Keeping Holes free of Ice

[retten]

Was out in the cold snap, lost a number of fish on the tip ups because the line was freezing in the top of the holes.

I use rods for tip ups, I took metal coffee cans cleared the snow to ice level
drop a dozen or so bbq charcoal bricks in the can and lit them, placed the can 6" from the hole, worked like a charm no ice all day even with the wind.
Added about 8 chunks after 4 hrs perfect kept them free of ice all day.

[Rockjockey]

Going to have to try that.
I have used an air bubbler and air stone (kind used on the side of a pail to keep bait alive) at it keeps the hole relatively ice free. The D battery last, on a cold day, the entire day.

RJ

[kcward]

That's a great idea! I'll have to try that.

Has anyone tried a hand warmer activated? Not sure if they float. Was thinking of trying that - probably need to attach a couple of small bobbers for it to float or put it in a plastic sealed container floating in the hole.

[cube]

Originally Posted by kcward

That's a great idea! I'll have to try that.

Has anyone tried a hand warmer activated? Not sure if they float. Was thinking of trying that - probably need to attach a couple of small bobbers for it to float or put it in a plastic sealed container floating in the hole.

I just cover the hole with Styrofoam insulation 3/4" to 1" thick (could be thicker if you wanted). Make the Styrofoam a bit larger than the hole and cut a thin slit to the middle. Keeps the holes ice free all day.

[Walleye99]

anti-freeze

[Geezle]

Originally Posted by Walleye99

anti-freeze

.

[Kim473]

Originally Posted by Walleye99

anti-freeze

OMFG.

[DiabeticKripple]

Methanol works good too

[Big Red 250]

Never tried it but have heard of people using vegetable oil.

[MoFugger21]

A chisel, an ice scoop and walking to the holes with both in hand work pretty well for me

[EZM]

Originally Posted by Walleye99

anti-freeze

Good thing that's neither illegal, or unethical nor does it hurt the fish or the environment ...... er ..... wait ..........

[rubberboots]

Originally Posted by EZM

Good thing that's neither illegal, or unethical nor does it hurt the fish or the environment ...... er ..... wait ..........

Or he could be joking!!!

I like the Methanol suggestion...I find it works even better if you light it on fire.

[.270fan]

Originally Posted by rubberboots

Or he could be joking!!!

I like the Methanol suggestion...I find it works even better if you light it on fire.

Whether its a joke or not there may be some people on here who would believe that this is a good idea and try it..... sad but true.

[freddy27]

Guys has anyone used the ION battery operated ice augurs? If so how are you liking it or not? I'm thinking of getting 8" hole size and before I spend the $$ I want to get some feed back from people who use them.

[bucksman]

catching fish works the best for keeping the hole from freezing over

[rubberboots]

Originally Posted by .270fan

Whether its a joke or not there may be some people on here who would believe that this is a good idea and try it..... sad but true.

That is true. Those same people that missed that joke will also likely miss EZMs uncalled for sarcasm and go around telling people that its neither illegal or unethical because they read it in a forum.

Comments like EZMs make this place a little less friendly and there's better ways of spelling out a joke beside sarcasm.

[JohninAB]

Originally Posted by rubberboots

That is true. Those same people that missed that joke will also likely miss EZMs uncalled for sarcasm and go around telling people that its neither illegal or unethical because they read it in a forum.

Comments like EZMs make this place a little less friendly and there's better ways of spelling out a joke beside sarcasm.

If after 18 posts you are already commenting about the friendliness of this place, then maybe this ain't the place for you.

Suggesting anti-freeze is not funny nor is it legal.

I am also going to use the styrofoam insulation method for the jaw jacker. My other tip ups are frabill insulated ones and no issues with the holes there freezing up.

[rubberboots]

Originally Posted by JohninAB

If after 18 posts you are already commenting about the friendliness of this place, then maybe this ain't the place for you.

Suggesting anti-freeze is not funny nor is it legal.

I am also going to use the styrofoam insulation method for the jaw jacker. My other tip ups are frabill insulated ones and no issues with the holes there freezing up.

Not sure what my post count has to do with it. I don't think there's many of us that haven't told a joke in poor taste before that others may not find funny. Present company excluded of course.

