IceShanty.com's Ice Fishing Community
Montana => Ice Fishing Montana => Topic started by: streamside on Nov 29, 2013, 09:14 PM
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Went to my Dad's place for thanksgiving, northeast corner of east bay, three inches of clear hard ice, with the cold forecast for this week, it should be good to go by next weekend for most of the bay! That being said, our corner always freezes first, your results may vary!
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Sweet!!!!
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Never ice fished for macks. any advise on depth.
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The whole bay is only about 5' at most so you don't have a lot of options there. Drill holes till you find them.
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I guess I will try around 5 feet then.
Thanks
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The macs push the young of the year perch right up as shallow as they can go. I've caught big perch, macs and whitefish in as little as 12" of water
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In front of Dad's place, I've seen the macs with their belly's in the mud and their backs on the bottom of the ice. We always try to fish in about 18 inches of water or more. To me, it seems like they roam around in packs, if one person gets a hit, everyone else should be ready. Once they scatter the baby perch, there will be a lull in the action, until the next wave.
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Just curious what's a mac
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Just curious what's a mac
Mac is short for Mackinaw or Lake Trout.
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you guys are getting me pumped. That's on the reservation to isn't it and if im not mistaking you can use a whole dead perch for bait on the res. Do you guys ever use the jigging rap out there or just bait.
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Yes it's in the Res and Can't use whole perch! Lots of info on how to target the Mac on East Bay in the MT Fishing Report and Conditions page under Flathead/Lake, Flathead County. Haven't use the jigging rap, but used a swim bait perch type, although the standard Lake Trout glow squid work better for me, tip with cut bait or scented.
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Macks thru the ice! Gonna head out this weekend hopefully gonna nail em!
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With the rain last night and the strong southwest winds today, looks like it's back to square one on the ice front. Hopefully the winds will die out when the cold moves in, and it was such nice hard ice :'(
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I think with the forecasted temps ice shouldn't be a problem.
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I'm with ya Wing, was so disappointed to see all the ice gone today, but the bay is more than ready to freeze, and it goes hard fast. I will keep an eye on it with this weather, and let everyone know.
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Thanks for all the updates streamside. Nice to get a report from someone who has a cabin on the bay. Check out your messages i had some questions about your drill auger that i read in a previous post.
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Anyone in the area or drive by East Bay lately? How's the ice coming along? Appreciated!
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Can't tell from the web cam but the whole bay looks frozen....maybe not?
http://www.ktvq.com/pages/cameras-polson-eyecam/
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Hey Hippie, that's Polson bay, I'll pop over to Dad's and check the ice this afternoon and post my findings, I'm sure the post will be positive ;D
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Awesome!.... Thanks guys!
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Lol, it was as good as I could find;)
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http://webcam2.flbs.umt.edu/view/viewer_index.shtml?id=4657
Yellow Bay is getting some weather
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Hey Hippie, that's Polson bay, I'll pop over to Dad's and check the ice this afternoon and post my findings, I'm sure the post will be positive ;D
Thanks Streamside!
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So East Bay is good to go with over 4 inches of clear hard ice, looks like it is frozen as far out as you can see. There were guys out fishing off the Ducharme access. :tipup:
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Groovy!
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Is there anywhere else to access East Bay besides Ducharme? Anybody accessing via the Finley Point side?
Hey Streamside - Did you see any ice on Skidoo Bay?
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even tho I was a downer Debbie about flathead freezing over...I am looking forward to skiing from the put in at east bay...and skiing all the way to the campground in finley point....with my hand held strikemaster on my back,.hopefully skiing back with some 11 inch perch. if not....skiing across east bay will be a good day.....
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Ducharme is the only public access on East Bay, unless you know someone ;)2, haven't checked Skidoo bay, but several of the places I take care of are on that bay, I've never seen it freeze over, but I'll check on it, there is a good public access over there, somewhat unknown, but I can point you to it should the bay ice up.
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in the mid 90's...maybe 95 or 96.. I put on my hockey skates and skated from ducharme to skidoo..once I hit the campground in finley point...things changed ...maybe the wind..depth or lake currents....I did however stay within 100 yds of shore.....I would imagine its freezing up good....but look for birds in open water.. east bay will be fine..but when you round the corner.... its crazy when it freezes....it can go from 8 inches of solid to open water in just a matter of a hundred yards...be safe......
