My new homemade rodholders with automatic hooksetting!

[top jimmy]

cool its nice too see that there are still people that are willing too take the time to  make their own equipment rather then just run out and buy it.

[hounds]

Looks good lefty...............Ho w many fish have they caught for ya?

[bquick]

Well done, lefty!  So far I am liking the hooksetters.  Let us know how they work out for ya.

[iceprowler2]

Does anyone know where I can get the specs to build one of these and what type of material used for the trip

[iceprowler2]

Hey bquick can you pm me the specs for your auto set please I can't find anything on these thanks

[lefty2053]

I haven't had a chance to really try this out yet. I can tell you that if I just wiggle the trigger it set's it off. The wind wont set it off but I am sure a lite bite will. Bending more or less on the eye hook will make it easier or harder to set it off. Making one now for my friend that just got a Jaw Jacker for Christmas. Making sure it works with his rods. Most likely his son will use this one.

[coolhand_luke]

Nice job lefty!  Let us know the results once you can test it out!

[bquick]

Hey bquick can you pm me the specs for your auto set please I can't find anything on these thanks

Check page 3 of this thread. It should be on that page. If you can't find it I can pm you later. I'm on my phone right now so I will have to do that later.

[iceprowler2]

Where do you get the wire for the trip mechanism?

[bquick]

Where do you get the wire for the trip mechanism?

I purchase it at the hardware store.  They usually come in packages of two in the rod and tubing section.

[coolhand_luke]

Had to go to a craft shop to find it in my area.

[iceprowler2]

What rod length and action would you recommend. I have rods that go from 24"-30" and actions from UL to MED/HVY jigging rods

[bquick]

What rod length and action would you recommend. I have rods that go from 24"-30" and actions from UL to MED/HVY jigging rods

I have used the 27" Ugly Stik Lite Ice Rods in a medium action.  They seem to work flawlessly.  I picked mine up for $15 a piece.  I am sure that a light action would work but if you get a rod with the super light tips to them, then you might not get the rig to work as well.  Here is a link for the rods so that you can see which ones I use.  Shop around though!

http://www.fishusa.com/Shakespeare-Ugly-Stik-Lite-Ice-Rod_p.html

[iceprowler2]

I have a total of 17 ice rods I use

[iceprowler2]

Does anyone know if these are legal in Michigan I can't find any info

[Reel trouble]

They should be there similar to the jaw jacker and i think there only illegal in Minnesota

[iceprowler2]

Hey bquick what did you use to make all your bends with for your trigger? I found some 3/32" aluminum rod I'm gonna use for my trigger

[bquick]

I used some wide flat nosed pliers that were heavier duty than your standard slip joints.  From there I just bent it by hand and then finished it with a second set of pliers. I looked at the aluminum rods in the thicker gauges than the 1/16" stainless steel but was concerned about the strength and ability to hold their bends.  I would also be cautious of the aluminum developing small stress fractures at the bend point.  Although it flexes easier, sometimes aluminum also cracks and doesn't hold together and stretch like steel.  Let us know how it goes.

[iceprowler2]

I used one of my old red metal rod holders with a 6" leader and used a 24" med/light and a 28" ultra light and works good with both of them the heavier rod I have to bend the trigger just a lil bit to hold it. And if you make one use caution and don't hook your hand like I did setting it off lol

[bquick]

I used one of my old red metal rod holders with a 6" leader and used a 24" med/light and a 28" ultra light and works good with both of them the heavier rod I have to bend the trigger just a lil bit to hold it. And if you make one use caution and don't hook your hand like I did setting it off lol

 

I should have put a note in this thread to not test it out with a hook attached.  Glad it works though!

[iceprowler2]

I might take it out tomorrow and give it a try on some crappie

[coolhand_luke]

Finally got on the ice today to give these a try!  They worked great!  The bite was very slow, but we had steady hits and hook ups on these babies!  All lip hooked except one.  Can't wait to get out again, I hope the I doesn't suffer too much from this weeks forecast of warm weather.  Thanks again Bquick for the great idea!

[bquick]

Glad you are getting out!  Keep icing them!

[TJSlayer]

Was thinking one could use ACCO Ideal Clamps for the trip wire, straighten them out and then away you go, pretty smooth finish on them as well

[nicjohnsrud]

Here's my version. Haven't used it yet, but I can't wait to try it! It's a 1x4 pine board, with a couple of carriage bolts and large washers holding down a bent bucket rod holder. Used a 9" wire leader and some copper wire for the trigger. Thanks for the design, hope it works

[bquick]

Nice job you all!  Mine are working great so get out there and rip some lips!

[coolhand_luke]

They look great, nice call on the copper wire.  It will make it easy to adjust the sensitivity on the Ice. 

[nicjohnsrud]

They look great, nice call on the copper wire.  It will make it easy to adjust the sensitivity on the Ice.

Thanks! I was worried it would slowly bend it and set it off unexpectedly, but it's been cocked for a couple of days now on my kitchen counter, and hasn't bent yet.

[fishfighter]

Johnsrud, Please post how it works after you try it.  Looks Great!

[shake]

Here's my version. Haven't used it yet, but I can't wait to try it! It's a 1x4 pine board, with a couple of carriage bolts and large washers holding down a bent bucket rod holder. Used a 9" wire leader and some copper wire for the trigger. Thanks for the design, hope it works

nice....now you need to make me one  we need to get out and try it out.  good job man.