I would def call to confirm and make note of who you spoke with if they say they are indeed legal. It used to be illegal but was repealed in 2008 but it doesn't say anywhere that I could find in current regulations that they may be used. Prior to 2008 it said "Ice Fishing - Expressly prohibited are any devices with automatic hook setting capability". That line is no longer in there but it does say
"The devices that may be used are:
1. Ice supported tip-ups or lines with one single
pointed hook attached, or one burr of three
hooks that measure not more than ½-inch from
point to shaft;
2. An artificial jigging lure with not more than one
burr of three hooks that measure not more than
½-inch from point to point;
3. An artificial jigging lure with not more than
three single hooks measuring not more than
½-inch from point to shaft;
4. An artificial jigging lure with a combination of
the hook limitations described in 2 and 3 above"
http://www.nj.gov/dep/rules/proposals/120307c.pdfIn N.J.A.C. 7:25-6.14(c), the Council proposes to repeal the existing prohibition
on devices with automatic hook setting capability and to allow the use of such
devices while ice fishing. A new type of ice fishing device has become available
to anglers with automatic hook setting capabilities. Unlike devices historically
marketed, this device may reduce hooking mortality as it diminishes the
probability of fish ingesting the hook.
Adopted: February 5, 2008 by the Fish and Game Council
The Fish and Game Council (Council) is adopting amendments to N.J.A.C. 7:25-6.1
through 6.6, 6.8, 6.9, 6.10, 6.11, 6.13, 6.14, 6.19, 6.20, and 6.22. The proposed
amendments were published in the New Jersey Register on December 3, 2007 at 39
N.J.R. 4988(a).
Expiration Date: July 13, 2012