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Ducharme is the only public access on East Bay, unless you know someone ;)2, haven't checked Skidoo bay, but several of the places I take care of are on that bay, I've never seen it freeze over, but I'll check on it, there is a good public access over there, somewhat unknown, but I can point you to it should the bay ice up.
not to be a downer..my head is on straight tonite.....but the access to skidoo bay is a one lane road thru million dollar homes....if you know someone who would let you park in their drive.....you'd be psyched......yes..this is probably the easiest access to one of/if not the deepest parts of the lake......but that access in skidoo has no parking lot.....if you drive thru the gate there is plenty of room but sometimes the gate is locked....and like I said it is on a one lane road in a community setting.....if you got an in..... great......if not.. there is an option from walking down from the smokehouse...still need to trespass.....or hoofing it from finley point....or skate or ski it.....regardless if skidoo freezes over....the only holes you will see will be most likely yourown.....could be worth the effort...good luck.....
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Hey Coldcreek, don't beat yourself up, everyone has an off day. The access isn't as bad as you think, you can't park right down at the lake, but you can park along the little lane that goes down there, no trespassing necessary. If Skidoo Bay freezes, I'll be happy to fish over there with anyone who wants to, I have lots of access.
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Hey Coldcreek, don't beat yourself up, everyone has an off day. The access isn't as bad as you think, you can't park right down at the lake, but you can park along the little lane that goes down there, no trespassing necessary. If Skidoo Bay freezes, I'll be happy to fish over there with anyone who wants to, I have lots of access.
thanks man...felt like a jerk this morning....I actually have an in right across the lane from the gate....I do know some in the trailer park behind the smokehouse who have their own little path that they take with their kids to the water.....the only reason why I was saying be careful...is that wind and current comes up something fierce out of the north from blue bay....and a skiff of snow could be dangerous this time of yr....tip ups and ice skates is always a fun way to spend the day..... in so many spots along the state a quad or machine will get ya there....but once there....nothing covers the same ground as some good steel on your feet in between flags....going to hit g town next week...and possibly the sinkhole near perma....rock out with your rod out!!!! and if you see ski or skate tracks.....its probably me... I would highly recommend skates/skis to anyone....setting up atent with a mister heater and a thermos of hot chochalate can always buy the family man an extra hr on the ice.as long as the lady has chochalate and the kids are warm....money well spent....
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oh by the way streamside.. if you want to catch some bows and cuts...come down to this end of the valley.....I was trolling in my sea kayak in early October and just hammered em....I can't promise anything but I got a good feeling they are in the same spot.....pm if you want....
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is there enough ice for a 4 wheeler.i can' walk very far.
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how far can you walk???? I would gladly carry your gear and auger a hole for ya until there is safe ice for your quad.....
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^like!
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any advice on where on ducharme access east bay I should try. never been and don't know how far to go out. Any other advice would be great never caught a laker.
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One parking spot is all there is on Ducharme. Start walking and drilling holes in 1' of water until you get tired of walking. Seems like I have done better on perch towards the east ( towards the mtns )
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so for the lake trout head a little west. is that right or do I want to be in with the perch. 1' of water? so that's very close to shore then I assume
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Anyone think the entire, or most of the lake will freeze this year???
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how far can you walk???? I would gladly carry your gear and auger a hole for ya until there is safe ice for your quad.....
Thank's coldcreek.I do pretty good if there's little snow and I pack lite,as that's what I always did.It's Just that I got this quad so I can start using an ice hut.But thank's again,I appreciate the offer,very cool!
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congrats on the new quad!!!! I know if I had a new quad I'd want to use it all the time..hell.. I probably bring it in my living room and just sit on it....in the future...if you ever need any help in areas where quads are prohibited....such as ninepipes or Pablo... just let me know.. I think we all are hardcore fishers and it would be a shame if someone wanted to fish...but was unsure of their ability to have access and stayed home.....the rocks around the dams at ninepipes and Pablo can be tricky.....i would be more than happy to carry your gear to and from the truck....yes a kind gesture....but a no brainer to get someone on the ice.....enjoy that new toy!!!!
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Yeah I wish we could do something about the access at Pablo. Heck I'm young and it's hard on me
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you can go to the south end and pull thru the dogwood shrubs....which is easier....maybe you hit some of the big perch....the bigger numbers are straight out from the pumphouse....but those rocks are brutal.....I am a mason by trade.....maybe I should spend a few hrs and drystack a walkway down to the ice....I hear ya.. I fall on my ass every time I try to get down those rocks...
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Yes, pablo is absolutely horrible. Can't believe that there hasn't been an adequate access installed. That access must destroy a bunch of gear every year, not to mention cause a few heart attacks!
