IceShanty.com's Ice Fishing Community
New Hampshire => Ice Fishing New Hampshire => Topic started by: Roccus on Nov 25, 2020, 05:15 PM
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Since it's almost time, and most of us are getting ready, I'd like to start a thread about gear, this can be anything from the winter beater you use to the beautiful hand craftedb chisel that your grand father made from a leaf spring, this is not meant to be a Ford vrs. CHEVY vrs. DODGE TYPE debate,, it's not meant to be a " I spent more money so my devise is better" thread, its not about what we/any of us think is best, its about what works for us as individuals, how we've come to use this item, our likes and dis like, what if any modifications we are working g on for it, or are we thinking of moving on..once the tread runs its coarse, hopefully there is a good discussion with our personalities revealed..and we all learn a little something.
I'll start with tip ups or tilts.. around these parts we call them traps.
I build my own, I've owned most brands and have incorporated what I believe is the best attribute of each one in my builds..
My first trap was an actual tip up my dad made me from a design he saw in popular mechanics, it featured a sliding weight on the flag arm to alert me to a flag., he poured vegetable oil in the holes to keep them working when the temps were freezing, my first catch was a brown bull head on a sliver of hot dog..I wish I still had them but they were lost during a house fire when I was in high school.
I'm a fan of large spools, the added line capacity gives weight which IMHO allows a slow rolling fish to feel less resistance.in the same manner a fly wheel aids an engine.. i rarely get dropped baits, in my mind the weight of the spools is the reason, and when you believe, you try harder.the 4" spool trips easier due to mechanical advantage..I grew up using the cross arm design, and for no particular reason I've fallen in favor with a wider than most comercial made H style..
Let's have some fun with this and kill time until we can walk on water
HAPPY THANKS GIVING
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:tipup: Not much time for this. North country ponds are all skimmed with light snow covering. Safe ice might be here before Christmas.
I love the H tipups because they stow so well in my pack basket and sled. I have replaced all spools with 4" and filled to top.
On SS my flasher will be my last and the battery is charged.Used my dremil to sharpen my chisel after I did my toenails.
Ice cleats are still on my Mucks and look fine
Big investment will be my winter purchase of maggots and wax worms.
I don't want to think about expensive line and leaders. I have spools of high quality mono that has served me well.
My hand drill batteries (20 volt) are charged and my Nils 4 and 6" drills will be fine.
Dick
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:tipup: Not much time for this. North country ponds are all skimmed with light snow covering. Safe ice might be here before Christmas.
I love the H tulips because they stow so well in my pack basket and sled. I have replaced all spools with 4" and filled to top.
On SS my flasher will be my last and the battery is charged.Used my dremil to sharpen my chisel after I did my toenails.
Ice cleats are still on my Mucks and look fine
Big investment will be my winter purchase of maggots and wax worms.
I don't want to think about expensive line and leaders. I have spools of high quality mono that has served me well.
My hand drill batteries (20 volt) are charged and my Nils 4 and 6" drills will be fine.
Dick
Nice, a actually put in my order forc1000 European night crawlers today.
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Joe and Dick,
Don't mean to hijack the thread but wanted to wish you both a great Thanksgiving. It's been a number of years we've been contributing on this forum and you fellas consistently put out a lot of good intel for the rest of us. Thank you.
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Happy Thanksgiving guys/gals
I started prepping last week, after a long summer I’m looking forward to my down time which started last week....I filled the freezer with some venison from Maine now working on my NH tag, plugged the vexialr in, that’s charged... Got the Ranger registered and will change the oil and make sure it’s ready to roll....
I picked up some seaguar ice line for the jig rods... I’ll replace all the leaders on my traps, looking forward to a second season with my Jack Traps I bought last season.... :tipup:
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A very happy thanksgiving to all you folks. I hope everybody has a happy and healthy holiday season.
This season my plan is to try my hand again with tying my own lake trout jigs. Never had much luck with buck tails in the past, usually do my damage with spoons or plastics, but after seeing how effective flies were in open water I figure tying similar patterns might do well in hardwater.
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???Joe, Used crawlers one for tidal white perch but you will have to tell me about ice fishing advantage.
Dick
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A very happy thanksgiving to all you folks. I hope everybody has a happy and healthy holiday season.
This season my plan is to try my hand again with tying my own lake trout jigs. Never had much luck with buck tails in the past, usually do my damage with spoons or plastics, but after seeing how effective flies were in open water I figure tying similar patterns might do well in hardwater.
This will be my second season of tying jigs. I started last fall and used all my own bucktails and did well. Don't give up on the bucktails it took me awhile to change over from spoons due to a lack of confidence in them. If you have any questions on tying them up feel free to ask away. I also tie small tungsten jig heads with some bucktail fur and did really well on brookies and pan fish too!
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???Joe, Used crawlers one for tidal white perch but you will have to tell me about ice fishing advantage.
Dick
These European crawlers are a cousin to the red worm, and are about half the size of a Canadian crawler,they are extremely hardy and can withstand temps right down just short of freezing,they also are very durable on the hook..I use them to tip my swedish pimples, but they are good for those days the perch just want to play with their food and knock off the shiners but dont eat them , they are also a great trout bait, because they are very active even after soaking for an hour..
Thet are easy to keep,I put about 2" of leaf litter in one of those plastic bins that. Have the interlocking folding tops, to that I add shredded paper and commercially prepared worm bedding,I use a spray bottle to keep them moist, I feed them lettuce, apple cores, pear cores and any un cooked vegetable scraps, leave right on top so it doesnt get moldy,feed only once they consume the last feeding, they multiply quickly so you will have plenty of size range.in the spring, I dump them in the compost heap and start a new colony in the late summer, I buy mine from speedy worm, i buy 1000 for like 40 bucks and. Change, i order after the heat of the summer and before it gets cold so i dont have to pay for expedited shipping, i screwed up this year and lost track of time, damn shipping cost almost as much as the worms... I think I am going to make an outdoor worm bed next to the garden then I won't need to buy any next year, I'll put them out in the spring and dig em up in the fall, I tried keeping them in the basement one summer, but it's too much work and the dampness of the bed attracts silverfish.
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A very happy thanksgiving to all you folks. I hope everybody has a happy and healthy holiday season.
This season my plan is to try my hand again with tying my own lake trout jigs. Never had much luck with buck tails in the past, usually do my damage with spoons or plastics, but after seeing how effective flies were in open water I figure tying similar patterns might do well in hardwater.
Like Diggs said, bucktails are awesome lures, most fisherman, myself included dont use them enough, I use them a ton in salt water but really should use them more often on the hard water.ive said it before, if I could only have one lure it would be a bucktail.
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Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!
Good thread idea Roc. Not much for new gear for me this year, just the basic restocking type stuff. Though I did pick up a vintage Artic Cat for getting around this year, so much lighter and simpler than my modern sled and wheeler. Not much I couldn't repair on the old girl trail side with vise grips, duct tape and a matchbook (some of you older fellas will get the matchbook) and it has a pull start which is huge to me for not getting stranded. Picked up a new Otter Lodge flip last year that I intend to give the full mod treatment to like I did the Bayrunner but it just hasn't happened yet. So it's turkey and family today then the next few days will be getting ice gear in order, getting the Denali all stocked and loaded up so it's ready at a moments notice then the wait begins. Good luck out there everybody, be safe.
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This will be my second season of tying jigs. I started last fall and used all my own bucktails and did well. Don't give up on the bucktails it took me awhile to change over from spoons due to a lack of confidence in them. If you have any questions on tying them up feel free to ask away. I also tie small tungsten jig heads with some bucktail fur and did really well on brookies and pan fish too!
Appreciate that Digs. Being a converted bass guy I definitely favor jigs with plastics as my fall back confidence lures. To be fair my first attempt at buck tails was years ago when I first started tying flies and though I’d get lookers I couldn’t ever seem to connect. I’m no pro but I’d like to think I’ve gotten a bit better since (at least my summer flies work better). Once I actually get my behind in gear I’d love to bounce ideas off you.
Roccus you’re not the first I’ve heard that about buck tails from. I’ve been right next to guys crushing lake trout with them and I can’t get a bite (had a friend growing up that would do the same to me striper fishing). I switch to a paddle tail/swim bait and can hold my own (most days). Takes time to build that confidence with anything I guess and it’s so hard not to jump back to old favorites.
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Appreciate that Digs. Being a converted bass guy I definitely favor jigs with plastics as my fall back confidence lures. To be fair my first attempt at buck tails was years ago when I first started tying flies and though I’d get lookers I couldn’t ever seem to connect. I’m no pro but I’d like to think I’ve gotten a bit better since (at least my summer flies work better). Once I actually get my behind in gear I’d love to bounce ideas off you.
