that mounted on? I am looking at getting one for mainly fishing and trapping.


It’s a 2013 Arctic Cat T570, which has been replaced with the Lynx. I’ve had it for only one winter but it’s been good so far.

[AlbertanGP]

Do you have a link to Trump building this? Is it a new private project of his since he left office.

I made a post in the General Discussion forum, so this thread doesn't get completely derailed. Happy reading...

http://www.outdoorsmenforum.ca/showthread.php?p=4425120#post4425120

[AlbertanGP]

I see that Cabela's has the Otter Pro Tech cases in stock online:
https://www.cabelas.ca/product/141378/otter-pro-tech-rod-case

Last year I added a Ice Defense Pro to my flasher since I was fishing outside most of the year. (Didnt want to share a tent during Covid). Its a great accessory, kept my hole from freezing over completely during a -35 cold snap!
https://www.stringtheoryangling.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/IMG_6004-768x1024.jpg

https://www.stringtheoryangling.ca/cold-nation-outdoors-ice-defense-pro-review/

How do you like that Eskape 2600, JohninAB? My one man flip is feeling a bit too cozy.

Yeah I saw that they have the regular Otter case available online only. I kinda want the deep one so the reels hang down instead of on their side and I can fit more. Mind you with the price, maybe I should get the normal one. :scared0015:

The Ice Defense Pro is the real deal. I bought one on a whim last season to try and was really surprised how effective it is.

For solo fishing out of a flip shelter, I really like my Clam Yukon TC. It's a smaller two man tent that really works well for one person. There's a rule of thumb that your flip should be one person bigger than you intend to use (two person for a single fisherman, three person for two, etc.) I've found it to be a good general rule.

[StringTheory]

For solo fishing out of a flip shelter, I really like my Clam Yukon TC. It's a smaller two man tent that really works well for one person. There's a rule of thumb that your flip should be one person bigger than you intend to use (two person for a single fisherman, three person for two, etc.) I've found it to be a good general rule.

That is a good rule of thumb and I agree. I had a 2 man Eskimo quickflip (the green one) before my one man. I liked the space but it was a pita to move around in any amount of snow and on bare ice there wasnt enough weight in the sled so wind would send me for a ride. Since then I've discovered the smitty sled and now I can comfortably tow a hundred pounds kilometers in a day. So now I'm thinking a two man insulated flip over would be more comfortable than my one man and easier to run and gun than my hub shelter.

[AlbertanGP]

I read the first two sentences, and was about to recommend a Smitty sled, but you already figured it out. They do make a huge difference. Flip shelters are infinitely better for run and gun fishing. Hubs are too cozy...they make us lazy. Definitely go insulated. There is just no downside once you get over the initial cost.

[OL_JR]

Still in the middle of hunting season so haven't got the itch really at all yet but hopefully will add another flip over shelter. Originally was dead set on the otter lodge but looking more at the eskimo eskapes as well. Haven't even checked on availability or what not but need to get an ice ducer for a garmin finder I picked up in the spring, and a big battery. Couple bait feeder reels, maybe a rod or two and that should do it.

[58thecat]

https://media1.giphy.com/media/3ohjURbKWSRcmz0yv6/giphy.gif
Maybe a less powerful ice auger….


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Zip-in-Z]

Or a pair of these bolted to your boots.

D.



https://i.imgur.com/Dl5ZSnx.jpg




.

[AlbertanGP]

https://media1.giphy.com/media/3ohjURbKWSRcmz0yv6/giphy.gif
Maybe a less powerful ice auger….

BTDT. Hang on for dear life when the water comes out the hole.

[AlbertanGP]

Or a pair of these bolted to your boots.

D.



https://i.imgur.com/Dl5ZSnx.jpg



Anyone ever found a pair of the rubber slip on ice cleats that actually stay on more than 10 steps?

[58thecat]

Anyone ever found a pair of the rubber slip on ice cleats that actually stay on more than 10 steps?


Huh…I drive out….haha


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Sea Hawk]

Mid-October seems like a good time for this sort of post. Someone always seems to start one of these with a table covered in new toys every Spring and Fall. And you usually can get a hot tip on a product you weren't aware of. So here goes..

I'm not posting a picture. I really have most everything anyways tbh. I did pick up an ActiveTarget so I can see if Lowrance's software updates have caught up to Garmin's LiveScope (looks promising based on some YT videos put out during the summer). I love my Livescope, and will probably just keep it to have both. But I hardly wet a hook this summer I was so busy mapping Sturgeon Lake, and I need to run Lowrance or HB to take advantage of all that work.

Despite not being a big fan of underwater cameras for the swamps that qualify as lakes in Alberta, I have to admit I did have fun with my Marcum 385c chasing perch in March before a windstorm blew it off the seat on my Otter and broke the case. After several calls back and forth with Aqua-Vu, TFH, and Cabelas, I gave up any hope of being able to get a Quad HD any time before January (50:50 not at all this season), so I picked up an HD10i Pro Gen2 during TFH's summer sale.

The only item I'm still hunting for is one of Otter's Pro-Tech rod cases. They sold out before November last season. But after somehow breaking a brand new TUCR in a Flambeau Rod Bunk the first time out last season, I really want a 48" case.

I just checked riverside outdoors in ontario and they show the pro-tech cases in stock. That is where i got mine last year.

[AlbertanGP]

I just checked riverside outdoors in ontario and they show the pro-tech cases in stock. That is where i got mine last year.

Yeah I called them yesterday. They don't have them in yet, although the pallets from Otter were just starting to arrive. I'm gonna try back next week. It's sad that Otter is soooo good, but damned near impossible to get out here unless you happen to want something Cabelas is carrying. :(

[AlbertanGP]

I was in Edmonton at Cabela's Friday and the Otter Resort hub had just come up on their system, so I ordered it for in store pick-up when I got home Friday night. :sHa_shakeshout: Now I'm just waiting for a call from Riverside in Thunder Bay to ship me an Otter rod case. I even managed to scrounge up a 500 series Vanford while I was down. Not sure what I'll use it on, but couldn't pass it up.

I also picked up a Fenwick World Class ice rod to compliment my TUCR Fusion & Bullwhip. I spent over an hour trying to find a Black Betty FreeFall Carbon to pair with it. I *might* have found one at a little Mom & Pop in the U.S. I'm still not sure if I love or loathe the challenge of trying to find stuff this season...

[jegermiester]

Anyone ever found a pair of the rubber slip on ice cleats that actually stay on more than 10 steps?

I've found that these Ice Trekkers work really well.

[StringTheory]

Just finished watching some of the Smackdown Outdoors virtual ice show this weekend and now I have the ice fishing itch!

The one thing I absolutely need this season is the Jiffy Ice Scout. Its a 2.5" auger with inch markings on the side for checking ice thickness. It will definitely be replacing my spud bar!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wpnrgJm0I0

Cabela's website looks like they will carry it but the Fishin' hole didnt have any ordered - yet! I put the bug in their ear today so they might be carrying it soon!

[AlbertanGP]

Just finished watching some of the Smackdown Outdoors virtual ice show this weekend and now I have the ice fishing itch!

The one thing I absolutely need this season is the Jiffy Ice Scout. Its a 2.5" auger with inch markings on the side for checking ice thickness. It will definitely be replacing my spud bar!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wpnrgJm0I0

Cabela's website looks like they will carry it but the Fishin' hole didnt have any ordered - yet! I put the bug in their ear today so they might be carrying it soon!

I'll be curious to hear your thoughts when you get it. I use Ion G2's, so carrying out that along with the drill seems like just more "stuff" to me. Mind you, a spud bar is probably at least as heavy so who knows. Anything that aids ice safety can't be a bad thing.

[AlbertanGP]

I've found that these Ice Trekkers work really well.

Thanks. I'll look into those. My most recent effort last season were the Costco specials. They worked well until they wound up wrapped around my heels. Interestingly, even just walking on the rubber "frames" helps a lot.

[calgarygringo]

I have been using these for many years and can also say they work very well. Stay on good and provide excellent traction. I haven't b ought a pair in a few years now and was lucky before as the place my wife worked sold them but she is not there any longer. She told me they used to get people coming in looking for them a lot and said they were really hard to find. May be worth posting who is selling them these days. Was getting them at Jobsite Workwear up until a few years ago.





I've found that these Ice Trekkers work really well.

[jegermiester]

I bought mine on Amazon in 2015.

The one thing I do recommend is to take them off your boots and hang them up after you're done, so that the "cleats" dry out and don't end up getting rusty. Keeps the rubber from always being in tension mode as well, so that they go on and stay on nice and tight!

On last observation, you'll notice that there are 2 types of grips, "chain" and "diamond", I got the latter ones.

[astepanuk]

Pulled the Trigger on a New Vexilar FLX-30BB Cant Wait to use it.

[AlbertanGP]

Finally got my 14.8v 48Ah Amped Outdoors battery in. I was tipped off to this battery last season here on AO, and can’t wait to test the run time on it. Should leave my 12v 18Ah Dakota Lithium in the dust.

Between this battery and the Summit Ice Fishing Shuttle, you can add $1,000 to the price of any live imaging ice fishing setup. :scared0015::scared0015::scared0015:

[JohninAB]

Just ordered 2 of the Otter Ice Rod Holders and the Otter Sidekick from CMX Motorsports in Saskatchewan. Slowly getting my flip over tricked out.

Must give a shout out to the customer service at CMX. When they call you after store hours in response to an email you sent 45 minutes prior, they understand customer service. Got a heck of a selection of ice gear too.

Also have a new 12v 10amp/hr lithium battery for my underwater camera from AB Lithium in Lac La Biche. Decent prices and somewhat local too.

[AlbertanGP]

Thanks for the heads up. I just ordered my Pro-Tech 48 Deep Rod Case from them, along with some other items. Heck, saved me some shipping and I might even get lucky and win a second case in their draw. :happy0180:

[JohninAB]

I held off ordering the case as I am hoping to win one. :sHa_shakeshout:

[bwackwabbit]

Just finished watching some of the Smackdown Outdoors virtual ice show this weekend and now I have the ice fishing itch!



The one thing I absolutely need this season is the Jiffy Ice Scout. Its a 2.5" auger with inch markings on the side for checking ice thickness. It will definitely be replacing my spud bar!



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wpnrgJm0I0



Cabela's website looks like they will carry it but the Fishin' hole didnt have any ordered - yet! I put the bug in their ear today so they might be carrying it soon!I'm waiting for this as well. Should be a real day saver in terms of allowing for hole hopping in search of productive structure, while saving the battery on the Makita LXT/StrikeMaster Lite Flite.

I'm planning to use a second brushless 18v 1/2" drill for this as my Lite Flite is rigged up w/the Clam Drill Plate.

Sent from my SM-A526W using Tapatalk

[AlbertanGP]

I've been rethinking this as well. As a replacement for a spud bar it's just meh IMO. But if it makes a hole big enough to drop the AquaVu Quad HD down for a look, it could be useful. I just have to weigh it's usefulness against hauling more crap out. Especially since I plan to do more walking this season.

[Outbound]

I bought a 10" ION R1 auger. Pretty stoked to not be hand cranking holes this season.

[AlbertanGP]

I bought a 10" ION R1 auger. Pretty stoked to not be hand cranking holes this season.

Congrats. I was going to suggest taking it back and getting a G2, but it looks like they've updated the R1 series to compete with the Strikemaster Lithium 40v auger. You're going to love it. :)

[Outbound]

Congrats. I was going to suggest taking it back and getting a G2, but it looks like they've updated the R1 series to compete with the Strikemaster Lithium 40v auger. You're going to love it. :)

Yikes! LOL. Glad it's been updated. I've never run an powered auger, gas or electric. I'll definitely make notes this season and provide a report!