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exactly....that's why I choose less fish to access from the south.....I really think that a few hrs....2 or 3.. with 2 guys....we could make a nice path...I would be willing to do it if anyone else thinks its something they would do..if not...I will access from the south end..put on my skates or skis and fish the more prolific grounds....I am sick of half inch shavings coming off the bottom of my sled...having to walk back up to a turned sled...like I said... I am willing to cut a path thru the rocks.....until opening in mid January.....there will be no one up there to be in our face.....wardens etc...pm me if you want to help out...
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Your going to have to find a different hoddie, my shoulders still from the last time I did it 12 years ago;) didn't there used to be a crushed gravel trail down the front of the damn?
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i like it ccc
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I'm hitting East Bay tomorrow. If you are out there come say hi. 1999 Black Toyota Tacoma with Missoula tags. Black no-brand shanty with two guys. I'm the tall skinny guy with a pair of orange ice spikes around my neck.
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oh my...wish I could hit east bay tomorrow...gonna watch the griz game....you know that everyone goes straight out from ducharme....but if you go out straight.....take a right a few hundred yds. toward the back of the bay...get in to 6 to 8 feet of water....that is an option.....big lakers sometimes come in there as well.....sunday I will be fishin at m dam....easy trout...then off to the sinkhole along the river...then g town next week.....
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Anybody caught any decent perch in East?
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How thick was the ice out there today, and did anyone get into the perch.
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Hydro, any luck out there on East Bay? Need to get out of the house this weekend, hoping someone has some good ice and fishing reports! Thanks!
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Just curious if anyone is willing to share their set-ups for Macs. I went out a few times last year and used 3/8 oz minnow head jig and 3inch stinger with a whole herring and actively jigged. I also set up a tip up with a quick strike rig and let a herring sit on the bottom. Best day was 5 with one slot fish for two guys. Any input would be great. Thanks in advance.
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@ jengel24,
Once you post like 5 times you'll get access to the Fishing Report and Condition page. You'll find everything you'll need to know about targeting Mac on Flathead. If you were able to land 5 fish in the past you are definitely doing it right. I've seen day of 21 Mac landed to none the next day, in the same spot. I never done any good with herring, but try to bring more then just one type of bait; example being pike minnow, smelt, cut bait, and even the famous "Maple" sausages! Variation in suspending your setup will help too. Once you find the correct depth and spot, drill holes in a 10-15yd radius and start jigging with your jig of choice.
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I am planning a trip to fish Flathead the 27th of this month. Does the ice typically hold up all winter in the bays after the first freeze? I am little leery of booking a motel room this early. Thank You for any info!!
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Thanks for the advice! Weather pending I'll be heading up Friday!
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They are swimming stomachs, you are over thinking it. I've never seen them not hit anything you put in fron of their faces in east bay. I can think of several times I have had a Mac come in and inhale a jig, I set the hook and since the water is so shallow they pop right up to the ice and come off. I've put the jig right back down the hole and they will hit once and sometimes a couple more time.
As far as ice....just keep an eye on the weather and the reports page. All the ice gained last week could be gone by next week.....
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I've fished them before in Minnesota, but never in that shallow of water. It seems like there are some simple tactics that work and all you need to do is find fish in good numbers.
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Anyone have a report since all this snow fell. Think i'll head up tomorrow. Just wanted a heads up on the ice/snow conditions. How far out are people making it? I'll report back with what I find.
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would imagine there is a solid foot of snow in the east bay....soft fluffy snow...but with the warmer temps...it could get a little sticky.....the ice in east bay will be solid for a long time......if you are are thinking of making a vacation...make sure you fish lmr.....east bay can be hit and miss....sometimes you hike out a mile to the middle of the bay...with varying results.....and catch a hog or two in 2 ft of water on the way back....it is a beautiful place to fish.....but I don't know if I would recommend it as a destination.....it gets better if you have side fish outings to places like lmr...etc... and if you are in area when the bird refuges are open fishin... then yes....good destination spot.....I have caught 12 pound lake trout in 2 feet of water in east bay.. I have also spent 6 hrs catching nothing but 6 inch perch in the same area.....good luck!!!!!
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They are swimming stomachs, you are over thinking it. I've never seen them not hit anything you put in fron of their faces in east bay. I can think of several times I have had a Mac come in and inhale a jig, I set the hook and since the water is so shallow they pop right up to the ice and come off. I've put the jig right back down the hole and they will hit once and sometimes a couple more time.