Roccus you’re not the first I’ve heard that about buck tails from. I’ve been right next to guys crushing lake trout with them and I can’t get a bite (had a friend growing up that would do the same to me striper fishing). I switch to a paddle tail/swim bait and can hold my own (most days). Takes time to build that confidence with anything I guess and it’s so hard not to jump back to old favorites.
Funny all this jig talk, inward setting up bait tank this morning, I has to move this stuff out of the way
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I laid some green flashaboo on top of the box, I like a few strands along the outside to imitate a lateral line.
I still use them alot for strioers.
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I've been known to tie a buck or three for lakers. Don't forget to match the hatch for your panfish in winter ;) no new gear for me this year, just sticking to what works, but always got some weird stuff in the box for those "off days". Good luck to all and please stay safe
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One tool I have been after was a solid battery pack system that I could either downsize or increase due to the application I choose to power. I was turned on to LiFePo4 style batteries as the latest and greatest in the battery tech world. Cost of these units can get pretty high when looking at a 50ah to 100ah source. I met someone on a different site that was providing feed back on a sled mod I was working and this gentlemen turned me on to Miady batteries. 12V 16Ah Deep Cycle LiFePO4 Battery, 2000 Cycles Miady LFP16AH Rechargeable Battery specifically is what I got for reference. At close to 50 dollars a unit I found running a parallel configuration would allow me to get close to the desrired amp hour without coming close to the 50ah-100ah cost... My question about this gear to everyone here is, has anyone experimented with the Miady brand compared to other LiFePo4 brands and has anyone notice a difference in performance over the cost difference? I guess more so... some companies can get higher cost for brand names and this seems to be a unit providing the same power source at a more reasonable cost.
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I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!
On the subject of bucktails, I still need to update my old lead ones. I went without them last year. What material are you guys using?
A friend of mine borrowed my campstove and tank adapter, and, well, I ordered those items last night for this season. His son is living off grid and needs it more than I do, so I cut ties with $60 lol.
The thing I really need to do is practice setting up the Quickfish I bought last year. I only had it out when friend and off-grid kid came with me, and they set up/tore down. I want to have it down pat when I'm doing it alone in a breeze.
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I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!
On the subject of bucktails, I still need to update my old lead ones. I went without them last year. What material are you guys using?
A friend of mine borrowed my campstove and tank adapter, and, well, I ordered those items last night for this season. His son is living off grid and needs it more than I do, so I cut ties with $60 lol.
The thing I really need to do is practice setting up the Quickfish I bought last year. I only had it out when friend and off-grid kid came with me, and they set up/tore down. I want to have it down pat when I'm doing it alone in a breeze.
Definitely a learned science, I have one of the eskimo hubs, a 3 man..I've had it a few years and it still gives me fits.it seels if you anchor the side in the wind it cooperates little better.I also have the one man wide one, its heavy but is pretty easy to set up..but packing it up can be a pain..if the sun comes put tomorrow I'm going to set up in the back yard and air them out.
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Got my bait tank up and running today,
In the past it was kept in a lean too outside, running power and keeping it from freezing and clearing a path through the snow was alot of work, 2 years ago I brought it into the shop, air temp is around 65 down there,I lost alot of bait that year, last year I made a "red neck chiller" which basically is a cooling tower and required an extra pump and hoses running outside..it worked well but still left water temps in the low 50's most of the time, I had a few but not many issues on the coldest days..so I've gone the extra mile this season.
This year, I've gone to a 1/10 hp chiller that I took off my sea horse tank when I broke it down..
I plumbed water for changes and top off with pex, now I just open a ball valve to add water, I added a bulkhead fitting with a screen on the bottom that feeds another pump so I can. Fill my bait bucket and pump water for water changes to a drain in the slop sink in the shop.
Filtration comes in the form of a Fluval 300gph.filter that exists through the chiller, I'll keep the water at 40..the pick up for the filter is a 1",pvc pipe centered in the tank and drilled full of 1/8" holes.
I had everything I needed laying around because of my fish keeping hobby, I am going to spend a few bucks on a roll of insulation, the scraps are ugly!
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New bait tank looks good, Joe.
Round and blue are good.
Nice that you had that chiller on hand.
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That’s a very impressive set up!
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On the subject of bucktails, I still need to update my old lead ones. I went without them last year. What material are you guys using?
I'm almost always using big 1oz bucktails that we can still have in lead. If I'm fishing for trout and I want anything smaller I'll go to a swedish pimple or something else. I have some small jigs for perch and crappie and they are all tungsten.
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New bait tank looks good, Joe.
Round and blue are good.
Nice that you had that chiller on hand.
Yup, chiller brings it down to 42, I set it at 40 but it has a built in 2 degree variance.. I can live with that.
Now we need ice.
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Roccus that’s awesome. I’ll admit I’m a little bummed to hear your redneck chiller didn’t quite do the job. Was going to try something similar this year but I’ll have to figure something else out. (Was hoping not to have to spring for a real chiller).
Anyhow, I built a system a lot like your current set up for work and it works great. I think you’ll be very happy with your results this year.
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Helluva bait setup Roc, I'm sure you'll keep em happy and healthy in there. No tank for me this year, just gonna roll the dice with local shops this season. I'll get something setup again for next year though.
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Roccus that’s awesome. I’ll admit I’m a little bummed to hear your redneck chiller didn’t quite do the job. Was going to try something similar this year but I’ll have to figure something else out. (Was hoping not to have to spring for a real chiller).
Anyhow, I built a system a lot like your current set up for work and it works great. I think you’ll be very happy with your results this year.
The biggest issue with the red. Neck chiller was lack of real cold weather in my neck of the woods.. when it was teens during the day it worked great.. global warming got the best of me.
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Helluva bait setup Roc, I'm sure you'll keep em happy and healthy in there. No tank for me this year, just gonna roll the dice with local shops this season. I'll get something setup again for next year though.
Definitely more convenient to get bait on the way, When Nutes opened early it worked good for me, but last season they went open, The traffic circle, didn't have a good variety and didn't open until 6, days half over by the time I got my traps set up.
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Yup, chiller brings it down to 42, I set it at 40 but it has a built in 2 degree variance.. I can live with that.
Now we need ice.
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Show off. I wasn't able to take pictures of mine set up in the yard today because I was tangled up in it lol.
I finally set up/tore down twice and have a slight clue, but now it's in the middle of my livingroom half in the travel bag. I think I'll stick with the windbreak when I go solo!
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I'm almost always using big 1oz bucktails that we can still have in lead. If I'm fishing for trout and I want anything smaller I'll go to a swedish pimple or something else. I have some small jigs for perch and crappie and they are all tungsten.
Jethro, for clarification for all. "Please take note: The laws prohibiting the use and sale of certain lead sinkers and jigs have changed to include all sinkers and jigs with a total weight of one ounce or less."
Cool pic of your gear, Joe. :) That's a lot of trips to air out your gear. ;)
Steph, a lot of those provided bags are a challenge. I liked to take the time to roll them up as tight as I could. Better yet, try to scrounge up an oversized bag. Good luck
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Show off. I wasn't able to take pictures of mine set up in the yard today because I was tangled up in it lol.
I finally set up/tore down twice and have a slight clue, but now it's in the middle of my livingroom half in the travel bag. I think I'll stick with the windbreak when I go solo!
I'm just lucky no one had a vidio camera, I had quite a dance with the quick fish..once was enough!..puttimg it back in the bag wasn't half bad.the pop up is eady, but very heavy, it barely fits out of the basement door.. I dragged it over and put it under the tarp with my lobster pots.
I'm short a slammer, no idea where it is..
Fired up the jiffy, startedn3rd pull, has t rin since the derby.
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Definitely more convenient to get bait on the way, When Nutes opened early it worked good for me, but last season they went open, The traffic circle, didn't have a good variety and didn't open until 6, days half over by the time I got my traps set up.
I usually do ok picking them up the night before and just keeping them nice and cold... I'd rather have them at the ready in my utility room but when i started filling the tank (a blue plastic 55 gallon drum with the top cut off) a few weeks ago and realized that I some how cracked the bottom of it over the summer. Not really enough time to start over now so store bought it is this year...
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I usually do ok picking them up the night before and just keeping them nice and cold... I'd rather have them at the ready in my utility room but when i started filling the tank (a blue plastic 55 gallon drum with the top cut off) a few weeks ago and realized that I some how cracked the bottom of it over the summer. Not really enough time to start over now so store bought it is this year...
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makes total sense, but because I live out of state, I need to buy my bait in new Hampshire,I get mine at Wildlife outfitters in Manchester( an hour ride for me), ahead of time and replenish it on my way home after each trip if need be....
I hate it when summer Gremlins break my stuff!... I'll look around the shop here, there were a few of those blue 55 gal. drums hanging around, we get various chemical's for waste treatment in them, the trick is to find one someone hasn't punched a hole in!