[AlbertanGP]

Just make sure you keep the battery warm and you'll be good to go. The first hole you drill you'll be sold. :happy0180:

[JohninAB]

Ordered from CMX Motorsports Friday noon. Received today. Fast delivery.


https://i.postimg.cc/xkTByg7v/8-BCE7-E23-1-AAB-4378-A11-F-10-D7567894-A6.jpg (https://postimg.cc/xkTByg7v)

[AlbertanGP]

Ordered from CMX Motorsports Friday noon. Received today. Fast delivery.

Nice! I called them this morning since I hadn't heard from them after placing my order Friday night. They told me they were working some bugs out since they are new to online ordering...fair enough. I helped them with some emails to check their system was working. Turns out my order is already in Edmonton and should be delivered Friday. It's nice to have someone in Western Canada that you can order Otter products from. :happy0180:

[AlbertanGP]

Only two more sleeps. I just finished wiring up the Lowrance Active Target to my satisfaction. It should be an interesting comparison with the Garmin Livescope. What lake to hit up first Thursday morning...:sHa_shakeshout:

https://photos.smugmug.com/Ice-Fishing-2021-2022/i-8RQ7P5D/0/fb67845d/X2/Live%20Imaging%20Units-X2.jpg

[StringTheory]

I've been rethinking this as well. As a replacement for a spud bar it's just meh IMO. But if it makes a hole big enough to drop the AquaVu Quad HD down for a look, it could be useful. I just have to weigh it's usefulness against hauling more crap out. Especially since I plan to do more walking this season.

I'm not sure a quad HD will fit down that hole, it looks like it might be size on. My micro however will fit no problem! I think the Jiffy scout will be more useful for checking ice thickness when I first start to drive on, which is well outside of spud bar territory but doesn't require a full auger hole.

I walk almost exclusively, even when I had an atv - its just less hassle. I will also use it for scouting with the camera and helix and save the auger for the actual fishing. For $60, theres not much risk!

[Speckle55]

I have retired the old Jiffy :sHa_shakeshout:

got this for the family

Jiffy® E6 Lightning Electric Ice Auger 40v 8"

nice change for 649$ on sale n comes in at 24#

looking forward to the ice fishing season


good luck everyone

David:)

[skawtty]

Nice! I called them this morning since I hadn't heard from them after placing my order Friday night. They told me they were working some bugs out since they are new to online ordering...fair enough. I helped them with some emails to check their system was working. Turns out my order is already in Edmonton and should be delivered Friday. It's nice to have someone in Western Canada that you can order Otter products from. :happy0180:

Umm wow just seen this. I will definately order some stuff from them . Pick up the X-over tomorrow and start the set up, hope all goes good.

[skawtty]

Only two more sleeps. I just finished wiring up the Lowrance Active Target to my satisfaction. It should be an interesting comparison with the Garmin Livescope. What lake to hit up first Thursday morning...:sHa_shakeshout:

https://photos.smugmug.com/Ice-Fishing-2021-2022/i-8RQ7P5D/0/fb67845d/X2/Live%20Imaging%20Units-X2.jpg

Wow fishing already must be nice. I just have the garmin 63 ice fishing bundle. I was looking into live scope series per say as well as a new finder, but think this will do till next year... Maybe. :)

[AlbertanGP]

I have retired the old Jiffy :sHa_shakeshout:

got this for the family

Jiffy® E6 Lightning Electric Ice Auger 40v 8"

nice change for 649$ on sale n comes in at 24#

looking forward to the ice fishing season


good luck everyone

David:)

Whatever that eagle wants, I suggest you let him have it. lol. :)

[AlbertanGP]

Wow fishing already must be nice.

Time will tell. I'm gonna run out to the lake, put the float suit on, and check out a few waypoints tonight after work. If all is good, I'll set the alarm for 6am and continue my hunt for a 10lb rainbow on Remembrance Day. Last year, the lakes had frozen and then thawed by Remembrance Day so that you couldn't get on them safely. We seems to be a week or so ahead this year. :47b20s0:

[Outbound]

I might take a drive out to a couple lakes around GP next week to have a look. My balls aren't as big as HuyFishin's though, so I'll be waiting until there's at least 4 inches of ice. LOL.

[AlbertanGP]

Last year things froze up to 2-4" in early November. But then it warmed up again around this time. Some of the lakes were probably still ok in the middle or enough to fish in say 10 fow, but had melted around shore making getting on difficult. You can place boards to get out and all sorts of other shenanigans. But really, just wait a week. Falling through is no joke. If you get a gulp of ice cold water in your lungs on the way in, you may not even bob back up. I almost went in my first time out last season, even after scouting my exact path the afternoon before I went fishing.

Shoot me a PM with ice thicknesses if you head out and I'll do the same. Cheers. :)

[Outbound]

Last year things froze up to 2-4" in early November. But then it warmed up again around this time. Some of the lakes were probably still ok in the middle or enough to fish in say 10 fow, but had melted around shore making getting on difficult. You can place boards to get out and all sorts of other shenanigans. But really, just wait a week. Falling through is no joke. If you get a gulp of ice cold water in your lungs on the way in, you may not even bob back up. I almost went in my first time out last season, even after scouting my exact path the afternoon before I went fishing.

Shoot me a PM with ice thicknesses if you head out and I'll do the same. Cheers. :)

Will do!

[AlbertanGP]

YESSSSSSSS!!! 13 months I've waited to get my hands on this case. Worth every penny. :sHa_shakeshout::sHa_shakeshout::sHa_shakeshout:

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-F69tqTN/0/c8f180e5/X2/i-F69tqTN-X2.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-5rct4K2/0/82c70657/X3/i-5rct4K2-X3.jpg

[AlbertanGP]

BTW if you need anything from Otter talk to Trevor and the guys at CMX Powersports in Swift Current. They'll hook you up!

[JohninAB]

YESSSSSSSS!!! 13 months I've waited to get my hands on this case. Worth every penny. :sHa_shakeshout::sHa_shakeshout::sHa_shakeshout:

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-F69tqTN/0/c8f180e5/X2/i-F69tqTN-X2.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-5rct4K2/0/82c70657/X3/i-5rct4K2-X3.jpg

Nice case, looks just like the one I am winning!:sHa_shakeshout:

CMX have been awesome to deal with, that is for sure.:happy0180:

[AlbertanGP]

Nice case, looks just like the one I am winning!:sHa_shakeshout:

CMX have been awesome to deal with, that is for sure.:happy0180:

Good luck to you. $400 is crazy for a rod case. But it's a once in a lifetime purchase and I have several $500+ ice rod setups, including a TUCR Commander that broke the first trip out after I received it last season. I don't want to have to go through replacing that again, even though TUCR have been great to deal with.

[Poppa]

I can't remember the brand, but Bass Pro in Calgary has something similar to that for $75. Wife and I are thinking of getting one. It's nice because it holds 3 rods and reel combos and has slots for tackle trays. You can really take a lot of stuff in the one hard sided case.

[mlee]

About the only thing I really needed this year was a bigger sled. I wanted the 94" pelican but it wasn't happening so I settled for the 82". Should still be plenty big.
I have a few other custom things coming for Christmas and I also purchased a custom bump board from mooseknuckle I'll be picking up this weekend.
3 big trips planned this winter that could be epic...or could leave me grossly disappointed lol. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211115/9ce87e9a4279be5de64a18241ad852f7.jpg

Sent from my SM-G981W using Tapatalk

[AlbertanGP]

About the only thing I really needed this year was a bigger sled. I wanted the 94" pelican but it wasn't happening so I settled for the 82". Should still be plenty big.
I have a few other custom things coming for Christmas and I also purchased a custom bump board from mooseknuckle I'll be picking up this weekend.
3 big trips planned this winter that could be epic...or could leave me grossly disappointed lol. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211115/9ce87e9a4279be5de64a18241ad852f7.jpg

Sent from my SM-G981W using Tapatalk

Is that the sled they have at Costco? It looked like a nice unit. A little narrow for my liking but very well built with the runners, cover and hitch all included.

Good luck on your trips. ;)

[AlbertanGP]

I can't remember the brand, but Bass Pro in Calgary has something similar to that for $75. Wife and I are thinking of getting one. It's nice because it holds 3 rods and reel combos and has slots for tackle trays. You can really take a lot of stuff in the one hard sided case.

I had a good case (https://www.eagleclaw.com/wmrodcase1-ice-rod-case) when my Commander broke. I'm still not sure how it happened. Regardless, this Otter case is next level to anything else I have seen. I think I have 10 ice rods, 4-5 spools of line and two Ice Defense units stowed in it at the moment, with room for a couple more rods and tackle trays if I wanted.

[mlee]

Is that the sled they have at Costco? It looked like a nice unit. A little narrow for my liking but very well built with the runners, cover and hitch all included.

Good luck on your trips. ;)

No....I think the 60" was the biggest st costco. This is 82×38x18"

[AlbertanGP]

No....I think the 60" was the biggest st costco. This is 82×38x18"

38" is a good width. Maybe the one I saw just seemed skinny since the Pelicans seem to be quite long for their width.

[mlee]

38" is a good width. Maybe the one I saw just seemed skinny since the Pelicans seem to be quite long for their width.

I looked at lots of different sleds last year.....as much as people rave about the Koenders I just couldn't justify the cost. The otter sled was real nice but not $300 nicer than the pelican. The Jet sleds are cheap and flimsy imo....so pelican got my money. Definitely would have liked the 94" as we have a lot of gear for overnight trips....but I do have a 60" I can b-train behind this one should I need.

[SamSteele]

38" is a good width. Maybe the one I saw just seemed skinny since the Pelicans seem to be quite long for their width.

Costco carried a big black version a few years ago. Had runners, cover, and hitch. I have two of them and they are great. Now all I see at Costco is the small light blue one. I have one of those as well and it's fine for days when I don't bring a tent and a lot of gear, but it doesn't get used nearly as much as the big ones.

SS

[AlbertanGP]

Costco carried a big black version a few years ago. Had runners, cover, and hitch. I have two of them and they are great. Now all I see at Costco is the small light blue one. I have one of those as well and it's fine for days when I don't bring a tent and a lot of gear, but it doesn't get used nearly as much as the big ones.

SS

The one I saw at Costco recently was a Pelican that looked just like the one in mlee's picture. I remember thinking it was quite expensive at first. But then factoring in that it had the hitch, a cover, and hyfax(?) runners, I think it was actually a pretty good deal. I have small, medium, magnum, and large Otter Pro sleds, so the last thing I needed was to add another to the collection. I agree that different sleds have different applications. Small ones are good for hand-bombing gear out on a nice day. Large ones need some sort of motorized transport on anything but glare ice.

[mlee]

The one I saw at Costco recently was a Pelican that looked just like the one in mlee's picture. I remember thinking it was quite expensive at first. But then factoring in that it had the hitch, a cover, and hyfax(?) runners, I think it was actually a pretty good deal. I have small, medium, magnum, and large Otter Pro sleds, so the last thing I needed was to add another to the collection. I agree that different sleds have different applications. Small ones are good for hand-bombing gear out on a nice day. Large ones need some sort of motorized transport on anything but glare ice.

Was possibly the 75....its 75x30x14. I paid $329 for my 82 with runners hitch and cover. I looked at the otter large which I belive is 84x42 or something....nice sled but over $600 for the same setup.