Back on topic though. I typically check the tip-ups periodically/clean them out just to keep me busy when things are slow.

[EZM]

Originally Posted by rubberboots

That is true. Those same people that missed that joke will also likely miss EZMs uncalled for sarcasm and go around telling people that its neither illegal or unethical because they read it in a forum.

Comments like EZMs make this place a little less friendly and there's better ways of spelling out a joke beside sarcasm.

Fair enough .......... but I did put in the ........ er ..........wait AND to indicate it was a sarcastic ha-ha joke.

Next time I guess I will add an appropriate disclaimer as follows;

"the above comments, although implied, may not be a true reflection of the writers opinions or beliefs, and may not be reflective of the position or opinions of the Alberta Outdoorsmen Forum, or it's affiliates. The author reserves the right to use creative writing expressions, which may include, but are not limited to, sarcasm, smiley faces, face palms, and other forms written language to imply these expressions"

or ..... we can assume people have the capacity to understand the intent when using the expressions in bold above.

Does that work better? oh by the way .... I'm just joking ..... again

[EZM]

Originally Posted by JohninAB

If after 18 posts you are already commenting about the friendliness of this place, then maybe this ain't the place for you.

Suggesting anti-freeze is not funny nor is it legal.

I am also going to use the styrofoam insulation method for the jaw jacker. My other tip ups are frabill insulated ones and no issues with the holes there freezing up.

If you are making one up ..... make 2 of them .... I would be happy to test my jaw jacker on the Johny2000 in-su-late-a-hole prototype.


Jaw Jacker ........... bring an eye-patch ......... because your gonna need one !!!!

[GregT]

Originally Posted by freddy27

Guys has anyone used the ION battery operated ice augurs? If so how are you liking it or not? I'm thinking of getting 8" hole size and before I spend the $$ I want to get some feed back from people who use them.

Friggin awesome. Just keep the battery inside your tent when not in use. I guess they go dead sitting in the cold.

[Habfan]

Originally Posted by kcward

That's a great idea! I'll have to try that.

Has anyone tried a hand warmer activated? Not sure if they float. Was thinking of trying that - probably need to attach a couple of small bobbers for it to float or put it in a plastic sealed container floating in the hole.

I tried it last year and it worked for a couple hrs. Some guys said they couldnt get it to work but I don't know why ? Just put the hand warmer in a ziploc bag with a small amount of air and they float no problem.

[Speckle55]

like

David

Originally Posted by Habfan

I tried it last year and it worked for a couple hrs. Some guys said they couldnt get it to work but I don't know why ? Just put the hand warmer in a ziploc bag with a small amount of air and they float no problem.

[JohninAB]

Originally Posted by Habfan

I tried it last year and it worked for a couple hrs. Some guys said they couldnt get it to work but I don't know why ? Just put the hand warmer in a ziploc bag with a small amount of air and they float no problem.

Good idea.

[Geezle]

Originally Posted by Habfan

I tried it last year and it worked for a couple hrs. Some guys said they couldnt get it to work but I don't know why ? Just put the hand warmer in a ziploc bag with a small amount of air and they float no problem.

Far better idea than dumping antifreeze, methyl, or any other chemicals in the hole.

[WayneChristie]

I keep a gallon pot of lake water on my stove and dump in in the holes in my shack, keeps them clear and the edges are smooth as silk, no hung up lines. bonus is you can wash up after handling your fish

[Out Trouting]

Finally somebody with something intelligent to add to this thread thanks Wayne have to give it a go.

[Mackinaw]

Originally Posted by EZM

Fair enough .......... but I did put in the ........ er ..........wait AND to indicate it was a sarcastic ha-ha joke.

Next time I guess I will add an appropriate disclaimer as follows;

"the above comments, although implied, may not be a true reflection of the writers opinions or beliefs, and may not be reflective of the position or opinions of the Alberta Outdoorsmen Forum, or it's affiliates. The author reserves the right to use creative writing expressions, which may include, but are not limited to, sarcasm, smiley faces, face palms, and other forms written language to imply these expressions"

or ..... we can assume people have the capacity to understand the intent when using the expressions in bold above.

Does that work better? oh by the way .... I'm just joking ..... again

I believe if you order through big bang.you can get a sarcasm sign
Might be handy at these times...

Mack