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I hate it when summer Gremlins break my stuff!... I'll look around the shop here, there were a few of those blue 55 gal. drums hanging around, we get various chemical's for waste treatment in them, the trick is to find one someone hasn't punched a hole in!
Good to know they don't just live at my house!
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I usually do ok picking them up the night before and just keeping them nice and cold... I'd rather have them at the ready in my utility room but when i started filling the tank (a blue plastic 55 gallon drum with the top cut off) a few weeks ago and realized that I some how cracked the bottom of it over the summer. Not really enough time to start over now so store bought it is this year...
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makes total sense, but because I live out of state, I need to buy my bait in new Hampshire,I get mine at Wildlife outfitters in Manchester( an hour ride for me), ahead of time and replenish it on my way home after each trip if need be....
I hate it when summer Gremlins break my stuff!... I'll look around the shop here, there were a few of those blue 55 gal. drums hanging around, we get various chemical's for waste treatment in them, the trick is to find one someone hasn't punched a hole in!
Friggin gremlins!! I just tossed out 2 of those drums a month ago, didnt expect to need another. But I've got another here at the shop that's only got about 10 gallons of windshield wash in it, it'll be empty in a week or 2 and easy to clean up with it just having methanol in it.
Forgot about you having to stock your bait from nh... pretty sad that we can vote for president without an i.d. but your bait has to have i.d. to cross the border... something went wrong somewhere with that lol.
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makes total sense, but because I live out of state, I need to buy my bait in new Hampshire,I get mine at Wildlife outfitters in Manchester( an hour ride for me), ahead of time and replenish it on my way home after each trip if need be....
Interesting you mention this. I too thought it was illegal to transport bait from MA to NH, but Merrimac's website says they're "certified" for sales to NH. Not sure how old that page is (developer link says 2020) or if there's even a legal certification for such. See down the bottom of the page: http://merrimacsport.homestead.com/freshwater.html
Would be way easier for me to get bait there than at Wildlife or Dover Marine, even.
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Interesting you mention this. I too thought it was illegal to transport bait from MA to NH, but Merrimac's website says they're "certified" for sales to NH. Not sure how old that page is (developer link says 2020) or if there's even a legal certification for such. See down the bottom of the page: http://merrimacsport.homestead.com/freshwater.html
Would be way easier for me to get bait there than at Wildlife or Dover Marine, even.
I've known the Nuke a long time, when I fished Mass waters I got bait from him to supplement my wild caught bait , years ago he kept a shack off Allocoya, he had bait in a keeper under his shack, honor system.but,where I live, because I'm real close to Rt.93, Manchester is about the same amount of time, if I go to Merrimack Mass. I have to go 93 to 495, grt off in Merrimack port and jump on 110..Manchester is faster, and with my bait card, I get a dozen free for every dozen I buy, I get and keep a receipt with my bait card.. its easy and follows the letter of the law... no questions.
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Interesting you mention this. I too thought it was illegal to transport bait from MA to NH, but Merrimac's website says they're "certified" for sales to NH. Not sure how old that page is (developer link says 2020) or if there's even a legal certification for such. See down the bottom of the page: http://merrimacsport.homestead.com/freshwater.html
Would be way easier for me to get bait there than at Wildlife or Dover Marine, even.
Steve H thank you for the information that Merrimack Bait is legal in NH. With suds & soda closed I was running out of convenient bait shops on the seacoast.
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I made some upgrades for this season gear wise. I got an 8in nils to replace my 6. My kids are plenty big now, that I won't worry about losing one down a hole. I bought an eskimo outbreak which I've set up and hung out in in the yard a few times because what else is there to do without ice....... I retired my ice armor bibs and got a set of Eskimo legends which came in yesterday and feel pretty nice. Comfy plenty of pockets and feels durable. I also ordered a new laker rod from wicked custom rods over the summer. Now I'm stocking up on bucktails and waiting for ice.
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I made some upgrades for this season gear wise. I got an 8in nils to replace my 6. My kids are plenty big now, that I won't worry about losing one down a hole. I bought an eskimo outbreak which I've set up and hung out in in the yard a few times because what else is there to do without ice....... I retired my ice armor bibs and got a set of Eskimo legends which came in yesterday and feel pretty nice. Comfy plenty of pockets and feels durable. I also ordered a new laker rod from wicked custom rods over the summer. Now I'm stocking up on bucktails and waiting for ice.
Awesome.sounds like you are ready..now if we can just have ice please.
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Awesome.sounds like you are ready..now if we can just have ice please.
For real. 57 here in Conway today. I talked to my dad in Florida and he sai it was 47 there. By the end of next week though we'll have 2 consecutive days of below freezing. Hopefully that's a trend none of this up and down junk
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Steve H thank you for the information that Merrimack Bait is legal in NH. With suds & soda closed I was running out of convenient bait shops on the seacoast.
To be clear, I'm not certain that Merrimac's bait is legal in NH. I'll do some research and/or reach out to NHF&G this week to confirm the law.
Like you, OldCaveman, it would be very convenient for me to get bait at Merrimac. The closing of Suds 'n Soda is a tremendous loss for seacoast NH sportsmen.
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For real. 57 here in Conway today. I talked to my dad in Florida and he sai it was 47 there. By the end of next week though we'll have 2 consecutive days of below freezing. Hopefully that's a trend none of this up and down junk
over 60 here .. crazy for 12/1, .. they say cold is coming ..lets hope..
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Put the wrap"littally " on the bait tank,3 layer total, thing was sweating like crazy with the humidity, chler was cycling evry 5 minutes to keep. Below 43,after the wrap, dropped to 41 shut off for close to an hour, I layered insulation inside the cover as well
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To be clear, I'm not certain that Merrimac's bait is legal in NH. I'll do some research and/or reach out to NHF&G this week to confirm the law.
Like you, OldCaveman, it would be very convenient for me to get bait at Merrimac. The closing of Suds 'n Soda is a tremendous loss for seacoast NH sportsmen.
Thanks for checking on this THIS is what this thread is all about.
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To be clear, I'm not certain that Merrimac's bait is legal in NH. I'll do some research and/or reach out to NHF&G this week to confirm the law.
Like you, OldCaveman, it would be very convenient for me to get bait at Merrimac. The closing of Suds 'n Soda is a tremendous loss for seacoast NH sportsmen.
Looks like there is a certification process which requires out-of-state bait dealers to meet specific "testing criteria." Found this on the F&G website. I have to assume this is what Merrimac Sports is referring to.
Live fish imported for use as freshwater fishing bait may only be imported from states with an aquatic invasive species monitoring program approved in advance of the importation by the executive director, and meeting the testing criteria contained in Fis 803.09 and Fis 803.10.
https://casetext.com/regulation/new-hampshire-administrative-code/title-fis-executive-director-fish-and-game-department/chapter-fis-800-the-importation-possession-and-use-of-all-wildlife/part-fis-803-importation-of-wildlife/section-fis-80310-pathological-inspection-report-for-fish
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Try not to get confused by the regs.
FWIW, legally, your average angler still is not allowed to bring in bait from out of state, regardless of the source. Jus sayin...
"Importation of Finfish for Bait (Fis 502.07)
Licensed bait dealers shall obtain a permit from the NH Fish and Game Department (Fis 1104.07) before importing any shipment or lot of baitfish from hatchery sources or wild stock. Such permits shall be issued to import only:"
"Importing and Releasing Wildlife (RSA 207:14)
No person shall import, possess, sell, exhibit, or release any live marine species or wildlife, or the eggs or progeny thereof, without first obtaining a permit from the NH Fish and Game Department's Executive Director."
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Try not to get confused by the regs.
FWIW, legally, your average angler still is not allowed to bring in bait from out of state, regardless of the source. Jus sayin...
"Importation of Finfish for Bait (Fis 502.07)
Licensed bait dealers shall obtain a permit from the NH Fish and Game Department (Fis 1104.07) before importing any shipment or lot of baitfish from hatchery sources or wild stock. Such permits shall be issued to import only:"
"Importing and Releasing Wildlife (RSA 207:14)
No person shall import, possess, sell, exhibit, or release any live marine species or wildlife, or the eggs or progeny thereof, without first obtaining a permit from the NH Fish and Game Department's Executive Director."
Seems this topic comes up a few times each year CD. Seems you have the best handle on it, at least as far as I'm concerned
.How you feeling these days.. hopefully we can get you out on the hard water this season.. and I still owe you a striper trip!
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Just emailed the seacoast (Durham) office of NH Fish & Game. I'll let you all know how they reply.