[AlbertanGP]

Otters are definitely expensive once you have them kitted out. But they are a one and done purchase...you'll never wear one out. Lots of farmers in the States use them to tow behind a quad over dirt and rocks with no runners and they just go forever.

The Pelican also seemed quite durable. Jet Sleds are quite flimsy as mentioned, but would still be very good in smaller sizes for hand-pulling due to their light weight.

[AlbertanGP]

After watching a few panfish videos on YouTube, and wanting to fish more for perch this season, I decided to pick up one of these...

https://photos.smugmug.com/Ice-Fishing-2021-2022/i-dbD7Xqh/2/e4053efa/X2/IMG_0844-X2.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/Ice-Fishing-2021-2022/i-cFC3tTF/1/e3306608/X2/IMG_0845-X2.jpg

I gotta say after laying hands on it, I'm not sure if I really need the Quad HD. The utility and portability of this thing is amazing. I highly recommended checking it out if you're looking for a higher end camera. It's going to pair really nicely with a 6" drill/auger combo for scouting weed beds. :happy0034:

I also picked up my Otter Vortex Resort Hub after ordering it the day it showed up in Cabela's system. They told me they just got some in at the Edmonton South store this week if anyone is looking. CMX Outdoors in Swift Current may also have some when Cabela's sells out.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Ice-Fishing-2021-2022/i-vVKLzPT/0/a662bf4f/X2/IMG_0846-X2.jpg

P.S. - I'm trying to help a friend find an ION G2...preferably one from last year with the 6Ah battery, but a current one is fine. If anyone has seen one please let me know. Cheers.

[JohnB]

I picked up the vortex resort last week, just opened it up in garage today. Lots of room and will be great for overnight trips.

[AlbertanGP]

I picked up the vortex resort last week, just opened it up in garage today. Lots of room and will be great for overnight trips.

Yeah that's what I bought mine for as well. I have a Vortex Lodge hub for when I'm by myself, but I rarely use a hub out alone and it's a bit small for overnighting. I also have an Eskimo 9416i, which is a great overnighter. I'm hoping the Resort can replace both of them. We'll see.

[fisher69]

i'll be getting a fish cam for christmas, that should make trips a little more interesting. its a cheaper one on amazon but its better than nothing and i can always trade up in a few years. i might be getting a better sled this year too

[AlbertanGP]

I haven't been a big fan of underwater cameras since most of the waters I fish are too dirty to see much. But I did see an application for them last season when I started paying more attention to the opportunities.

[Off in the Bushes]

https://www.cabelas.ca/product/141661/ht-northstar-replacement-flag-with-indicator-led

I got one of these for night fishing but a trial test should less then impressive results.

[AlbertanGP]

https://www.cabelas.ca/product/141661/ht-northstar-replacement-flag-with-indicator-led

I got one of these for night fishing but a trial test should less then impressive results.

Look into these (https://www.deepfreezefishing.com/product-category/bluetipz/). They aren't the cheapest solution, but man do they work well. The look on your friends faces when your phone yells "Dude, you got a fish on!" is also priceless. They can be a bit of work to set up, but Brad is awesome with any technical issues you may have.

[SNAPFisher]

After watching a few panfish videos on YouTube, and wanting to fish more for perch this season, I decided to pick up one of these...

https://photos.smugmug.com/Ice-Fishing-2021-2022/i-dbD7Xqh/2/e4053efa/X2/IMG_0844-X2.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/Ice-Fishing-2021-2022/i-cFC3tTF/1/e3306608/X2/IMG_0845-X2.jpg

I gotta say after laying hands on it, I'm not sure if I really need the Quad HD. The utility and portability of this thing is amazing. I highly recommended checking it out if you're looking for a higher end camera. It's going to pair really nicely with a 6" drill/auger combo for scouting weed beds. :happy0034:

I also picked up my Otter Vortex Resort Hub after ordering it the day it showed up in Cabela's system. They told me they just got some in at the Edmonton South store this week if anyone is looking. CMX Outdoors in Swift Current may also have some when Cabela's sells out.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Ice-Fishing-2021-2022/i-vVKLzPT/0/a662bf4f/X2/IMG_0846-X2.jpg

P.S. - I'm trying to help a friend find an ION G2...preferably one from last year with the 6Ah battery, but a current one is fine. If anyone has seen one please let me know. Cheers.

You are going to like that cam. I think that has the improved cable. Original one I had the cable kept giving up. The one I have now is reinforced and running 3rd year now. Great for scouting...great for everything. Can motion sense and record footage. Down view is really good with this. The wire holder for the 45 degree or full 90 degree is about as simple to use as anything. I leave it on all the time. Have Fun

[fisher69]

oh ya i also forgot i got a 1 man pop up tent and a buddy heater this year too, but havent had a chance to actually use them on the ice yet, so that should make things a lot nicer this year

[StringTheory]

After watching a few panfish videos on YouTube, and wanting to fish more for perch this season, I decided to pick up one of these...

https://photos.smugmug.com/Ice-Fishing-2021-2022/i-dbD7Xqh/2/e4053efa/X2/IMG_0844-X2.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/Ice-Fishing-2021-2022/i-cFC3tTF/1/e3306608/X2/IMG_0845-X2.jpg

I gotta say after laying hands on it, I'm not sure if I really need the Quad HD. The utility and portability of this thing is amazing. I highly recommended checking it out if you're looking for a higher end camera. It's going to pair really nicely with a 6" drill/auger combo for scouting weed beds. :happy0034:


Nice pick GP! I also picked up the Aqua Vu Micro Revolution 5 Pro and got it out on the ice once already. I am very impressed with the camera and not just for the amazing portability. I went out with Huyfishin for brook trout (see his latest video) and the visibility was almost but not quite 3 feet by my eye. With my Marcum VS485C I could see maybe 1 foot in the distance (it was pretty poor as you would expect) but with the Aqua Vu I could see 6ft or more. The picture on camera was way better than the naked eye.

Once I get more footage together I will definitely be making a comparison video and review. Stay tuned!

[AlbertanGP]

Nice pick GP! I also picked up the Aqua Vu Micro Revolution 5 Pro and got it out on the ice once already. I am very impressed with the camera and not just for the amazing portability. I went out with Huyfishin for brook trout (see his latest video) and the visibility was almost but not quite 3 feet by my eye. With my Marcum VS485C I could see maybe 1 foot in the distance (it was pretty poor as you would expect) but with the Aqua Vu I could see 6ft or more. The picture on camera was way better than the naked eye.

Once I get more footage together I will definitely be making a comparison video and review. Stay tuned!

Good to hear. I'm also coming from a VS485C that I just gave to a friend for his new Koenders shack. I hope to get out with the Micro Revolution this weekend , and look forward to your review. :happy0034:

[HuyFishin]

Good to hear. I'm also coming from a VS485C that I just gave to a friend for his new Koenders shack. I hope to get out with the Micro Revolution this weekend , and look forward to your review. :happy0034:

The camera was actually very impressive in poor water conditions. Line management was also very well thought out.

[AlbertanGP]

The camera was actually very impressive in poor water conditions. Line management was also very well thought out.

I purchased it over the Marcum Pursuit for exactly that reason. Everyone raves about the Revolution spool, and I tend to agree.

[SamSteele]

I picked up the Strikemaster Allie suit for my wife to use while out on the ice this season. I really like my Surface suit and this one has the same type of design, just adjusted for ladies. Bibs zip off into pants if desired.

While my wife isn’t a hardcore ice angler, when she does come she often gets cold which makes it less enjoyable for her. This should help her stay warmer as well as the added safety benefit of a float suit.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211123/0e90e2574a474cf632b3875ebb34466b.jpg

[WayneChristie]

this old fart was getting tired of dragging a 65 pound propane auger around the lake. Visited Cabelas for the first time last week and a 10 inch 40 volt strikemaster followed me home somehow :bad_boys_20: cant wait to give it a go, what a difference in sound compared to my roaring propane motor! I hope a lot less noise attracted hammerhandles this winter and maybe a few more spooky big pike and walleyes in shallow water. got a big dump of snow yesterday hopefully it doesnt screw up the developing ice too much, a mans gotta fish!!!!!!!!!!!

[SNAPFisher]

this old fart was getting tired of dragging a 65 pound propane auger around the lake. Visited Cabelas for the first time last week and a 10 inch 40 volt strikemaster followed me home somehow :bad_boys_20: cant wait to give it a go, what a difference in sound compared to my roaring propane motor! I hope a lot less noise attracted hammerhandles this winter and maybe a few more spooky big pike and walleyes in shallow water. got a big dump of snow yesterday hopefully it doesnt screw up the developing ice too much, a mans gotta fish!!!!!!!!!!!

You are going to come to appreciate this purchase a whole lot. Congrats and good luck this season!

[SNAPFisher]

I picked up the Strikemaster Allie suit for my wife to use while out on the ice this season. I really like my Surface suit and this one has the same type of design, just adjusted for ladies. Bibs zip off into pants if desired.

While my wife isn’t a hardcore ice angler, when she does come she often gets cold which makes it less enjoyable for her. This should help her stay warmer as well as the added safety benefit of a float suit.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211123/0e90e2574a474cf632b3875ebb34466b.jpg

I've never worn a water proof suit like these. You have me thinking Sam. I just have those thick jeans and sometimes long johns. But, wet knees are not great to sit in for the day after kneeling on the ice...

[Sledhead71]

Have just finished the new shanty for the hard water season.

[JohnB]

Have just finished the new shanty for the hard water season.


Very nice.

[SamSteele]

I've never worn a water proof suit like these. You have me thinking Sam. I just have those thick jeans and sometimes long johns. But, wet knees are not great to sit in for the day after kneeling on the ice...


I use mine all the time, even for plowing the driveway or going for a snowmobile ride. Mine is the Strikemaster Surface, but there are lots of options out there.

SS

[58thecat]

Have just finished the new shanty for the hard water season.

now that's worth getting excited over.

[Jims83cj5]

It’s ready to go, just need some ice, 900 watt solar panel system is what’s new this year, sorry for the sideways pics

[AlbertanGP]

this old fart was getting tired of dragging a 65 pound propane auger around the lake. Visited Cabelas for the first time last week and a 10 inch 40 volt strikemaster followed me home somehow :bad_boys_20: cant wait to give it a go, what a difference in sound compared to my roaring propane motor! I hope a lot less noise attracted hammerhandles this winter and maybe a few more spooky big pike and walleyes in shallow water. got a big dump of snow yesterday hopefully it doesnt screw up the developing ice too much, a mans gotta fish!!!!!!!!!!!

There will be nowhere for the big pike to hide now. You're going to be sold the first time out. Grats. :)

[AlbertanGP]

I picked up the Strikemaster Allie suit for my wife to use while out on the ice this season. I really like my Surface suit and this one has the same type of design, just adjusted for ladies. Bibs zip off into pants if desired.

While my wife isn’t a hardcore ice angler, when she does come she often gets cold which makes it less enjoyable for her. This should help her stay warmer as well as the added safety benefit of a float suit.

At least she comes out. I can't get mine to come out and read a book even. Could have something to do with getting sun poisoning (yes it's a thing) the last time she came out with me in the Eighties. :(

[AlbertanGP]

I've never worn a water proof suit like these. You have me thinking Sam. I just have those thick jeans and sometimes long johns. But, wet knees are not great to sit in for the day after kneeling on the ice...

