strike indicators

[Mayhem]

With the hardwater season nearly upon us, I was curious what you guys are using for strike indicators (or maybe you don't use them at all). I fish for walleye, perch and pike and I haven't been able to find a storebought one that works for me. Any suggestions?

[bobalong]

I use a wave buster and the Big N.The wave buster (slip bobber) have the hole situated at the bottom of the bobber which stays under water preventing it from freezing. The Big N is a fixed bobber that has a small clip that goes on your line but releases when it comes in contact with your rod tip. Wave buster is a little handier in that you don't have to reset after you catch each fish.

[Ayr]

I like the sound of the design of that WaveBuster. Have you had a chance to test it? Do you guys sell them? I'd like to give those a go this icefishing season.

Thanks Bobalong,

Ayr.

Nothin but a windlass tip-up

[bobalong]

Actually I have been using the wavebuster for about 3 years now but I see we no longer carry them. We now carry the Shybite or Stealth by Thill which work the same way, as will any bobber with the line slide at the bottom of the bobber instead of at the top. I find this style of bobber (slip bobber) works much better in the summer as well because the line does not have to go up and over, but slides and sets up much faster with the line slide at the bottom, (less friction).We do carry the Big N bobbers now, I started using them last winter and they worked very well for ice fishing too, the Big N do come with a cross lock snap that attaches for summer fishing.

[Ayr]

Thanks for the reply. I will look for those the next time I'm in.

Ayr.

[muzzy]

I use a much cheaper, simpler techniques that works great Spent 10 years in norther manitoba and another4 in NWT hauling them thru the ice I just buy some spools of 6 pound line and break off a few willows or poplar boughs Get them about 40 inch long and thin as possible drill your hole and pound a heel into snow behind willow that the spool will sit in I use a jig and minnow and before I put on the minnow I slip a bell sinker on hook and lower to bottom so I know exactly where bottom is I then measure line and tie a loop in it so that when I slip the loop over end of willow twig it will be about 8 inches off bottom I then tie about a foot of flagging tape thru loop When fish hits the twig is so flexible it bends down without fish detecting any resistance You see the flag disappear and the spool just spins freely in your boot heel hole Just run over pick up lind and hand bomb it in Real simple and works great Carry your hooks and spools in a pocket Nice thing is when you rebait the loop and flagging at still in place so you already know right depth so just slip it back over twig Key is a real thin flexible twig The least wind will jiggle the twig and flagging for you so no jigging neccessary

Gord