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Here's the reply:
At this time, it would be illegal to purchase baitfish from another state and import them without having an importation permit. It might be better to see if the company in Merrimac could purchase the import permit and buy a retail baitfish license so it is legal. Right now, however, what you are suggesting is illegal. Thank you for checking. We try to keep out as many diseases as we can. Have a good day.
Still a bit confused about the part I bolded. Might have to take Joe's route and stick to Wildlife.
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see if the company in Merrimac could purchase the import permit and buy a retail baitfish license so it is legal.
I don't understand this either. Don't know how your question was specifically asked? We can assume that Merrimac Bait & Tackle has both, the import permit and bait dealer's license for MA. They can sell to anyone from anywhere out of their shop in MA. After that, it's the buyer's responsibility about importing to NH.
Not sure why MB&T would mention certified in NH? The person bringing it into NH needs the import permit.
Seems this topic comes up a few times each year CD. Seems you have the best handle on it, at least as far as I'm concerned
.How you feeling these days.. hopefully we can get you out on the hard water this season.. and I still owe you a striper trip!
Thanks, Joe. I'll message you this evening.
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I will try to go by Merrimack Bait and bring this discussion to there attention. If I remember correctly Donnie is the owners name., I will try to speak to him. I will report what he has to say.
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Nice, a actually put in my order forc1000 European night crawlers today.
Where are you ordering them from Joe? I'm not specifically looking for those crawlers but my usual place (Knutson's) that I order my mousies and butter worms from are out of mousies for the season and butter worms are like double price this year... Looking to more options...
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Where are you ordering them from Joe? I'm not specifically looking for those crawlers but my usual place (Knutson's) that I order my mousies and butter worms from are out of mousies for the season and butter worms are like double price this year... Looking to more options...
I get them from speedy worm,they gavevwaxies and spikes as well..
Got the delivery today,first I dumped in a bag Frabil worm bedding and moistened ir,then I mixed in a bucket of leaf litter, then added a bag of worm bedding from the supplier, mixed it in and added the worms.
(https://i.postimg.cc/F7R5RJP7/20201202-183252.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/F7R5RJP7)
(https://i.postimg.cc/yDgMhCCK/20201202-183505.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/yDgMhCCK)
(https://i.postimg.cc/SnBwD1mM/20201202-184125.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/SnBwD1mM)
(https://i.postimg.cc/9RVsj4RX/20201202-184516.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/9RVsj4RX)
(https://i.postimg.cc/wRjP7SQS/20201202-184642.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/wRjP7SQS)
(https://i.postimg.cc/mthJRWD9/20201202-184654.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/mthJRWD9)
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Thanks, I'll check them out. Worm house looks great!
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Hey Roc, I’ve seen you post several very cool bait posts and have a question for you. You seem to stage/raise your bait from the worms to the fish live well I’ve seen . Do you do this just for your preference or is it hard to access live bait when the season gets going and that why you have these set ups? Still learning the NH way and haven’t yet assessed how it all works out here just yet
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(https://i.postimg.cc/vD4FTSdn/183-E7-A96-ADCA-4767-9-F21-EA9830494179.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/vD4FTSdn)
Just getting back in to ice fishing.
I’m working on a box that can stay in the car and be ready to go at anytime.
I need to figure out a good way to cut skis down to size.
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I need to figure out a good way to cut skis down to size.
That's a pretty good question.
I'd be inclined to tape over where the cut will be with electrical tape and then make the cut with a metal cutting band saw or hacksaw. I believe you will have to tape the ends or seal them somehow. Fiberglass splinters are no fun.
Looking forward to hearing some more answers...
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That's a pretty good question.
I'd be inclined to tape over where the cut will be with electrical tape and then make the cut with a metal cutting band saw or hacksaw. I believe you will have to tape the ends or seal them somehow. Fiberglass splinters are no fun.
Looking forward to hearing some more answers...
. Was wondering about cutting torch may not be pretty but would probably fuse wax plastic and fiberglass back together
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I’m thinking it might be best to hunt up some 29-30 inch kid skis.
(75 cm)
Twin tips so the box can go either direction
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I made a smitty sled years ago (used it twice and tossed it in the dumpster but thats a different story)... I cut the skis on a band saw then sealed the cut with epoxy. A hacksaw, jigsaw, sawzall all will work, you want the finest pitch metal blade to minimize splintering.
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Hey Roc, I’ve seen you post several very cool bait posts and have a question for you. You seem to stage/raise your bait from the worms to the fish live well I’ve seen . Do you do this just for your preference or is it hard to access live bait when the season gets going and that why you have these set ups? Still learning the NH way and haven’t yet assessed how it all works out here just yet
It's all about convenience for me, Ilive in massachusetts,my typical ice fishing day starts at 3 AM, it takes me an hour and 45 minutes to get to the lake I fish,most bait stores font open into 6, most are out of the way from where I fish, most have lines for bait when the door opens, I like to set up in the dark and be fishing when the first streaks of false dawn hit the horizon, if I'm standing in line at a bait store, I may not get the first hole cut until 8 or 9:00..by the time I finish setting up, I may have missed the best part of the day,
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(https://i.postimg.cc/vD4FTSdn/183-E7-A96-ADCA-4767-9-F21-EA9830494179.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/vD4FTSdn)
Just getting back in to ice fishing.
I’m working on a box that can stay in the car and be ready to go at anytime.
I need to figure out a good way to cut skis down to size.
I use a metal blade in grider to cut the metal and score the fiberglass, finish the job with a jig saw with a fiberglass cutting blade.
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Sorry I'm late to the party been very busy with home projects. Roccus finally got me motivated after a wellness check. Thanks Bud. I have ordered and received my egg order but not 200 dollars worth. ;D
I got some new seagur Ice fluro, I will report its results later on. Also snagged a few new american made jigs from BP made in Minnesota I believe, they look good . Waxies and mousies next. All stocked up on hand and full insole foot warmers, had too many cold injuries as a kid I need them. :tipup: see you on the ice
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Sorry I'm late to the party been very busy with home projects. Roccus finally got me motivated after a wellness check. Thanks Bud. I have ordered and received my egg order but not 200 dollars worth. ;D
I got some new seagur Ice fluro, I will report its results later on. Also snagged a few new american made jigs from BP made in Minnesota I believe, they look good . Waxies and mousies next. All stocked up on hand and full insole foot warmers, had too many cold injuries as a kid I need them. :tipup: see you on the ice
Better late than never! Hope you have better luck finding mousies than I did.
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Better late than never! Hope you have better luck finding mousies than I did.
Mousies are a tough find this season for sure....
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Better late than never! Hope you have better luck finding mousies than I did.
ill let you know what I find
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Ordered my mousies from bestbait, they had them in stock two days ago, also ordered up wax worms at the same time.
The wife just ordered me a pair of Johnson wool pants, super excited to give them a go. The new gear I’m dying to try this year though is the bobhouse
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Ordered my mousies from bestbait, they had them in stock two days ago, also ordered up wax worms at the same time.
The wife just ordered me a pair of Johnson wool pants, super excited to give them a go. The new gear I’m dying to try this year though is the bobhouse
Thanks for the heads up, just checked best bait... Mousies on the way.
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Thanks for the heads up, just checked best bait... Mousies on the way.
X2 Thank you!
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I'm going to look at one more piece of gear tomorrow....it's a big one.
With low interest rates right now and the Tacoma paid off early, I'm looking at an SUV for a winter rig. I need a back up vehicle where I live anyway, and I find an SUV better for my gear hauling needs.
The first thing I'll do is open the hatch, put the back seats down, and make sure my gear will fit. Major selling point. :)
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SUV is the way to go for an ice fishing rig, keep all your gear secure, dry and warm. My old Yukon has rear heat so I just aim all the rear vents right at my portable and by the time I get home it's dry. I also don't really unpack either unless I get some bird nests that need to be dealt with lol, I'm always packed and ready to go and since I only use it as a winter beater it also doubles as summer storage for the ice gear. Good luck!!
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Over the last couple of years I have shifted from tip-ups to mostly jigging. I usually bring two heritage tip-ups with me to set up while I am at a spot, but not too many where it makes me not want to move regularly. I tend to do pretty well and end up with a mixed bag. My big addition this year is the panoptix set up from garmin which was a major upgrade from my ice35 flasher. Hoping this keeps me moving even more this year:) Also trying plastic micro baits for the first time, I just cannot remember to take my maggots out of the truck and the end up frozen every trip. :tipup:
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SUV is the way to go for an ice fishing rig, keep all your gear secure, dry and warm. My old Yukon has rear heat so I just aim all the rear vents right at my portable and by the time I get home it's dry. I also don't really unpack either unless I get some bird nests that need to be dealt with lol, I'm always packed and ready to go and since I only use it as a winter beater it also doubles as summer storage for the ice gear. Good luck!!