I rocked denim insulated coveralls with a blue cookie monster Helly Hansen suit underneath for years out on the ice. While it worked quite well, I was always soaked from the knees down by the end of the day and didn't dare kneel on the ice for too long. The float suits are so much more versatile and safer to be in. They're as easy to move in as a normal ski suit, you can use them for a variety of other off-ice tasks throughout the winter (I wear mine when using the snow blower at the lake), and if you catch them on sale (which seems to happen quite a bit now) they are even reasonably priced. There really isn't a good reason to not wear one nowadays...especially if you fish very early and/or very late in the season.

[JohninAB]

Have had 3 outings so far in my Eskimo Keeper insulated flotation suit. Little getting used to as noticed the additional “bulk” of the flotation built in but getting less noticeable as I wear it more.

Bought my setup from Ardisam off of Amazon. Saved $200 off the suit compared to local Edmonton store pricing. Shipping was quick as well, right around a week to small town Alberta.

Warm, waterproof and added piece of mind (flotation) has been nice.

[JohninAB]

Sorry for the immediate second posting, I was editing my previous post but exceeded the 30 minute window, doh!

New purchase I was editing in is a GoPro Hero 9. After reading the thread on taking “selfies” whilst fishing by oneself, I purchased the holiday bundle on sale which came with a second battery, case and a few other do-dads. Also ordered a few accessories for it off of Amazon. Hopefully make for some better fish pictures versus the phone. Do not worry though, I will not be posting a bunch of pictures of my ugly mug and fish on here.

[AlbertanGP]

The GoPro works much better than the phone. I probably should have went with the Hero 9 though as the 10 eats the battery like nobody's business.

[HuyFishin]

The GoPro works much better than the phone. I probably should have went with the Hero 9 though as the 10 eats the battery like nobody's business.

To be honest they all eat battery especially in the cold. Everytime I turn my gopro on and off I see the battery go down.

If possible I would power it via powerbank if you're just sitting still.

[SamSteele]

The GoPro works much better than the phone. I probably should have went with the Hero 9 though as the 10 eats the battery like nobody's business.


The standby for voice commands keeps it semi awake all the time, so it does use power even when “off”. The trade off is the voice commands are so nice to do hands free.

I forgot to mention that there is a feature called hindsight that is constantly recording 10 seconds and overwriting itself. When you tel it to start recording it tacks the video it’s been recording onto the start so you get a bit of video before you actually say “start recording”. Helpful for video where action surprised you and you may have missed a cool opportunity. This does also use battery faster though.

As Huy said, I use a small power pack with USB to extend battery life. When you do that though, the unit is no longer waterproof as the access hatch is open/removed. If you want waterproof I would suggest grabbing some extra batteries and a charging case.

[Poppa]

Gotta tell ya, a couple of my ice fishing items proved their worth yesterday at the CFL West Final in Winnipeg. My Striker Hardwater bibs and Arctic Muck Boots were worth every single penny we paid with one of the coldest, nastiest windchills I've ever experienced. Very thankful we invested in 'em!

[35 whelen]

Gotta tell ya, a couple of my ice fishing items proved their worth yesterday at the CFL West Final in Winnipeg. My Striker Hardwater bibs and Arctic Muck Boots were worth every single penny we paid with one of the coldest, nastiest windchills I've ever experienced. Very thankful we invested in 'em!That's for sure, was one of the most unreal games I've watched in a long time would have been cool to be in the stadium. never know what the weather's going to be like in Winter peg in December but guaranteed there's going to be some wind chill.

Sent from my SM-G930W8 using Tapatalk

[AlbertanGP]

Gotta tell ya, a couple of my ice fishing items proved their worth yesterday at the CFL West Final in Winnipeg. My Striker Hardwater bibs and Arctic Muck Boots were worth every single penny we paid with one of the coldest, nastiest windchills I've ever experienced. Very thankful we invested in 'em!

Did you see anyone else wearing similar gear? I used to see lots of people wearing ice fishing jackets in rural MN when I was down there in the winter.

[AlbertanGP]

Have just finished the new shanty for the hard water season.

My buddy just bought a Koender's shack. It's in getting all wired up with TV's and stuff. I'm curious to see it when it's done. Yours looks great! :happy0034:

[AlbertanGP]

It’s ready to go, just need some ice, 900 watt solar panel system is what’s new this year, sorry for the sideways pics

Looks good. Reminds me I saw someone with a Yetti (https://yettioutdoors.com/) ice house at Snipe the other day. A bit early methinks but he was all set up on shore living the life. I was going to ask him if the fish were biting, but I never saw him. :sHa_sarcasticlol:

[Poppa]

Did you see anyone else wearing similar gear? I used to see lots of people wearing ice fishing jackets in rural MN when I was down there in the winter.

Tons of ice fishing gear for sure! MB is home to FXR apparel and so many people snowmobile, fish or both.... So there was a ton of it.

[AlbertanGP]

The standby for voice commands keeps it semi awake all the time, so it does use power even when “off”. The trade off is the voice commands are so nice to do hands free.

So if you turn it on and it has a five minute auto-shutdown set, a voice command will wake it up? Mine doesn't seem to like my voice. I have to tell it to take a photo a couple times. I'm slowly getting used to it.

Just brought the 100Ah battery home from the lake tonight so I'll probably just hard wide it when overnighting.

[AlbertanGP]

Tons of ice fishing gear for sure! MB is home to FXR apparel and so many people snowmobile, fish or both.... So there was a ton of it.

Ahhh. I didn't realize FXR originated in MB. Makes sense you'd see lots there. It's a little more fashionable than a Striker suit. lol.

[SamSteele]

So if you turn it on and it has a five minute auto-shutdown set, a voice command will wake it up? Mine doesn't seem to like my voice. I have to tell it to take a photo a couple times. I'm slowly getting used to it.

Just brought the 100Ah battery home from the lake tonight so I'll probably just hard wide it when overnighting.


Yes, they will wake up with your voice command of “GoPro, turn on.” It took me a bit to remember the exact phrases for all the voice commands, and you have to enunciate really well. I leave the confirmation beeps on so I can tell when it turned on or executed the commands without having to muck with it.

[sns2]

Have just finished the new shanty for the hard water season.

Super looking rig. Top drawer. And I love the GSP too!

[AlbertanGP]

Super looking rig. Top drawer. And I love the GSP too!

He looks like he's claimed his bed for the season. :bad_boys_20:

[Sledhead71]

My buddy just bought a Koender's shack. It's in getting all wired up with TV's and stuff. I'm curious to see it when it's done. Yours looks great! :happy0034:

The walls by the rear door are wired with a stereo and we just use the Marcum for fish tv... I put a solar panel on the rear as well...

Hope your buddy is as happy as we are. Cheers

Super looking rig. Top drawer. And I love the GSP too!

Thank you, Jager my GSP is always with us.

He looks like he's claimed his bed for the season. :bad_boys_20:

He has a 50% stake in everything I do :)

[RockyMountainMusic]

[QUOTE=AlbertanGP;4440260]Otters are definitely expensive once you have them kitted out. But they are a one and done purchase...you'll never wear one out. Lots of farmers in the States use them to tow behind a quad over dirt and rocks with no runners and they just go forever.

Otters are good but not worth the price difference, I ran an otter pro magnum for just over 5 years and it was great but it did finally crack on me and same thing happened to my trapping partners so I don't recommend without runners for sure over long time. I run the pelican now just cause the deal is the best out there although I think otter material is built a bit better.

[AlbertanGP]

I think anything being pulled over a trap line is going to lead a hard life. I don't think a Shappell sled would last one run behind a snowmobile on a trap line. Pelican's are definitely better made than Shappells, but not on par with Otters from what I have seen. YMMV.

P.S. Let us know how the Pelican holds up.

[Forest Techer]

[QUOTE=AlbertanGP;4440260]Otters are definitely expensive once you have them kitted out. But they are a one and done purchase...you'll never wear one out. Lots of farmers in the States use them to tow behind a quad over dirt and rocks with no runners and they just go forever.

Otters are good but not worth the price difference, I ran an otter pro magnum for just over 5 years and it was great but it did finally crack on me and same thing happened to my trapping partners so I don't recommend without runners for sure over long time. I run the pelican now just cause the deal is the best out there although I think otter material is built a bit better.


FWIW for an otter you still need runners. And you’ll burn through $100 in runners easy if you aren’t on snow/ice.

With a deer inside going over 90% snow cover she was wore through in 1 trip.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[AlbertanGP]

I've never worn out a set of Hyfax runners on an Otter. Heck I have a 15 year old set of crappy Clam runners on an old Yukon that are still going strong. I'm not sure what you guys are using your sleds for but we're talking ice fishing gear here. lol.

[RockyMountainMusic]

I've never worn out a set of Hyfax runners on an Otter. Heck I have a 15 year old set of crappy Clam runners on an old Yukon that are still going strong. I'm not sure what you guys are using your sleds for but we're talking ice fishing gear here. lol.

Your right for ice fishing purposes on snow and ice only the otter should last you your lifetime IMO. Only reason I commented was because the post about the farmers south dragging it through dirt rocks etc with no runners and not wearing out. Was just sharing my experience which yes is much rougher on the trapline and the otter still held up well. If I would of put the runners on, it would still be going strong. The pelican is not built with as good of material but the price difference for the full set up is huge or I would of went back.. But this is only year 2 on the pelican so we will see. PS I use it ice fishing too up at Slave so its on topic LOL

[AlbertanGP]

I get what you're saying and I don't think anything would last being dragged across dirt, gravel, etc. I was surprised to see that people regularly use those sleds for such activities...get something with some wheels IMO. I think for ice fishing where we are mostly hauling across ice and snow, you could probably get by without hyfax runners. But then again, because the sleds are so expensive for what they are, to me it only makes sense to slap some runners on for insurance.

Still curious to hear feedback on the Pelicans as time goes by. Yes the Otters are beefier. But maybe if used just for ice fishing the Pelicans are more than durable enough and a person can save some money.

[sns2]

Looking forward to no fumes, no gas, and no more heavy auger.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211209/a244b339e6eabbad5dbe55663b653934.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211209/9155d1671f173456f3ffcff34c272f1c.jpg

Sent from my SM-A705W using Tapatalk

[JohninAB]

I have a Pelican 75 sled I have used for 7 years now. Pulled it all over ice fishing behind my quad and even had it fly out of the back of my truck (strap broke) at 65 mph and skid down the pavement. Couple small road rash marks, other than that, good as new.

I would not hesitate to get another one but doubt I will ever need too.

[JohninAB]

sns2 that is a nice setup. Switching from 2 smoke to electric is one of the best things I have done gear wise.

[AlbertanGP]

Looking forward to no fumes, no gas, and no more heavy auger.

Sent from my SM-A705W using Tapatalk

Very nice! I'm still trying to track down a 6" Pistol Bit. The search continues...

[AlbertanGP]

I have a Pelican 75 sled I have used for 7 years now. Pulled it all over ice fishing behind my quad and even had it fly out of the back of my truck (strap broke) at 65 mph and skid down the pavement. Couple small road rash marks, other than that, good as new.

I would not hesitate to get another one but doubt I will ever need too.

I have no doubt the Pelican will last a long time. They look to be well made from what I have seen.

[sns2]

sns2 that is a nice setup. Switching from 2 smoke to electric is one of the best things I have done gear wise.

Thanks, John. Yes, I have never heard of anyone saying they wished they’d have stuck with gas rather than going electric, whether it be a Strikemaster or Ion or Jiffy, or with a drill. All seem to be good options.

I will say that I went with the drill, so as to be able to use it for multiple things. I put a spade bit on and drill holes in ground for willows in goose season. I also picked up a leaf blower attachment for the M18Fuel, and dang if it doesn’t work great at blowing dry snow quickly off the walks.