As far as ice....just keep an eye on the weather and the reports page. All the ice gained last week could be gone by next week.....
[I am really impressed how you catch those hogs in such shallow water.....your pics are amazizing...whenever I hook a fish over 5 lbs in less than four feet of water... I'm screwed...somehow you still seem to land em.....quite impressive m fish..maybe someday I will figure out how to get those hogs out in shallow water!!!!/quote]
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Any ice updates on East bay or Polson bay? Thanks guys.
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Any ice updates on East bay or Polson bay? Thanks guys.
There were a few guys on East Bay yesterday. Polson Bay needs another cold snap so you can fish out in front of the Resort.
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thank you very much!
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Do you know what road to take to get access to East Bay? I was just going to head down tomorrow morning and hope it's posted. :-\
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ducharme lane on the south end of the bay off 35 not sure bout any others
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Do you know what road to take to get access to East Bay? I was just going to head down tomorrow morning and hope it's posted. :-\
Just look for the Ducharme Fishing Access Site sign, it is a mile or two east of Polson. If you find yourself traveling north, you have gone too far.
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Thanks a lot for the info. Fished it this past weekend. A few other peoples were out there but no one got into any lake trout on saturday. Ice was 12' thick though and a few atvs were out there. :)
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12"!! Holy cow. Most i've ever seen was 5"
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It was my first time there...no one mentioned I had to hoof a mile out into the bay. Haha! My first hole I thought I struck oil. :o
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Been there done that.
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12"!! Holy cow. Most i've ever seen was 5"
I was out there on Sunday and the ice was about 7 inches thick, I drilled a lot of holes and the thickness was very consistent. Lake trout fishing was very slooooow.
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I'll have to give it a shot later this week. Hopefully better fishing.
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Headed to East Bay tomorrow...Zimmer said the ice is good & they've been catching more perch than in the past 2 years (but that's not saying much according to him), and seeing lots of macs, but fishing has been slow, macs pretty lethargic & not very cooperative. Will update after.
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Well, we hit east bay today. Got a late start thanks to our guests being hungover:) Had a solid 7"-8", no water on top, which was a plus. Fishing was awesome, catching, not so much:) Fun day, at least.
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Also fish East Bay today. Have full report on the Fishing Report and Ice condition page, but as JR mention ice is solid 8", but bring your cleats. No snow on top except for few patches here and there.
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Too Lucky, What kind of tip ups are you using/prefer? Looking to add a few more to my arsenal and most of the time my tip ups get used for lakers.
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Cold toes,
I use the Frabill Pro-Thermal Tip-up (Orange). Main reason I use them is that they keep your hole from freezing up and they're inexpensive. Fit nicely in a five gallon bucket. Been using them for six season now and so far no issue. Only complaint is that if you set the tip-up really far apart, the flags are hard to see (not long/high enough). They do make an extended flag version, but not sold locally around here. FYI... Works better in a 10" hole and I use 50-80lb braided line too.
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That's why I've gone with the HT thermals because they have an extendable flag. I too like to spread my tip ups out. I would get more but no one in town sells them. The short flag on the Frabills worry me. Do you have many drop the bait? I had a few the other day run 10-15ft then drop it.
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It was my first time there...no one mentioned I had to hoof a mile out into the bay. Haha! My first hole I thought I struck oil. :o
lol ya it can be a long walk thats for sure can be worth it tho
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As far as drops, I'll say not many. Maybe 1 every 20 flags this year so far. I make my own quick strike rig with size 2 treble hooks. Seem to stay on, when I notice my flag! ;)
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Hello everybody. I have never ice fished Flathead at east bay before. If I do what should I except to catch, also how far out does the ice go?
To my best guess you are all going for lake trout? Please do correct me if I am wrong.
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That's why I've gone with the HT thermals because they have an extendable flag. I too like to spread my tip ups out. I would get more but no one in town sells them. The short flag on the Frabills worry me. Do you have many drop the bait? I had a few the other day run 10-15ft then drop it.
I hate the HT thermals as I have had 4 of them and all of them snapped off the extendable flag.
Jay
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I hate the HT thermals as I have had 4 of them and all of them snapped off the extendable flag.
Jay
Huh, haven't had one snap yet. Where do they break at? What kind of tip ups do you like Jay?
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Huh, haven't had one snap yet. Where do they break at? What kind of tip ups do you like Jay?
They have broken right on the last joint then you've got no flag just a rod. I rednecked a flag outta duct tape but I still don't like them. My favorite are the pink HT ones. Next would be the black Frabill thermal ones.
Jay