Exactly! The truck is good for pond and stream hopping in the summer, but it lacks a lot for winter fishing. The other thing I like on an SUV is that if I just need my bucket of tip ups and a chisel, I can open a back door and grab it, not move everything in the bed out of the way to reach it.
Pretty sure I threw the salesman for a loop when I wanted to put down the back seats and look in the back before anything else lol. Once I saw the gear would fit, I moved on to considering the test drive lol.
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Not much new gear for me besides some boots, but they qualify. Usually use two pairs depending on conditions - A pair of Rocky’s I’ve had forever in the coldest, snowy and/or ‘dry’ conditions, and a pair of Rubber hunter types for the slop. My last pair of slop boots were Irish Setters and they started cracking as I guess most rubber boots are want to do eventually. I got a few years out of them, but still seemed a premature end. Trying Alpha Burley 1600’s this time. Wore them in the woods a little over rifle season and they were great, but too early to tell on long term durability. On Roccus’ original post, I’m sold on the Big spool thing. Everything he said.
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Exactly! The truck is good for pond and stream hopping in the summer, but it lacks a lot for winter fishing. The other thing I like on an SUV is that if I just need my bucket of tip ups and a chisel, I can open a back door and grab it, not move everything in the bed out of the way to reach it.
Pretty sure I threw the salesman for a loop when I wanted to put down the back seats and look in the back before anything else lol. Once I saw the gear would fit, I moved on to considering the test drive lol.
Nice..having a dedicated vichle makes life simple..
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Not much new gear for me besides some boots, but they qualify. Usually use two pairs depending on conditions - A pair of Rocky’s I’ve had forever in the coldest, snowy and/or ‘dry’ conditions, and a pair of Rubber hunter types for the slop. My last pair of slop boots were Irish Setters and they started cracking as I guess most rubber boots are want to do eventually. I got a few years out of them, but still seemed a premature end. Trying Alpha Burley 1600’s this time. Wore them in the woods a little over rifle season and they were great, but too early to tell on long term durability. On Roccus’ original post, I’m sold on the Big spool thing. Everything he said.
Thanks for
Checking in, gear is gear, boots are important..nothing ruins a day on the ice faster than cold feet.
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Over the last couple of years I have shifted from tip-ups to mostly jigging. I usually bring two heritage tip-ups with me to set up while I am at a spot, but not too many where it makes me not want to move regularly. I tend to do pretty well and end up with a mixed bag. My big addition this year is the panoptix set up from garmin which was a major upgrade from my ice35 flasher. Hoping this keeps me moving even more this year:) Also trying plastic micro baits for the first time, I just cannot remember to take my maggots out of the truck and the end up frozen every trip. :tipup:
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Over the last couple of years I have shifted from tip-ups to mostly jigging. I usually bring two heritage tip-ups with me to set up while I am at a spot, but not too many where it makes me not want to move regularly. I tend to do pretty well and end up with a mixed bag. My big addition this year is the panoptix set up from garmin which was a major upgrade from my ice35 flasher. Hoping this keeps me moving even more this year:) Also trying plastic micro baits for the first time, I just cannot
remember to take my maggots out of the truck and the end up frozen every trip. :tipup:
Panoptix tempts many. But I can't imagine going from $400 Hummingbird to $1500 Garmin. Panoptix is a lot more run with for someone who is jigging more to cut down on dragging gear?
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I run panoptix during the summer .. IMHO , it's a tad bit overated..
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I just got a new Ice Helix 5 with the GPS. I looked into it but the Oanoptix did nothing for me personally.
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I just got a new Ice Helix 5 with the GPS. I looked into it but the Oanoptix did nothing for me personally.
I tell ya Frank, I used it quite alot last season on the beach and in the flats.. it left me wondering what the big deal was, I find the side scan, much more useful.
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Agreed
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Agreed
The side scan is so accurate, I was able to find lobster piots that cut off.. I freaking LOVE the side scan..
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Always like you are reading my mind Joe!
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I am interested in the helix models. Currently I’m using a lowrance model that I’m able to use on my little bass boat and it has a flasher function. It is a triple shot so I get the side scan imaging but not when I use it as a flasher. I can only get down scan imaging with a flasher simultaneously.
A bunch of my friend starting using hummingbird when they came out with the live imaging and then panoptix was a thing to go for... I haven’t really made up my mind just yet which direction I want to go. I figure when I’m ready for that bigger purchase I only want to make it once so I’ll give it a little more time. So it’s off with my little lowrance this year. Looks like ice is getting thicker.
I’ll be checking out Turtle pond this next week to see where the ice is at. Being new to the area, and this is closer to the house, it’s the first little exploration of my NH journey.
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We ran the ice helix 5 last year for the first time. I highly recommend it for everything you'll need it for here in NH. Awesome unit.
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We ran the ice helix 5 last year for the first time. I highly recommend it for everything you'll need it for here in NH. Awesome unit.
Yeup!
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I took a close look at the G2 series and have a question. Are you able to use this unit as a traditional sonar system as well on a vessel with a different transducer?
After looking at the hook2 7x and the Helix 5 G2 and comparing them... I really didn’t see a difference. They both have all the great features of GPS, way points, mapping, live depth/temp and dual spectrum. The only thing I’m seeing between these two units currently is a debate over preference but both of the units look great! I wasn’t able to see what Hz the helix 5 run. I know the hook has 200/455/800kHz. Both of these units even have the same resolution.
I feel like I’m over looking something but do t know what it is
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G2 chirp gps
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I took a close look at the G2 series and have a question. Are you able to use this unit as a traditional sonar system as well on a vessel with a different transducer?
After looking at the hook2 7x and the Helix 5 G2 and comparing them... I really didn’t see a difference. They both have all the great features of GPS, way points, mapping, live depth/temp and dual spectrum. The only thing I’m seeing between these two units currently is a debate over preference but both of the units look great! I wasn’t able to see what Hz the helix 5 run. I know the hook has 200/455/800kHz. Both of these units even have the same resolution.
I feel like I’m over looking something but do t know what it is
I've owned 2 different hook 2 models, they have a lot of issues, i got rid of both of them and wend Wentworth Garmin 95 SV go with the hummingbird or Garmin..both are superior machines to the hook series.
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I’ll definitely take that into consideration when I’m ready to upgrade. Thanks for the feedback guys
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I started playing with the navionics app on my phone last winter. I loved it so much that I upgraded. It is quite impressive on small no name ponds, but I was also pleased with how it did on the salt for fishing/checking lobster traps! It is very interesting to record your time and mileage covered on foot in one day of ice fishing. Aside from that, I looked at the vexilar 30, but for the money, my vex 12 and 20 suite me just fine.
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Here is the spool mod for those wanting to try the 4 inch HT enterprse 1500' spool, first I remove the bump on the inside lip, I believe it served as a trigger on their traps
. It serves me no.purpose, I use a 3 5/8" piece of .070" malleable stainless steel wire, I bend it in a loop then squeeze it in the vise, holding the two " legs",with pliers keeps it straight, gently spread the wire and insert it over the web opposite the handle on the reel..check the fitment on you trap, mark it so you can trim it and install on the spool,mix a small amount of 5 minute 2 part epoxy, using a wire or a q tip ,swab both sides of the wire with epoxy building a shallow fillet, once dry add a piece of aqurium tubing cut a little less than the trigger length, slide it over the wire, this serves as a fine tuning adjuster for your trigger by sliding it out or in for flawless triggering..I paint the reel handle white, it is my sentinel when looking down the hole..I finish by adding 1/4 X1/2 wide weather stripping to serve as a hook keeper, it's more durable than cork and 10 times cheaper.
(https://i.postimg.cc/CzHqq1p1/20201214-174434.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/CzHqq1p1)
(https://i.postimg.cc/BtFDJph2/20201214-190139.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/BtFDJph2)
(https://i.postimg.cc/yJWgtygg/20201214-190300.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/yJWgtygg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/62v756hB/20201214-190411.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/62v756hB)
(https://i.postimg.cc/BXGFbFyk/20201214-191336.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/BXGFbFyk)
(https://i.postimg.cc/sB8QrG7n/20201214-191427.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/sB8QrG7n)
(https://i.postimg.cc/PpgwmvqL/20201214-191645.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/PpgwmvqL)
(https://i.postimg.cc/dhsTmYJ9/20201214-191704.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/dhsTmYJ9)
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Was down for 2 weeks with the double whammy of Covid and the Flu. Finally feeling better so just upgraded the wheeler with an Otter Box, bait bucket holder and the auger holder. I'm looking to mod the box to hold my jig rods under the box lid and I will section off an area to hold plano boxes for my tackle. This should be a pretty good run and gun ride. Also looking to Ram Mount my Garmin Echomap off the handlebars.