Good luck this season!

[AlbertanGP]

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-dfrrpSV/0/3038936f/X2/i-dfrrpSV-X2.jpg

Decided to see if these Dinner Bell spoons are the real deal or if all the YT influencers are just promoting each other's products. Regardless, the money tackle for the weekend is in the box from Rapala that showed up at the same time. ;) :cool:

[Poppa]

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-dfrrpSV/0/3038936f/X2/i-dfrrpSV-X2.jpg

Decided to see if these Dinner Bell spoons are the real deal or if all the YT influencers are just promoting each other's products. Regardless, the money tackle for the weekend is in the box from Rapala that showed up at the same time. ;) :cool:

they're the real deal - my blue/white dinner bell caught more fish for me than anything else last winter. My second biggest walleye of the year (also my first of the season) was on it. Say what you want about the guys themselves, but the products are insanely good. Can't say enough good things about the rods, as well.

[SamSteele]

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-dfrrpSV/0/3038936f/X2/i-dfrrpSV-X2.jpg

Decided to see if these Dinner Bell spoons are the real deal or if all the YT influencers are just promoting each other's products. Regardless, the money tackle for the weekend is in the box from Rapala that showed up at the same time. ;) :cool:


I placed a large order of the same just last night. Tossed in a few big Tantrums as well for Lakers.

SS

[AlbertanGP]

they're the real deal - my blue/white dinner bell caught more fish for me than anything else last winter. My second biggest walleye of the year (also my first of the season) was on it. Say what you want about the guys themselves, but the products are insanely good. Can't say enough good things about the rods, as well.

Yeah, I've seen lots of good reviews on them. I don't think Frostbite makes them tbh. I think Peric just got the distribution rights for Canada.

Their rods look interesting, if even a more confusing lineup than TUCR. I may try one someday.

[AlbertanGP]

I placed a large order of the same just last night. Tossed in a few big Tantrums as well for Lakers.

SS

I thought about the tantrums, but I have a 3700 each of Slab Raps and Rippin' Raps in most every size and color that have never let me down yet. Still, I probably should pick up a couple of the big 4" Tantrums as I don't have anything that big.

[Poppa]

Yeah, I've seen lots of good reviews on them. I don't think Frostbite makes them tbh. I think Peric just got the distribution rights for Canada.

Their rods look interesting, if even a more confusing lineup than TUCR. I may try one someday.

Just one guy here, but I have a Dipstik that I use for deadsticking and absolutely love it. Noodle tip that detects the smallest bites, but (IMO) has enough power to handle bigger walleyes, if need be. I want to get a Drench for jigging to go with it. Right now I've got a Shimano Convergence for jigging that I really like, but I'll go to Frostbite eventually...

[JohninAB]

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-dfrrpSV/0/3038936f/X2/i-dfrrpSV-X2.jpg

Decided to see if these Dinner Bell spoons are the real deal or if all the YT influencers are just promoting each other's products. Regardless, the money tackle for the weekend is in the box from Rapala that showed up at the same time. ;) :cool:

I ordered a bunch of dinner bells and plastics 2 weeks ago from Frostbite Fishing. Hoping they arrive next week.

[AlbertanGP]

Lot's of guys trying the Frostbite stuff this season. Be sure to leave some feedback. The rods look to be a better deal than the TUCRs, since getting a TUCR up to Canada is just so expensive. And while I love my TUCRs for the most part, I am looking for a different action in some of my rods that are going to require going to a different brand most likely.

[AlbertanGP]

I ordered a bunch of dinner bells and plastics 2 weeks ago from Frostbite Fishing. Hoping they arrive next week.

Flutter spoons are where it's at. If the dinner bells can give my Tumblers & Tinglers a run for their money, I'll be tickled.

[SamSteele]

Just added a 6” Lite Flite to my Strikemaster 40V for perch and trout trips. Shaved a little over 4 lbs off the rig weight.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211210/464ffc351d9fb8d8334de9cfeb9da0e6.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211210/55eda6017251daa415316c9b108b2595.jpg

8 inch metal flighting installed.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211210/68b1847a7b46337e961ca367427fdbf9.jpg

6” lite flite installed.

SS

[sns2]

Fellas, you know hooks. What do you like better for walleye through the ice: Frostbite Dinner Bell Spoons or Northland Buckshot Spoons?

[SamSteele]

Fellas, you know hooks. What do you like better for walleye through the ice: Frostbite Dinner Bell Spoons or Northland Buckshot Spoons?


I’ve had great success with the Buckshot spoons. Just ordered some Dinner Bells as well to try out.

Little Cleo’s are also a good option.

[sns2]

I’ve had great success with the Buckshot spoons. Just ordered some Dinner Bells as well to try out.

Little Cleo’s are also a good option.

I will go with the Buckshot spoons as they are available locally for sure.

SS, do you have any color preferences for eyes?

[AlbertanGP]

Fellas, you know hooks. What do you like better for walleye through the ice: Frostbite Dinner Bell Spoons or Northland Buckshot Spoons?

I organize my ice fishing spoons into two categories, flutter spoons and lead spoons. The dinner bell is a hybrid flutter spoon. The buckshot spoon is the prototypical lead spoon. The lid very rarely gets flipped open on my lead spoon box. When it does, it's usually for a Glo-Shot offering over something with rattles, and it's usually around the edges of primetime. But that's just me.

Color wise? That entire box from Rapala above was replacements of several spoons in one specific color. But that one I'm keeping to myself. ;)

[SamSteele]

I will go with the Buckshot spoons as they are available locally for sure.

SS, do you have any color preferences for eyes?


After I posted I got thinking that I didn’t elaborate much. The action of the two spoons is quite different. The Dinner bell would be more of a fluttering action, like the Custom Jigs & Spins Flutter Spoon, Williams Wablers in the smaller sizes, VMC’s Tingler, etc. These styles fall more slowly and tend to kick out to the side more as they freefall.

The buck shot spoons are heavier and tend to fall faster and be more of a “pound the bottom” style for me. Little Cleo’s are similar but they do kick out to the side more because of their curved shape.

As for colours, I like gold and silver for the flutter styles as they flash like a minnow or baitfish. I like the pink/white or purple/white for buckshot, usually in UV glow as well.

SS

[sns2]

Thanks, Sam Steele

Sent from my SM-A705W using Tapatalk

[Poppa]

Last year was the first year that I really wanted to get into jigging spoons and I had a ton of success. Dinner Bells, Buck Shot and PK...all worked for walleye and pike (all we ever target) last year. I might start working on plastics this year. I've been thinking about Ned rigging a bit....some Z-Man TRD style stuff that twitches on its own. I like experimenting with new-to-me presentations...

[JohninAB]

I tried Ned rigs this summer. Worked very well. Be trying them this winter for sure.

[HuyFishin]

I tried Ned rigs this summer. Worked very well. Be trying them this winter for sure.

Ned rigs work amazing! not sure why its not mentioned more.

[Outbound]

I tried my new 10" Ion auger today for the first time. I'm so happy with it, money very well spent. I drilled 10 holes through roughly 7" of ice and the charger indicator on the battery shows full. It went through the ice like butter.

[AlbertanGP]

I tried my new 10" Ion auger today for the first time. I'm so happy with it, money very well spent. I drilled 10 holes through roughly 7" of ice and the charger indicator on the battery shows full. It went through the ice like butter.

Send me a PM and let me know how you made out. I’m camped out on the other lake. ;)

Keep those batteries warm and the ION will treat you well.

[Outbound]

PM Sent.

[AlbertanGP]

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-PVXBqMD/0/7c2dbabf/X3/i-PVXBqMD-X3.jpg

These aren't even supposed to be available yet. I've had a pre-order in for a couple of months and this one just showed up. Black Betty Free Fall Carbon Edition to color match my new perch rod. Now I guess I have to go perch fishing this weekend. :happy0034:

[SamSteele]

Frostbite order showed up today.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211216/55a11f130b3e7034ed477df3b5e22e72.jpg

[AlbertanGP]

Frostbite order showed up today.

Nice. Looks like we have similar taste in colors. I didn't find the Dinner Bells to be the be all to end all last weekend. But they did flutter better than I expected them too. Curious how the tantrums work for you. :happy0034:

[SamSteele]

Nice. Looks like we have similar taste in colors. I didn't find the Dinner Bells to be the be all to end all last weekend. But they did flutter better than I expected them too. Curious how the tantrums work for you. :happy0034:


I’m a sucker for bright colours!

I don’t think there has ever been a lure that lived up to the hype in all circumstances, but another tool in the toolbox is always helpful.

That Tantrum 100 is big! I would love to see it swallowed up by a big laker or pike.

[Poppa]

If it ain't chartreuse, it ain't no use!! - Clayton Schick :) :) :)

[AlbertanGP]

Second only to my year plus hunt for the Otter Pro-Tech rod case has been my hunt for an AquaVu Quad HD camera. I've been looking and talking to the manufacturer Outdoor Insight since the summer. Heck, I even bought a HD10i Pro Gen 2 unit at TFH's big August sale when it looked like they weren't going to be available at all this season. TFH finally got some in and my good friend at the West Ed store hooked me up with one of the two he got. I can't wait to try it out once I get it apart and get the proper Amped Outdoors battery ordered for it. :happy0180:

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-PLb4MWS/0/f843766c/X3/i-PLb4MWS-X3.jpg

I also had my kids pick me up a new tackle bag and fish cradle while they were passing through Edmonton on their way home for Christmas. The bag is huge...it holds 12 3600 series Plano's. The kid laughed I won't be able to pick it up when it's full...he's probably right. I also picked up a fish cradle for weighing fish as I'm not feeling this whole measuring thing. I figure with the new GoPro, the measuring board on the rod case, and the cradle and scale I should be covered. :)

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-SNsZk6C/0/d628b078/X3/i-SNsZk6C-X3.jpg

Off to bed, the hunt for the 10lb rainbow continues in the morning...

P.S. If anyone wants the top of the line HD10i Pro Gen 2 camera I bought at 25% off last summer and still haven't cracked the box open yet before I take it back in the next couple of weeks, shoot me a PM.

[Poppa]

Second only to my year plus hunt for the Otter Pro-Tech rod case has been my hunt for an AquaVu Quad HD camera. I've been looking and talking to the manufacturer Outdoor Insight since the summer. Heck, I even bought a HD10i Pro Gen 2 unit at TFH's big August sale when it looked like they weren't going to be available at all this season. TFH finally got some in and my good friend at the West Ed store hooked me up with one of the two he got. I can't wait to try it out once I get it apart and get the proper Amped Outdoors battery ordered for it. :happy0180:

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-PLb4MWS/0/f843766c/X3/i-PLb4MWS-X3.jpg

I also had my kids pick me up a new tackle bag and fish cradle while they were passing through Edmonton on their way home for Christmas. The bag is huge...it holds 12 3600 series Plano's. The kid laughed I won't be able to pick it up when it's full...he's probably right. I also picked up a fish cradle for weighing fish as I'm not feeling this whole measuring thing. I figure with the new GoPro, the measuring board on the rod case, and the cradle and scale I should be covered. :)

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-SNsZk6C/0/d628b078/X3/i-SNsZk6C-X3.jpg

Off to bed, the hunt for the 10lb rainbow continues in the morning...

P.S. If anyone wants the top of the line HD10i Pro Gen 2 camera I bought at 25% off last summer and still haven't cracked the box open yet before I take it back in the next couple of weeks, shoot me a PM.
I would LOVE that quad cam but Christ are they expensive. I think I saw 1800USD?? But man they look awesome. Schick did a great vid with his.