(https://i.postimg.cc/1f9k2NBw/IMG-20201213-140625943-HDR.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/1f9k2NBw)
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(https://i.postimg.cc/Q9347Rn1/IMG-20201213-140641975-HDR.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Q9347Rn1)
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Sweet setup A squared!
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Was down for 2 weeks with the double whammy of Covid and the Flu. Finally feeling better so just upgraded the wheeler with an Otter Box, bait bucket holder and the auger holder. I'm looking to mod the box to hold my jig rods under the box lid and I will section off an area to hold plano boxes for my tackle. This should be a pretty good run and gun ride. Also looking to Ram Mount my Garmin Echomap off the handlebars.
(https://i.postimg.cc/1f9k2NBw/IMG-20201213-140625943-HDR.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/1f9k2NBw)
Glad you got through it, rig looks good.
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Thanks Joe, definitely looking forward to better times.
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Sweet Rig :thumbsup: glad your well :tipup:
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Glad to hear you got through it... Box on the back of a wheeler is super helpful.
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The plan is to not tow my tote sled with the wheeler any more. Having all my gear in the box or hanging off the box. The tires on the XMR get me through most situations but do have a tendency to load up the tote sled with snow and slush. Having the box and not towing the sled will make thing more efficient.
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I use the box on mine to carry the basics, but mainly it's there to carry the heart of the beast... I tossed the standard wheeler battery from under the seat and replaced it a group 27 marine battery in the box. Cranks over fast even at 20 below and keeps the winch happy for plowing. I've also rescued a few stranded guys on the ice with a jump.
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Great idea Stealth. I"ll have to look into that. Dead batteries on the ice makes for a long day. Even when I am not running and gunning, I travel about 3 miles across the ice from where I park. I like to hit fishing grounds away from most people. The pro is plenty of ice to drill, the con is no one to help you out if you get in a jam.
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I carry a small jump pack, the name is lost to me at the moment, it is a little bigger than a cell phone, has usb Ports for charging and running appliances, it has a pair of cables that plug in, I've never needed it but have started several different machines and an old Dodge pick up with it..
I'll look at it tonight and get the name.
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Glad you got through it, rig looks good.
? ?
x 2 that thing is great man, glad you are recovering. Are you saying all your gear goes in that otter box? that is a sweet set up.
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I carry a small jump pack, the name is lost to me at the moment, it is a little bigger than a cell phone, has usb Ports for charging and running appliances, it has a pair of cables that plug in, I've never needed it but have started several different machines and an old Dodge pick up with it..
I'll look at it tonight and get the name.
I carry one in my truck....NOCO boostXL it’s got me out of a couple of jams
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This will be my second season of tying jigs. I started last fall and used all my own bucktails and did well. Don't give up on the bucktails it took me awhile to change over from spoons due to a lack of confidence in them. If you have any questions on tying them up feel free to ask away. I also tie small tungsten jig heads with some bucktail fur and did really well on brookies and pan fish too!
can you post a pic of one of your tungsten jigs with the bucktail? thanks
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can you post a pic of one of your tungsten jigs with the bucktail? thanks
(https://i.postimg.cc/K1Ff8BV8/received-585419288696841.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/K1Ff8BV8)
(https://i.postimg.cc/nX0W83zJ/IMG-20191211-230457-957.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/nX0W83zJ)
Here are a couple I did. I use some polar flash too in them.
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Mmm Tess Elation...
Having a Space Dust right now
(https://i.postimg.cc/fkchYZMB/4-B799428-5544-40-B4-A4-A2-A7-C55-DF651-AF.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/fkchYZMB)
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Mmm Tess Elation...
Having a Space Dust right now
(https://i.postimg.cc/fkchYZMB/4-B799428-5544-40-B4-A4-A2-A7-C55-DF651-AF.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/fkchYZMB)
Those are great....... During the beginning of the whole quarantine junk I bought a kegerator. To limit my trips out. Well that's what I told the wife...... Right now I have the rock pile ipa on tap at my house. The beer store has a decent selection of good ipas to choose from.
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Haha! Nice!
I useto buys bunch of stuff from that one before Storyland across the road. Down by the Ellis
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Haha! Nice!
I useto buys bunch of stuff from that one before Storyland across the road. Down by the Ellis
Moat. They are ok. We just got a new brewery in town called ledge. Haven't tried it yet.
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No kidding? I’ll haveto check it out. Yes, Moat it was. I liked the Boneshaker
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No kidding? I’ll haveto check it out. Yes, Moat it was. I liked the Boneshaker
A distillery too. I've heard good things about both
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I’ll be over
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I’ll be over
Just say when....
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? ?
x 2 that thing is great man, glad you are recovering. Are you saying all your gear goes in that otter box? that is a sweet set up.
Yes, all my run and gun gear will fit on the ATV either in the box or mounted to the outside. Basically, jump on and go from spot to spot. I mostly will be jigging and I typically only fish for Lakers. Plenty of room in the box and it locks.
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Those are great....... During the beginning of the whole quarantine junk I bought a kegerator. To limit my trips out. Well that's what I told the wife...... Right now I have the rock pile ipa on tap at my house. The beer store has a decent selection of good ipas to choose from.
(https://i.postimg.cc/R6FHg5Cj/20200819-194431.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/R6FHg5Cj)
(https://i.postimg.cc/HV57ZtHs/20200816-134728.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/HV57ZtHs)
(https://i.postimg.cc/wtxyB8N7/20200707-161319.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/wtxyB8N7)
I took it o e step further and started brewing my own
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Even better, look at the head on that thing lol
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Even better, look at the head on that thing lol
I've got a Belgian dubel aging right now..I found a recipe for a black IPA, best IPA Ive ever had..
Huge difference between home brew and store bought.
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I've got a Belgian dubel aging right now..I found a recipe for a black IPA, best IPA Ive ever had..
Huge difference between home brew and store bought.
Hey Joe, I might have to start ice fishing a new lake. IPA is my favorite 3 letters.
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Let’s do it!
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(https://i.postimg.cc/R6FHg5Cj/20200819-194431.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/R6FHg5Cj)
(https://i.postimg.cc/HV57ZtHs/20200816-134728.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/HV57ZtHs)
(https://i.postimg.cc/wtxyB8N7/20200707-161319.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/wtxyB8N7)
I took it o e step further and started brewing my own
Almost went that route but I'm impatient.
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Almost went that route but I'm impatient.
I couldn't brew it fast enough.
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I used to brew back in the early 90's. Ales in the summer, lagers aging in carboys in my garage in the winter. But when the craft brew explosion occurred I stopped. It became easier to get good beer. I was using soda kegs back then, and sold/gave my equipment to a friend. But I kept the kegerator. Early on I was a big fan of Redhook and Anchor Steam. Can't get AS in 1/2 kegs anymore though.
Currently I have the Moat's Scotties IPA on tap.
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I couldn't brew it fast enough.
I do 5 gallon batches, I managed to get 21 done before I wrapped it up a few weeks back...should be enough to get me through to the spring..
Digs... it's definitely a patient mans ( or woman's) game, average brew take about 6 weeks to be good , and the longer it is in the bottle the better it gets.. IPA's mature pretty fast, most are "drinkable" in 4 weeks, Stouts ( my favorite) need 6, and are best at 8 and beyond... average brew day is about 5 hours... and it seems most of that is cleaning and sanitizing...or waiting/watching the boil...
George... I hear that a lot, a lot of people jumped in during the "craze" and stopped when the micro breweries started making fine craft beers... it definitely becomes a labor of love, I didn't need another hobby, fishing, plug and lure building and my fish tanks ( 4 of them plus a Koi pond) take enough time, and I still work 45 to 50 hours a week, my fear was the state was going to shut down the beer store...now I've got a nice investment for when I retire in a year or two..
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Joe, I appreciate your hobby (ies) and the effort and perfection you put in to them!
That said, I wouldn't lose a second of sleep worrying about the beer and liquor stores shutting down.
It will take a lot more than a pandemic for that to happen. ;)
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Joe, I appreciate your hobby (ies) and the effort and perfection you put in to them!
That said, I wouldn't lose a second of sleep worrying about the beer and liquor stores shutting down.
It will take a lot more than a pandemic for that to happen. ;)
yup, as per usual .. you are correct.. ( my wife said the same thing, that nothing would start a coup quicker).. the only regret I have, is my wood working shop shrunk!
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New project... bigger woodshop lol
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New project... bigger woodshop lol
I've got the whole basement taken up, I'd have to add a huge addition, I mainly lost my drafting table and my charging station.. and my big lathe nad drop box for the dust collctor are blocked off, but I mainly use that big hardinge for drilling plugs or if I have to turn something made of steel..most of the wood working equipment is available.
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Good to hear you can get by, Joe.
Nothing handier than a shop.
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Good to hear you can get by, Joe.
Nothing handier than a shop.
still making a few Christmas presents
(https://i.postimg.cc/fk6VDcRP/20180221-172553-resized.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/fk6VDcRP)
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Ohhhh! Man, I love those!
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Absolutely, Gorgeous, Joe...and producers!
You'll have some very appreciative, friends. :)
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Wow, art work!
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Ohhhh! Man, I love those!
The A 40. brown bomber , is made with mahogany as a nod to Bob ponds original, thus the paint scheme
The jointed Pike is a "Roccus" remake of the 6" striper Pike,made famous by Creek Chub, it is fatter than the original and waddles on the top like a fat man doing the dog paddle.that sucker WILL NOT dive..but creates a wake like a seal running from a great white, it also has a very distinct "clack clack" that seems to infuriate bass..I've had them swap ends on that thing 4 or 5 times before deciding eating it was the only option to kill it.
the chubby 5" darter is made of Alaskan yellow cedar, and is fatter than most, I fish this one mainly like a surface plug, giving short pulls, and pauses, that causes it to dive and act like a dieing bait fish... It's surprising how many fish snag that thing when it's sitting still.
the last one is a standard Gibbs style darter, made of maple, it's at home in ripping currents and weighs 4 ounces... the parrot paint job has always been my most productive darter color.
I'm going to be the Anchor speaker for the plum island surf casters late march( depending on the pandemic status) I'll be donating a trio of pikie swimmers to their raffle table.. I haven't decided the color scheme yet, probably go with the pike scale green/gold..
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I’ll tell ya Joe, you are a talented individual at many things and I for one hold you on a pedestal. Continue being remarkable my friend.
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I have 6 of your artworks and all are gems
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I've got a Belgian dubel aging right now..I found a recipe for a black IPA, best IPA Ive ever had..
Huge difference between home brew and store bought.
I love a good dubbel! Smuttynose had a nice one, but I haven't seen it in a couple of years. But you're right, a homebrew is the way to go!
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Those are some fantastic looking plugs you definitely are a master craftsman keep up the good work.
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Joe, I appreciate your hobby (ies) and the effort and perfection you put in to them!
That said, I wouldn't lose a second of sleep worrying about the beer and liquor stores shutting down.
It will take a lot more than a pandemic for that to happen. ;)
Hell would freeze over before they closed the liquor stores and stop selling beer. The economy will shut down too.
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Hell would freeze over before they closed the liquor stores and stop selling beer. The economy will shut down too.
The state makes too much money on liquor and the hospitals can't fit a bunch of people going through detox and the rona at the same time. They won't close them
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The state makes too much money on liquor and the hospitals can't fit a bunch of people going through detox and the rona at the same time. They won't close them
“ Fact”
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Hey Joe, I might have to start ice fishing a new lake. IPA is my favorite 3 letters.
(https://i.postimg.cc/sQd9TcnL/20201217-172922.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/sQd9TcnL)
Just poured this beauty after 14 1/2 hours of fighting snow.. probably knock me out cold.
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(https://i.postimg.cc/sQd9TcnL/20201217-172922.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/sQd9TcnL)
Just poured this beauty after 14 1/2 hours of fighting snow.. probably knock me out cold.
That with a nice Lobster stew after your summer of hauling sounds well deserved
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That with a nice Lobster stew after your summer of hauling sounds well deserved
Close, venison stew
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Close, venison stew
That’ll do
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(https://i.postimg.cc/sQd9TcnL/20201217-172922.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/sQd9TcnL)
Just poured this beauty after 14 1/2 hours of fighting snow.. probably knock me out cold.
That’s a good looking ale Joe......wish I had the patience to make some......I do like visiting brew pubs around the areas I fish in the summer. 1766 in Plymouth and Twin Barns in Meredith were my two favorites this year...both places good food and ales
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Even better, look at the head on that thing lol
That’s what she said
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That’s what she said
It’s a gift worth sharing
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I finished my sled for the season Today and I’m super excited about that. I am looking for a good spud to take with me on the ice, any recommendations?
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I’m partial to the Jiffy Mille Lacs if I was buying new.
Having said that, I have a homemade jobby. I wouldn’t treads it for anything.
Why?
Because I’m FAMILIAR with it.
Get a chisel/ Spud you like and get familiar with how it hits, sound, feel, etc. that’s your safest option.
I know with mine if I can’t get through in 2 hits I can walk on it with all my gear and not think about it
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I use a 1 piece Mille lacs spud... Agreed with Frank, whatever you use learning how it feels and sounds is key.
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I’m partial to the Jiffy Mille Lacs if I was buying new.
Having said that, I have a homemade jobby. I wouldn’t treads it for anything.
Why?
Because I’m FAMILIAR with it.
Get a chisel/ Spud you like and get familiar with how it hits, sound, feel, etc. that’s your safest option.
I know with mine if I can’t get through in 2 hits I can walk on it with all my gear and not think about it
Solid advice right there.
And, I agree with Stealth, you'll be much happier with a one piece chisel.
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Right on guys, I’m gonna go look at them tomorrow. I was also considering getting one of the new one shot ice skimmers. Have you guys toyed with this at all? It looks pretty convenient. I know most of you guys run the battery powered augers and have the reverse function to blow out holes but, this is what I was looking at
(https://i.postimg.cc/nMTt78V4/8-FD25-EC0-1-DF6-4-FF9-9088-672-EF2-A10589.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/nMTt78V4)
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I used a home made one for years, made from a length of gas pipe with a section of truck spring welded to it, sharpened and blue backed, it was an awesome cutter.. sadly, it's on the bottom in 60 FOW off of Carrie beach
Probably.poisened a loon or two.. NEVER Lend your spud to anyone, not even your best friend. Now a days i.use a 2 piece Mills Lac,.. as the guys have said, get familiar with it. it IS your best friend.... a red neck hammer chisel is a good tool to have as well..Right Frank ;D
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I used a home made one for years, made from a length of gas pipe with a section of truck spring welded to it, sharpened and blue backed, it was an awesome cutter.. sadly, it's on the bottom in 60 FOW off of Carrie beach
Probably.poisened a loon or two.. NEVER Lend your spud to anyone, not even your best friend. Now a days i.use a 2 piece Mills Lac,.. as the guys have said, get familiar with it. it IS your best friend.... a red neck hammer chisel is a good tool to have as well..Right Frank ;D
Right to the LOONs hu!!!! Ha ha ha I’m gonna check em out tomorrow. I would like a different ice skimmer and was looking at the one shot deal. Other than that, just kinda giving it a little more time to lock everything up before going out. Not in a rush and rather play it safer
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I'll add, one piece is best, but the Mills Lac 2 piece uses a solid lower half and has 3/8 .pin securing the 2 halves, avoid any 2 piece that screws together like a plague..it WIIL break at the threads.
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Right on guys, I’m gonna go look at them tomorrow. I was also considering getting one of the new one shot ice skimmers. Have you guys toyed with this at all? It looks pretty convenient. I know most of you guys run the battery powered augers and have the reverse function to blow out holes but, this is what I was looking at
(https://i.postimg.cc/nMTt78V4/8-FD25-EC0-1-DF6-4-FF9-9088-672-EF2-A10589.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/nMTt78V4)
If you want a real good slimmer, buy this one, you can thank mevlatter.ive got 4 in.my box, they dont make better ones than this, especially when its below freezing.
(https://i.postimg.cc/XZy1KMK8/20201220-180959.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/XZy1KMK8)
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a red neck hammer chisel is a good tool to have as well..Right Frank ;D
Certainly is!
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And one things for sure, every reply you got was for a Mille Lacs, best recognize that
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If you want a real good slimmer, buy this one, you can thank mevlatter.ive got 4 in.my box, they dont make better ones than this, especially when its below freezing.
(https://i.postimg.cc/XZy1KMK8/20201220-180959.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/XZy1KMK8)
Roc - respectfully ill decline. I have one of these and it’s just isn’t all I would like. I also drill 10” holes cause, well... no good reason just like a 10” hole.
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I still drill 10” bc they don’t make a 12”
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Good! I’m not alone!
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Roc - respectfully ill decline. I have one of these and it’s just isn’t all I would like. I also drill 10” holes cause, well... no good reason just like a 10” hole.
It's got nothing to do with hole size, the one shot is a joke, have fun.
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It's got nothing to do with hole size, the one shot is a joke, have fun.
Alright this is the skimmer I have right now. It’s not the one you have, per say, but I thought it was close....
(https://i.postimg.cc/cgxFNLg6/760-F723-F-C903-4-E8-F-A55-A-1-E1-A9-F3-B6-A49.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/cgxFNLg6)
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Alright this is the skimmer I have right now. It’s not the one you have, per say, but I thought it was close....