[Curtsyneil]

Those dinner bells you bought will be the best hooks you will run all year for walleye. I bin fishing with them since frostbite came out with them. White peach glow tipped with a minnow is a killer. If your running the medium size dinner bell I actually sized up one more treble size on them with a gamma and your hook up rate will be temendous. Just a little idea to try.

[JohninAB]

Second only to my year plus hunt for the Otter Pro-Tech rod case has been my hunt for an AquaVu Quad HD camera. I've been looking and talking to the manufacturer Outdoor Insight since the summer. Heck, I even bought a HD10i Pro Gen 2 unit at TFH's big August sale when it looked like they weren't going to be available at all this season. TFH finally got some in and my good friend at the West Ed store hooked me up with one of the two he got. I can't wait to try it out once I get it apart and get the proper Amped Outdoors battery ordered for it. :happy0180:

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-PLb4MWS/0/f843766c/X3/i-PLb4MWS-X3.jpg

I also had my kids pick me up a new tackle bag and fish cradle while they were passing through Edmonton on their way home for Christmas. The bag is huge...it holds 12 3600 series Plano's. The kid laughed I won't be able to pick it up when it's full...he's probably right. I also picked up a fish cradle for weighing fish as I'm not feeling this whole measuring thing. I figure with the new GoPro, the measuring board on the rod case, and the cradle and scale I should be covered. :)

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-SNsZk6C/0/d628b078/X3/i-SNsZk6C-X3.jpg

Off to bed, the hunt for the 10lb rainbow continues in the morning...

P.S. If anyone wants the top of the line HD10i Pro Gen 2 camera I bought at 25% off last summer and still haven't cracked the box open yet before I take it back in the next couple of weeks, shoot me a PM.

I have that exact tackle bag and yes it does get heavy.

[SamSteele]

Those dinner bells you bought will be the best hooks you will run all year for walleye. I bin fishing with them since frostbite came out with them. White peach glow tipped with a minnow is a killer. If your running the medium size dinner bell I actually sized up one more treble size on them with a gamma and your hook up rate will be temendous. Just a little idea to try.


Good tip. I may add a crankbait snap between the hook and the lure as well so I can put a minnow head on the treble shank. Cuts down on the bait stealing and let’s the treble pivot into the fish mouth when they inhale easier.

SS

[AlbertanGP]

I would LOVE that quad cam but Christ are they expensive. I think I saw 1800USD?? But man they look awesome. Schick did a great vid with his.

$2,500 Cdn...pretty much double the best single lens UC camera you can buy. Pretty sure its worth it though. At least to me. ;)

[AlbertanGP]

Those dinner bells you bought will be the best hooks you will run all year for walleye. I bin fishing with them since frostbite came out with them. White peach glow tipped with a minnow is a killer. If your running the medium size dinner bell I actually sized up one more treble size on them with a gamma and your hook up rate will be temendous. Just a little idea to try.

The next size up VMC 9650 treble in tin red goes on all my new lures once I get around to it. This time of year, they keep showing up so fast I can't keep up. lol. ;)

[AlbertanGP]

I have that exact tackle bag and yes it does get heavy.

I think it may be going back. Their site says it has 12 3600 boxes. But it's actually 12 3700 boxes. Doesn't really fit with the organization I had in mind. We'll see. :(

[Curtsyneil]

Yeah that’s sounds like a great idea to try also. I usually run a full minnow on them and very little rip jiggin with them for there action is unbelievable with just the slightest jiggin. I’ve just found I had more luck running a full minnow than just the head but everybody creates there own luck. Tight lines!!

[aragor764]

https://i.imgur.com/EcnfI0k.jpg

[AlbertanGP]

Nice. You got the complete kit...driller included. :)

[SNAPFisher]

Nice. You got the complete kit...driller included. :)

No kidding. And he looks ready and willing to use it! Nice work.

[Outbound]

The Wife wants to go fishing on Christmas day. It's supposed to be -35 that day so I grabbed a 18,000 BTU Buddy Heater to put in the tent. That should make it much more pleasant.

[AlbertanGP]

The Wife wants to go fishing on Christmas day. It's supposed to be -35 that day so I grabbed a 18,000 BTU Buddy Heater to put in the tent. That should make it much more pleasant.

You married the right one. :happy0034:

Christmas Day is the one day I know I won't be out on the ice over the holidays. Good luck.

[Outbound]

You married the right one. :happy0034:

Christmas Day is the one day I know I won't be out on the ice over the holidays. Good luck.

She's a keeper!

[JD848]

I was just looking at the strikemaster augers and can someone tell me the difference between the 40v and the PRO 40V.cash is 150 swing, but what would I be paying for for that 150 extra please. I went into the fishing hole to look ,but the salesmen looked like he took a good poke in the nuts , I almost told him off ,but I walked. There not the only swing dicks that sell augers.

Any info would be appreciated .

THANKS
JD

[JohninAB]

The Pro 40V has a 6 amp/hr battery which should equate to more holes drilled and uses the 8” lite-flite laser drill (same flite that is used on the SM 24v auger) to make it lighter. Pro model advertised at 115 holes thru 16” of ice on a single charge.

The standard 40V model comes with the heavier all metal 8” or 10” flite and a 5 amp/hr battery. Standard 8” model advertised at 100 holes thru 16” of ice on a single charge.

If you go to www.rapala.ca and click on the Strikemaster tab it will list the features of both augers.

[SNAPFisher]

Interesting. I'm waiting for the lite flite in 10 inch. Someone will do it one year :)

[AlbertanGP]

I was just looking at the strikemaster augers and can someone tell me the difference between the 40v and the PRO 40V.cash is 150 swing, but what would I be paying for for that 150 extra please. I went into the fishing hole to look ,but the salesmen looked like he took a good poke in the nuts , I almost told him off ,but I walked. There not the only swing dicks that sell augers.

Any info would be appreciated .

THANKS
JD

Read this thread. (http://www.outdoorsmenforum.ca/showthread.php?t=405121) ;)

[Brodhead]

Second only to my year plus hunt for the Otter Pro-Tech rod case has been my hunt for an AquaVu Quad HD camera. I've been looking and talking to the manufacturer Outdoor Insight since the summer. Heck, I even bought a HD10i Pro Gen 2 unit at TFH's big August sale when it looked like they weren't going to be available at all this season. TFH finally got some in and my good friend at the West Ed store hooked me up with one of the two he got. I can't wait to try it out once I get it apart and get the proper Amped Outdoors battery ordered for it. :happy0180:



https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-PLb4MWS/0/f843766c/X3/i-PLb4MWS-X3.jpg



I also had my kids pick me up a new tackle bag and fish cradle while they were passing through Edmonton on their way home for Christmas. The bag is huge...it holds 12 3600 series Plano's. The kid laughed I won't be able to pick it up when it's full...he's probably right. I also picked up a fish cradle for weighing fish as I'm not feeling this whole measuring thing. I figure with the new GoPro, the measuring board on the rod case, and the cradle and scale I should be covered. :)



https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-SNsZk6C/0/d628b078/X3/i-SNsZk6C-X3.jpg



Off to bed, the hunt for the 10lb rainbow continues in the morning...



P.S. If anyone wants the top of the line HD10i Pro Gen 2 camera I bought at 25% off last summer and still haven't cracked the box open yet before I take it back in the next couple of weeks, shoot me a PM.I didn't know aqua-vu had a new quad model. I had their last version and after the second warranty replacement I traded to a marcum. Hopefully they worked the kinks out because it was a gamechanger the rare time it worked.

Sent from my SM-G950W using Tapatalk

[Georgias daddy]

New This season for ice fishing since oct 2021
Built a 16x8 ice shack (going to joussard)
Bought a Garmin livescope ice bundle
5 new tickle sticks rods and black Betty free fall reels
Otter resort hub
2022 Polaris Xp 4 General Troy lee design full cab, heater, tracks

Last season
Ion 2 10 inch
Clam X300 flip tent
Clam Jason mitchel hub tent
Humming bird Helix 7 ice
Striker ice predator coat and bib




So ya kinda excited to hit the ice this season.

[Georgias daddy]

I didn't know aqua-vu had a new quad model. I had their last version and after the second warranty replacement I traded to a marcum. Hopefully they worked the kinks out because it was a gamechanger the rare time it worked.

Sent from my SM-G950W using Tapatalk

I was going to buy that unit last year but the fishing hole said they had nothing but problems with the cameras.

[AlbertanGP]

New This season for ice fishing since oct 2021
Built a 16x8 ice shack (going to joussard)
Bought a Garmin livescope ice bundle
5 new tickle sticks rods and black Betty free fall reels
Otter resort hub
2022 Polaris Xp 4 General Troy lee design full cab, heater, tracks

Last season
Ion 2 10 inch
Clam X300 flip tent
Clam Jason mitchel hub tent
Humming bird Helix 7 ice
Striker ice predator coat and bib




So ya kinda excited to hit the ice this season.

Go hard or go home. You definitely won't miss that General out on the ice. Maybe I'll see you in mine sometime this season. Here's my rig from last weekend.

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-vWzrCvt/0/7de4752c/X4/i-vWzrCvt-X4.jpg

[CaveClown]

Damn that is a nice machine, one day I might get enough money saved up to buy a skidoo or a quad, or if I am lucky someone might give me one... but that beast is a whole nother level of sweet!

I spend my time thinking about when I get my first gas auger and then see stuff like that and think, man why am I worried about what the wife will say if I spend 5-600 bucks lol

[58thecat]

Go hard or go home. You definitely won't miss that General out on the ice. Maybe I'll see you in mine sometime this season. Here's my rig from last weekend.

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-vWzrCvt/0/7de4752c/X4/i-vWzrCvt-X4.jpg

That is an ice fishing assault vehicle...WOW:scared0015:

[AlbertanGP]

That is an ice fishing assault vehicle...WOW:scared0015:

Yes. Yes it is. 100+ HP from a Gilomen tune to spin the tracks. Custom fabricated canopy. A pallet full of parts from Thumper Fab (https://thumperfab.com/) down in Texas. HDS Carbon 12 in the cab. Plan B was a Sherp, so I had some leeway spending on this one. ;)

[AlbertanGP]

I didn't know aqua-vu had a new quad model. I had their last version and after the second warranty replacement I traded to a marcum. Hopefully they worked the kinks out because it was a gamechanger the rare time it worked.

Sent from my SM-G950W using Tapatalk

Yeah I have their top of the line camera below the Quad HD as well. The SLA battery that arrived with the Quad HD was DoA, which was a disappointment. Outdoor Insight has been very good and is shipping me some accessories for my Micro Revolution Pro 5.0 Pro in lieu of a replacement battery, since I already have an Amped Outdoors 19Ah NMC battery ordered for the Quad HD. It's all made in China crap, so half of it is bound not to work. I've had similar issues with Marcum.

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-43dwZmr/0/8dfb4265/X3/i-43dwZmr-X3.jpg

[AlbertanGP]

I was going to buy that unit last year but the fishing hole said they had nothing but problems with the cameras.

Unless they were holding out on me, they never had any Quad HDs last season to know. ;)

[Georgias daddy]

Unless they were holding out on me, they never had any Quad HDs last season to know. ;)

No when I enquired about it they never had any in stock at the time that’s what got the conversation started.

[Georgias daddy]

Go hard or go home. You definitely won't miss that General out on the ice. Maybe I'll see you in mine sometime this season. Here's my rig from last weekend.