(https://i.postimg.cc/cgxFNLg6/760-F723-F-C903-4-E8-F-A55-A-1-E1-A9-F3-B6-A49.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/cgxFNLg6)
Its a.c bouy as close as a goldfish is to a brown trout.. fid you.bother to even look st the picture. What you have is what every ice fisherman.on the planet has, o gave several that are even better than that, the one I showed you is made of rubber it is easy to rid of frozen ice, will not crack or break when you bang it to clear it if frozen flush. It is cone shaped not dished, it is superior in every way.. enjoy you one shot.
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^^^ he’s right
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Mille Lacs or GTFO
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Absolutely correct I have one I picked up at a yard sale they are awsome just for the reason you can hit them on the ice and clear all the ice off of them I have a steel one and after half the day it's like trying to clear the hole with a mallet gotta put it in front of heater for a while.
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Mille Lacs or GTFO
Yes!
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I still drill 10” bc they don’t make a 12”
Same
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Same
You guys are killin' me! :blink:
Here you go: https://www.franksgreatoutdoors.com/nils-master-84-folding-ice-saw-84-6430025554013?product=6430025554013&gclid=CjwKCAiArIH_BRB2EiwALfbH1EnKkcpSNP_Nc-SJ4lpJtRPbISSPZqgGx-nDhQLA59V3w4HMZtaQFBoCi0YQAvD_BwE
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Perfect!
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Just installed one of the most important pieces ice fishing gear... Remote starter for the winter beater, last year was the 1st year I had a winter rig without one in a long time and it sucked lol. Nothing like getting off the frozen lake and slipping into a truck that's up to temp, blowing heat and has the windows defrosted already... Now if I could only get that little keychain to turn on the seat heaters from a 1/4 mile away too....
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Just installed one of the most important pieces ice fishing gear... Remote starter for the winter beater, last year was the 1st year I had a winter rig without one in a long time and it sucked lol. Nothing like getting off the frozen lake and slipping into a truck that's up to temp, blowing heat and has the windows defrosted already... Now if I could only get that little keychain to turn on the seat heaters from a 1/4 mile away too....
I miss my remote starter.. just too cheap to pay for a new fob and programing..
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Loosen up Joe... best couple hundred bucks you'll spend this winter lol...
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I like your profile description, 800! :roflmao:
Hmm, maybe next year I'll do a remote starter. Can't do one on the Tacoma (standard) but my new winter rig is an automatic. I'm picking it up Saturday. Part of me wants to bring all my gear and load it up before I drive away lol.
Also, yes, Mille Lacs. I have the smaller one piece. The two piece was nice, but way too tall and heavy for me, so I traded with Jiggin.
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Gotta keep 'em guessing Guinea lol...
I'd love to see the look on the salesman's face when you show up wearing creepers with a jet sled and auger ready to go!
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Loosen up Joe... best couple hundred bucks you'll spend this winter lol...
I had one in the last 2, I f I ever get around to bringing it back for the seat belt tensioner recall, I'll have them program one for me..
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I like your profile description, 800! :roflmao:
Hmm, maybe next year I'll do a remote starter. Can't do one on the Tacoma (standard) but my new winter rig is an automatic. I'm picking it up Saturday. Part of me wants to bring all my gear and load it up before I drive away lol.
Also, yes, Mille Lacs. I have the smaller one piece. The two piece was nice, but way too tall and heavy for me, so I traded with Jiggin.
We want action photos when you take delivery.. it should be priceless.
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Had to take the file to the Mils LaC tonight.. my darling wife used it today to get the ice off the back steps, not only did I have to file the chisel, but now I need to repair the steps..but knowing which side my bread is buttered on, I thanked her for getting the ice off the steps(, that we dont use all winter)
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Had to take the file to the Mils LaC tonight.. my darling wife used it today to get the ice off the back steps, not only did I have to file the chisel, but now I need to repair the steps..but knowing which side my bread is buttered on, I thanked her for getting the ice off the steps(, that we dont use all winter)
WOW, Joe! :o You just knocked your wife off the pedestal I had her on.
I do agree with your decision though. Some battles are better not to start. I wish I had your discretion
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WOW, Joe! :o You just knocked your wife off the pedestal I had her on.
I do agree with your decision though. Some battles are better not to start. I wish I had your discretion
Hey, she could have used one of the auger s or one of my chain saws!..however, she did kind of redeem herself, we were watching jeopardy.. I told her I ordered the new boots... after the stone cold silence.. and the steely glare, she said CANCEL THE ORDER, before I could say anything, she smiled and said please..so without too much more conversation I guess she has ordered my boots, I'm guessing The Baffin snow monster, they were a few bucks more than the control max but basically the same boot..hard to stay mad at somebody that is in tune with what my world is like.
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Yep! :)
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Hey, she could have used one of the auger s or one of my chain saws!..however, she did kind of redeem herself, we were watching jeopardy.. I told her I ordered the new boots... after the stone cold silence.. and the steely glare, she said CANCEL THE ORDER, before I could say anything, she smiled and said please..so without too much more conversation I guess she has ordered my boots, I'm guessing The Baffin snow monster, they were a few bucks more than the control max but basically the same boot..hard to stay mad at somebody that is in tune with what my world is like.
Joe always good to have a backup pair. ;)
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I do agree with your decision though. Some battles are better not to start. I wish I had your discretion
I wish I did too. Been hard to bottle up that steam if it was my spud. Only to realize all too late that all it cost me to fix the spud was 20 minutes and god knows how much to make it up to the mrs.
Hey, she could have used one of the auger s or one of my chain saws!..however, she did kind of redeem herself, we were watching jeopardy.. I told her I ordered the new boots... after the stone cold silence.. and the steely glare, she said CANCEL THE ORDER, before I could say anything, she smiled and said please..so without too much more conversation I guess she has ordered my boots, I'm guessing The Baffin snow monster, they were a few bucks more than the control max but basically the same boot..hard to stay mad at somebody that is in tune with what my world is like.
Yep its a good deal when you get to go home to your best catch. My bride tries my patience wicked sometimes but I'd be absolutely lost without her.
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Just installed one of the most important pieces ice fishing gear... Remote starter for the winter beater, last year was the 1st year I had a winter rig without one in a long time and it sucked lol. Nothing like getting off the frozen lake and slipping into a truck that's up to temp, blowing heat and has the windows defrosted already... Now if I could only get that little keychain to turn on the seat heaters from a 1/4 mile away too....
Yeah man! I was getting ready to walk off the ice Saturday evening and Hawkeye says see if remote start will work from here (We got new truck this spring) and sure enough it did. By the time we were back at the truck it was warm and ready to go.
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The summer gremlins have struck again... 1st the bait tank sprung a leak that I still havent figured out how it happened. Then this morning I grab my bait bucket to grab some shiners on the way home from work for tomorrow morning. go to rinse it out and **censored**.. it has a crack in it too...And it's even one of those clam ones that has the padded insulation condom it sits in... The bait guy better have buckets or I'm hauling shiners in a zip lock lol
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For the most part looking over my gear I’ve been pretty lucky and everything looks good. I haven’t been out yet but I’m loaded up now and gonna go explore some pond by the house and see where exactly the ice is at before I really go 100%. I do need to go pick up that Spud Roc told me to get before I do anything though. Might have to order it because it wasn’t at any of the shops around my location that I found
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Going fishing tomorrow....panoptix has been wired to my boat all season. I'm going to upgrade to a livescope unit this week and leave the ps22 on the boat. If anyone needs/wants and ice bundle for a 73cv plus garmin unit lemme know. Have been breaking out the flx28 in its absence. There's a certain joy in using it. So straight forward whereas I can tweak panoptix settings for hours...both do the job.
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(https://i.postimg.cc/67vwK2TV/35224-CD4-BFE8-47-B3-AC68-21-ED9-C95-E51-F.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/67vwK2TV)
(https://i.postimg.cc/62xKpWGk/7-D8-ECE7-E-C359-4-DF3-A24-B-B9-A269-A1-B414.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/62xKpWGk)
It is almost done!
Wife didn’t let me cut any of our skis so I had to find another pair.
It fits in our small SUV nicely!
Hoping to have this at the ready all winter for the local and not so local trout ponds.
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(https://i.postimg.cc/67vwK2TV/35224-CD4-BFE8-47-B3-AC68-21-ED9-C95-E51-F.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/67vwK2TV)
(https://i.postimg.cc/62xKpWGk/7-D8-ECE7-E-C359-4-DF3-A24-B-B9-A269-A1-B414.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/62xKpWGk)
It is almost done!
Wife didn’t let me cut any of our skis so I had to find another pair.
It fits in our small SUV nicely!
Hoping to have this at the ready all winter for the local and not so local trout ponds.
Very nice,I like how you store your traps.. I also keep them so they do r beat each other silly