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-vWzrCvt/0/7de4752c/X4/i-vWzrCvt-X4.jpg

I will keep an eye out for ya. Love the setup, lots of good ideas to consider.

[Georgias daddy]

Go hard or go home. You definitely won't miss that General out on the ice. Maybe I'll see you in mine sometime this season. Here's my rig from last weekend.

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-vWzrCvt/0/7de4752c/X4/i-vWzrCvt-X4.jpg

It’s nice to see there are at least 2 members of Anglers anonymous lol

[Binati]

New shack. Too much procrastinating hope to be done before January.

[sns2]

Super nice gear guys. Wow.

[Outbound]

Go hard or go home. You definitely won't miss that General out on the ice. Maybe I'll see you in mine sometime this season. Here's my rig from last weekend.

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-vWzrCvt/0/7de4752c/X4/i-vWzrCvt-X4.jpg

You take your ice fishing seriously! Very sweet rig.

[58thecat]

So I am going to order in Feb for next ice fishing season the BRP Skandic SWT 900 ace....we got a lot of snow and ol’red our ice fishing quad is pushing a lot of snow so we talked about it said enough is enough cuz if and when the quad comes off a packed trail well it is a bugger to dig out...my fishing partner (wife) agreed:sHa_shakeshout:

[JohninAB]

So I am going to order in Feb for next ice fishing season the BRP Skandic SWT 900 ace....we got a lot of snow and ol’red our ice fishing quad is pushing a lot of snow so we talked about it said enough is enough cuz if and when the quad comes off a packed trail well it is a bugger to dig out...my fishing partner (wife) agreed:sHa_shakeshout:

That will be a nice setup for sure.

I parked my quad and got the sled out this week. 12 plus inches of snow on the ice at Buck Lake Wednesday.

[jayman_1975]

Go hard or go home. You definitely won't miss that General out on the ice. Maybe I'll see you in mine sometime this season. Here's my rig from last weekend.

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-vWzrCvt/0/7de4752c/X4/i-vWzrCvt-X4.jpg

That's a dandy looking rig! Especially the Otter Resort ;)

Justin
CMX Outdoors

[Georgias daddy]

Yes. Yes it is. 100+ HP from a Gilomen tune to spin the tracks. Custom fabricated canopy. A pallet full of parts from Thumper Fab (https://thumperfab.com/) down in Texas. HDS Carbon 12 in the cab. Plan B was a Sherp, so I had some leeway spending on this one. ;)

Where did you get the custom canopy for your ranger? I can’t find anything on line.

[Georgias daddy]

I picked up a Aqua view Quad HD yesterday from the fishing hole west and it also would not turn on battery was completely dead. It’s changing as we speak but I think a lithium battery is in its future.

[AlbertanGP]

Where did you get the custom canopy for your ranger? I can’t find anything on line.

I had it made by the sheet metal fabricators that do the ducting on my commercial properties. I talked to Pro Fab Outdoors (https://www.profaboutdoors.com/). But with the lead time and shipping to Alberta, it was the same price to have one custom made. Mine is a lot beefier than theirs and has everything they offer that I wanted.

[AlbertanGP]

That's a dandy looking rig! Especially the Otter Resort ;)

Justin
CMX Outdoors

Hey Justin. I actually had to get Allanah to bring that in for me last season up in Creighton. It made a long journey to get to Northern Alberta. I did try to order a Pro X-Over Cabin from you guys earlier in the season, but you were already sold out...next year.

I did place another order with you guys yesterday and see it shipped out today. Great service from CMX Outdoors. :happy0034:

[AlbertanGP]

That will be a nice setup for sure.

I parked my quad and got the sled out this week. 12 plus inches of snow on the ice at Buck Lake Wednesday.

I'm sled shopping for next season myself. But TBH, I'd rather send my money to Minnesota than Kebec.

[AlbertanGP]

I picked up a Aqua view Quad HD yesterday from the fishing hole west and it also would not turn on battery was completely dead. It’s changing as we speak but I think a lithium battery is in its future.

The SLA that shipped in mine was a dud. No big deal, since I had a Dakota Lithium 10Ah sitting around and now have a 19Ah 14.8V NMC battery from Amped Outdoors on the way. What is a bit distressing is that one of the four cameras crapped out today and still isn't working in my warm shop. So I have to contact Outdoor Insight *again* tomorrow if I don't go out. I'm starting to see why these were pulled from the market last season. :(

[Georgias daddy]

The SLA that shipped in mine was a dud. No big deal, since I had a Dakota Lithium 10Ah sitting around and now have a 19Ah 14.8V NMC battery from Amped Outdoors on the way. What is a bit distressing is that one of the four cameras crapped out today and still isn't working in my warm shop. So I have to contact Outdoor Insight *again* tomorrow if I don't go out. I'm starting to see why these were pulled from the market last season. :(

Well that’s not a good review! I will be trying mine out on Saturday. Hopefully all is well. How are you charging it after swapping batteries from lead to lithium? Seems like a headache to have to pull it apart every time.

[AlbertanGP]

Well that’s not a good review! I will be trying mine out on Saturday. Hopefully all is well. How are you charging it after swapping batteries from lead to lithium? Seems like a headache to have to pull it apart every time.

I'm just pulling the six screws and yoinking the Dakota Lithium battery until the Amped Outdoors unit shows up, since they use different chargers. Once the AO battery arrives, I'll do something similar to what Jay Siemens did in this (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-W5O6zybSFw) video.

[AlbertanGP]

Round 2 with with the AquaVu HD. TFH says they haven't had any issues with these units other than mine, so hopefully this replacement solves the problems. The Amped Outdoors battery showed up at the same time. This thing should run for days now. Perfect for camping out on the ice. :)

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-XRTLwCk/0/112b4e4a/X3/i-XRTLwCk-X3.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-TF92ZgP/0/c53d407d/X3/i-TF92ZgP-X3.jpg

[JohnB]

Picked up new Pelican 82 sled today, will be nice to have some more room. The True Grit rod from FB is nice and the Dinner bells worked great, but lost two of them to pike.

[AlbertanGP]

I'm curious about FrostBite's rods and may pick one up to try. I've heard a few different versions of who is making them but all are reputable. The Dinner Bells have been good so far, but nothing to get excited about. I mean they work great. But I don't feel like they're doing anything I couldn't accomplish with any of the other myriad flutter spoons out there tbh.

[HuyFishin]

I'm curious about FrostBite's rods and may pick one up to try. I've heard a few different versions of who is making them but all are reputable. The Dinner Bells have been good so far, but nothing to get excited about. I mean they work great. But I don't feel like they're doing anything I couldn't accomplish with any of the other myriad flutter spoons out there tbh.

Yea the dinnerbells work well but you can catch the same fish with a slender spoon haha when the bite is hot its just hot. Nice spoons though.

[JohnB]

I'm curious about FrostBite's rods and may pick one up to try. I've heard a few different versions of who is making them but all are reputable. The Dinner Bells have been good so far, but nothing to get excited about. I mean they work great. But I don't feel like they're doing anything I couldn't accomplish with any of the other myriad flutter spoons out there tbh.

I was thinking the same about the Dinner Bells. The first day I tried them the Walleyes were hammering them, they took them deep (not tipped with minnow head). Tried a bunch of other lures (slender spoon as well) after I lost the only two med sizes DB I had, I could see them on the flasher come up for a look and back down to the bottom they would go.

Was back out on the 1st and had good luck with a lure that Trapper Gord was selling, can't remember the name of it but line can hook to the front of the spoon or in middle. Has a treble belly hook and a single tail hook with a glow bead on it.

[SamSteele]

Was back out on the 1st and had good luck with a lure that Trapper Gord was selling, can't remember the name of it but line can hook to the front of the spoon or in middle. Has a treble belly hook and a single tail hook with a glow bead on it.

Was that the Mack’s Lure Sonic Baitfish? Sounds similar. I’ve used them quite a bit for lake trout and walleye.

SS

[AlbertanGP]

Was back out on the 1st and had good luck with a lure that Trapper Gord was selling, can't remember the name of it but line can hook to the front of the spoon or in middle. Has a treble belly hook and a single tail hook with a glow bead on it.

It's a Freedom Tackle Minnow Spoon (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JebYcf6Bwu8) most likely, and it's a must have in your tackle box IMO. It's about the only flutter spoon that darts out to the side more on the lift than the fall. Just like the newly-released Dinner Bells, it's something the fish haven't seen. And it's unique action is killer on neutral to active fish during the daytime. ;)

[JohnB]

Yes it's the Freedom. I need to see if Gordy still has them at the store next time I go by.

[Curtsyneil]

If your interested in supporting a bunch of young guys making really good fishing products then I would buy a frostbite rod!!!

[AlbertanGP]

I'll support anyone making good fishing products, whether they are young or old. What I won't do is fall for a bunch of social media marketing hype. Besides, Alex Peric is annoying as Hell to watch on YouTube. He makes me *not* want to buy FB products.

[Curtsyneil]

Fb makes good fishing rods I own 4 of them there great!!

[Reign_Man]

Got my first fish flasher and used it yesterday at Burnstick Lake. It doesn't guarantee I catch fish:sad0147: I'm sure enjoying it though. Adds a new dimension to my ice fishing

[58thecat]

Just bought a pelican 75, cover and tow hitch.
Sled came with the screw on the bottom runners too!!!
Much more space then my pelican 60 which after 15 years wore through the bottom!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[AlbertanGP]

Got my first fish flasher and used it yesterday at Burnstick Lake. It doesn't guarantee I catch fish:sad0147: I'm sure enjoying it though. Adds a new dimension to my ice fishing

It takes a lot of the boredom out of ice fishing to at least know something is actually down there. ;)

[trophyhunter]

Just bought a pelican 75, cover and tow hitch.
Sled came with the screw on the bottom runners too!!!
Much more space then my pelican 60 which after 15 years wore through the bottom!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk


What’s your opinion on quality/durability after setup? I’m assuming this is the package Costco is offering?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[SamSteele]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220109/88f53fc33df67e4449a5fee04d77b5e8.jpg

Picked one of these up on sale today. Hoping to try it out for lakers soon.

SS

[AlbertanGP]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220109/88f53fc33df67e4449a5fee04d77b5e8.jpg

Picked one of these up on sale today. Hoping to try it out for lakers soon.

SS

Let us know your thoughts after you try it. I'd think I would stick with the butter smooth drag on the Stradics/Vanfords for lakers. But I have seen guys rig inlines for big fish online...maybe they're on to something.

[SamSteele]

Let us know your thoughts after you try it. I'd think I would stick with the butter smooth drag on the Stradics/Vanfords for lakers. But I have seen guys rig inlines for big fish online...maybe they're on to something.


Yeah, we will see. I thought it may be nice for working the water column, rather than flipping a bail.

SS

[AlbertanGP]

Yeah, we will see. I thought it may be nice for working the water column, rather than flipping a bail.

SS

That's the advantage I was thinking it may hold.

[58thecat]

What’s your opinion on quality/durability after setup? I’m assuming this is the package Costco is offering?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Well it took under 30 minutes to assemble the tow hitch assembly and connect it to the sled, I also ensured all the screws holding the runners in place were tightened too.

Dragged it around the yard and it all worked as advertised but have yet to load it up and drag it out in the ice. Seems very well built and strong.

I know the little pelican 60 was and still is a tuff bugger so I can only hope this one will be too.

Just when two of us go out we have a lot of gear and some goes on the quad but now I can just put it all in the sled and not be so selective in packing etc.

[Soiler]

Picked up the Eskimo 850HD on Boxing Day for the cold snap and I love it. Fished some -40 mornings in the last 2 weeks and it made a big difference. It’s heavier to carry but the tripless door is the cats ass.

[steam26]

Recently (https://printsbery.com/planner-templates/budget/bills) bought a Thunderbay IceCube (https://www.amazon.ca/Ice-Cube-Portable-Shelter-ThunderBay/dp/B019CU59VI) for occasional use. Given the price (really budget!), I'm impressed. Had it on the water perhaps 10 times, in 25 MPH winds on one occasion. It's in as-new condition, except for a little fabric damage on that windy day, where I left the doors open/flapping for hours. The screws are very good.

[AlbertanGP]

So I returned the Cabela's tackle bag I picked up on Page 6 of this thread...sorta...the son wanted it. It was just too big for me, and was for 3700 series Plano tackle trays instead of 3600 series trays. He can spend his lifetime filling it up now.

After looking online for a long time, I finally came up with something to replace my six tray Flambeau AZ6 (https://www.cabelas.ca/product/140471/flambeau-az6-large-tackle-system). I wound up with the Plano Soft Crate (https://planomolding.com/products/soft-crate-plab88140?variant=40468045136032). It says it holds nine 3600 series trays, but I'm thinking eight and two 3700's is how I will use it. It's designed for kayak fishermen and uses a standard milk crate for a frame...it's actually reasonably sturdy without it. For ice fishing it has an added bonus. You can run it in a milk crate until you get out to your spot and then pop it out of the crate, flip the crate upside down on the ice, and use it to set your Buddy Heater or electronics on. It's really quite versatile, and there are some reviews of it online if you want to see how it rigs out.

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-ZNCK2t7/0/24779e03/X3/i-ZNCK2t7-X3.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-CxQKjVP/0/2d6f9231/X3/i-CxQKjVP-X3.jpg

[AlbertanGP]

Three more Tuned Up Custom Rods finally showed up today. Just for reference, I ordered these on November 15...before the season even started. They were shipped from TUCR on December 22. Looking forward to trying them out when I get back from my Cold Lake trip. :)

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-GrgjF2c/1/5a45a942/X3/i-GrgjF2c-X3.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-bMhphkh/0/89259518/X3/i-bMhphkh-X3.jpg

[Georgias daddy]

http://photos TGpG http://TGpG

[MooseRiverTrapper]

Three more Tuned Up Custom Rods finally showed up today. Just for reference, I ordered these on November 15...before the season even started. They were shipped from TUCR on December 22. Looking forward to trying them out when I get back from my Cold Lake trip. :)

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-GrgjF2c/1/5a45a942/X3/i-GrgjF2c-X3.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-bMhphkh/0/89259518/X3/i-bMhphkh-X3.jpg

Precision noodle in there?

[AlbertanGP]

Precision noodle in there?

Replacement Commander (broke last season...incredible warranty), Power Precision, and Deadstick.

I bought an AquaVu QuadHD and Micro Revolution Pro earlier this season telling myself this was going to be the season I started chasing perch, but the trout have been more reliable for me to date. So no Precision Noodle, although I do have a TUCR Fusion and other rods comparable to the Precision Noodle. I think I'll order a Lake Trout Precision this summer and that should about wrap up TUCR for me. I'll have all their "Predator" rods except the Vulcan.

I will say that Deadstick rod and the technique it has been designed for has been absolutely lights out for trout so far. It's like a Jaw Jacker that never misses in combination with the LiveScope. :happy0034:

[Lambo]

https://imgur.com/8JkbRnz
https://imgur.com/8dZjHyP
https://imgur.com/OUDjTNL

[Lambo]

https://imgur.com/0cLZlSE
https://imgur.com/TFuDtPY
https://imgur.com/BVcDYu0
https://imgur.com/LED1dFh
https://imgur.com/2FRamsH
sorry, forgot how to insert pictures right into post

[SamSteele]

Let us know your thoughts after you try it. I'd think I would stick with the butter smooth drag on the Stradics/Vanfords for lakers. But I have seen guys rig inlines for big fish online...maybe they're on to something.


So I’ve had a few trips using this reel for walleye and one trip for lakers. I have the reel spooled up with ice braid. I like it quite a bit for inside the tent/shack as you can free fall it without issue. You do need to kind of “feather” the drop with a finger on the spool so it doesn’t overspin. I was using 1/2 oz to 3/4 oz baits for lakers.

It doesn’t do very well outdoors with ice braid. I haven’t tried it with mono or fluoro, but it tends to freeze up on the spool so you need to pull the line out by hand which defeats the purpose of the Freefall design.

I will say that the drag works quite well. We caught 28” inch walleye, 36” inch pike, and 30” inch lake trout with it and no issues with the drag. Seems smooth.

Hope that helps for others considering them.

SS

[AlbertanGP]

So I’ve had a few trips using this reel for walleye and one trip for lakers. I have the reel spooled up with ice braid. I like it quite a bit for inside the tent/shack as you can free fall it without issue. You do need to kind of “feather” the drop with a finger on the spool so it doesn’t overspin. I was using 1/2 oz to 3/4 oz baits for lakers.

It doesn’t do very well outdoors with ice braid. I haven’t tried it with mono or fluoro, but it tends to freeze up on the spool so you need to pull the line out by hand which defeats the purpose of the Freefall design.

I will say that the drag works quite well. We caught 28” inch walleye, 36” inch pike, and 30” inch lake trout with it and no issues with the drag. Seems smooth.

Hope that helps for others considering them.

SS

Good to know. I've had one of my Trick Shop Black Betty FreeFall's spools damaged in my rod case somehow. They're ok, but if I could do it over again I'd just keep buying Stradics/Vanfords, especially with the Vanford in a 500 series now. I do wish they'd go back to the folding handles like the CI4+ though. It's only a matter of time before I lose the handle to a $350 reel. :(

FWIW, my 2500 Vanford with braid was icing up last time out at Cold Lake as well. I think that's a function of the line more than the reel.

[SamSteele]

FWIW, my 2500 Vanford with braid was icing up last time out at Cold Lake as well. I think that's a function of the line more than the reel.

I agree, it is the line that causes that however I did notice the trigger freezing open as well. Maybe that’s because of the water coming off the line. I was thinking of trying the Suffix 131 as it’s apparently more hydrophobic than most braids but it’s hard to find and pretty pricey as well.

[Frank_NK28]

I agree, it is the line that causes that however I did notice the trigger freezing open as well. Maybe that’s because of the water coming off the line. I was thinking of trying the Suffix 131 as it’s apparently more hydrophobic than most braids but it’s hard to find and pretty pricey as well.

So far the best braid I've found for ice fishing is the about the least expensive you can buy...Fireline Crystal. It doesn't seem to absorb as much water as most braids including ice braids do. I bought three Quantum Pulse solid carbon casting ice combos last year on sale to try out. I ended up selling all my spinning outfits and ordering 5 more of the Quantums when they went on sale. The drags are ultra smooth and quiet, you don't suffer line memory like you do with spinning reels and there is no more flipping frozen bails by hand. The only part that has frozen so far is the guide on the level wind where the line passes through and it only takes a second to free it when it does. I now have 4-36"M, 1-28"M, 4-28"MH and two 42"H and all are spooled with braid. The 42's are awesome for jigging for Lakers and Pike with big baits. Oh and the reason I have so many is my wife reels right handed and has difficulty working a lefty so I ordered right handed for her and lefties for me. :)

[AlbertanGP]

So far the best braid I've found for ice fishing is the about the least expensive you can buy...Fireline Crystal. It doesn't seem to absorb as much water as most braids including ice braids do. I bought three Quantum Pulse solid carbon casting ice combos last year on sale to try out. I ended up selling all my spinning outfits and ordering 5 more of the Quantums when they went on sale. The drags are ultra smooth and quiet, you don't suffer line memory like you do with spinning reels and there is no more flipping frozen bails by hand. The only part that has frozen so far is the guide on the level wind where the line passes through and it only takes a second to free it when it does. I now have 4-36"M, 1-28"M, 4-28"MH and two 42"H and all are spooled with braid. The 42's are awesome for jigging for Lakers and Pike with big baits. Oh and the reason I have so many is my wife reels right handed and has difficulty working a lefty so I ordered right handed for her and lefties for me. :)

My justification for the Vanfords is that I pull them off the ice rods and use them in the Summer as well. I do have a couple of baitcasters I use in the summer. But I can't cast for #$%^ with them and can't be bothered to learn. I do agree they are good reels with good drags, and especially well suited to heavier rods for big pike and lakers. :happy0180:

[astepanuk]

picked up my first Jigging Jaw Jacker last week sucker out fished me on the weekend not a bad problem to have I suppose gonna try it for big lakers in a few weeks hope I don't break the jaw jacker in half, Also picked up an I Fish Pro.

[AlbertanGP]

picked up my first Jigging Jaw Jacker last week sucker out fished me on the weekend not a bad problem to have I suppose gonna try it for big lakers in a few weeks hope I don't break the jaw jacker in half, Also picked up an I Fish Pro.

Get used to getting out-fished by the jaw jacker. I put it off on it's own away from everyone. It's like a silent assassin.

I still haven't gotten around to opening my iFish Pro. The thing just looks janky. But I know we'll be using it for pike on Diefenbaker, so I better have a look at it soon.

[astepanuk]

I'm planning to try the I Fish for Lakers with a dead bait on the bottom of the lake.

[HuyFishin]

Get used to getting out-fished by the jaw jacker. I put it off on it's own away from everyone. It's like a silent assassin.

I still haven't gotten around to opening my iFish Pro. The thing just looks janky. But I know we'll be using it for pike on Diefenbaker, so I better have a look at it soon.

I recently got the Ifish pro. Its definitely more of a pain to set up. One thing that bothers me is that you NEED bobber stoppers for it and it doesn't mention it on the box. So make sure you grab some and try setting it up at home first. Cuz it was confusing for my first time.

[AlbertanGP]

I recently got the Ifish pro. Its definitely more of a pain to set up. One thing that bothers me is that you NEED bobber stoppers for it and it doesn't mention it on the box. So make sure you grab some and try setting it up at home first. Cuz it was confusing for my first time.

Thanks for the heads up. I knew it needed bobber stops, but I figured they were supplied. Now I have to go looking for my slip bobber tray in my summer gear...

[mlee]

I got an ifish pro this year as well and like mentioned it's a bit of a pain and there's a small learning curve. My suggestion is have 1 rod dedicated to the ifish....
That said it outfished my wife and I both combined last weekend at cold lake. 6 fish on the ifish pro and only 5 combines for us in the tent lol.

[SamSteele]

iFish Pros work well for lakers and pike. As mentioned, you need bobber stops for them.

One tip I have for them is to use an Olfa knife and make a single cut through one side of the red clip where the line goes through so you can clip it onto the line or take it off when not in use. I found it to be a pain to have to hold the loop while I pulled line off and fed a slow sinking dead bait down, especially in 100 FOW for lake trout. This way I adjust the bobber stop to where I want the first time and from then on I can just clip the loop on when I get it down to depth.

You can also pop it off and use the rod normally without having to cut your knots off to get the loop off.

Here’s a pic with the pen tip pointing to the slit.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220222/dac4a83ce27bb3acbbe877f2b68014a3.jpg

[OL_JR]

I went back to the HT riggers for the most part. More convenient and work well. By the end of last season ifish pros were staying on the shelf.

[JohnB]

I went back to the HT riggers for the most part. More convenient and work well. By the end of last season ifish pros were staying on the shelf.

And they are a lot cheaper.