The Hole Hopper v1.0

[Xpressman]

Well here is my latest invention, just finished last weekend.  Didn't want to steel Muds thunder so I figured I'd put up a new post.

I designed this because I do a lot of whole hopping and never have everything I need on me without having my hands full. So here it is. Hole Hopper v1.0.  Let me know if you have any questions. The fish tray is the part I am most proud of. An easy way to take fish back to base camp after a run. The only thing you can't see from the pictures is the 1" of foam under the vex, helps keep the battery warm. Also I have added my soft pack back onto the vex after taking these pictures.

HoleHopper - Front View(Rod Holders/Cutout/Lid)


Hole Hopper - Side View(Transducer hole/Rod Holder)


Hole Hopper - Top View(Lid/Fish Tray)


Hole Hopper - Top View(Fish Tray)


Hole Hopper - Side View(Rod Holder/Fish Tray)


Hole Hopper - Top View(Inside)


Hole Hopper - Top View(Fish Tray)


Hole Hopper - Side View(entire unit)

[stumper]

I like it!!!

[InSearchOfPerch]

Hey stump..I think I have an idea for the pink bucket...lol..Im making one tomorrow!  I already have riveted a few pvc rod holders on the outside over the summer...thats a great idea.  But the vex in the bucket with a window cut out is ingenious.   

[mud_n_fun]

It's nice to see I'm not alone I think yours is alot more portable than mine too! mine ways a ton but yours looks very portable and versatile. Great Job!

[Xpressman]

It's nice to see I'm not alone I think yours is alot more portable than mine too! mine ways a ton but yours looks very portable and versatile. Great Job!

Thanks Mud!  I figured I better post mine up so you didn't feel like the only mad scientists out there playing with buckets in your garage!  Now we just need some ice to test them out on.

[SeaDog1]

WOW!

Now THAT'S a great rig!
I like to shoot and scoot also and the lighter I can get with gear is my preference.
Thanks for posting the pics.

SeaDog1

[macker13]

Very nice!  What do you do for a living?  Are you a mechanical engineer?

[Piggyn]

Cool!  I have been thinking about making something very similar.

It'd be nice to add a way to temporarily lock the handle of the bucket into the upright position so that you wouldn't even have to bend over to pick it up.

[Xpressman]

Cool!  I have been thinking about making something very similar.

It'd be nice to add a way to temporarily lock the handle of the bucket into the upright position so that you wouldn't even have to bend over to pick it up.

Luckily with the lid that is on it the handles does stay in the upright position.  Oh yah!

[Xpressman]

Very nice!  What do you do for a living?  Are you a mechanical engineer?

Thanks for the comment!  Unfortunately I am not a mechanical engineer, I wish that I was however.  All I am is an Ice Junky with some time on my hands.

[trapster]

Damn, now that's impressive..

[venom]

   Nice hole hopper the ideas are great!!

[JiggerMan]

so when your looking at the vex through the window in the bucket where do you fish from.  do you kneel on the ice or do you put the seat cover that is on the bucket on the ice and kneel on that.  I dont see how you could sit on the bucket and veiw the flasher at the same time. 

I like the fish tray also.  great idea. 

I also use buckets. when i go steelhead fishing i use them as rod holders. 

 

[Bellybuster]

Jiggerman stole my post, I too am curious how you watch the flasher while sitting on the bucket

[gruntngrin]

How the heck ya look at the vex if ya sit down?

[Hollywood703]

lol, never thought about that when i first saw it.....good point

[Xpressman]

In response to the question of how do you see the vex when sitting on the bucket, you don't. This is not designed to be used as a seat when hoppping holes, more of a one stop shop for transporting your gear.

When I hole hope I don't get too comfortable and am always on my knees kneeling down next to the hole. I cut the opening so when I'm kneeling next to a hole I can see the full screen of the vex from that position.  This unit also will work if you are in your fish trap and you are sitting on your trap seat and you can view the vex from that position. I however believe that 99% of the time this design will be used when hopping holes, spending less than 5 mins at each hole.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

[Jignut]

 i like to sit when i find fish.  my LX-5 head is mounted on the outside of bucket out about 12-14" in line of sight of hole, rod tip and easy reach while sitting. can you say "farfanugen"?  battery is in the back of bucket bottom for perfect balance. flasher head swivels for easy viewing while standing ,kneeling, etc. 
thats for my gunnin and runnin quick getaway days or just up to the lake for cocktail hour.
auger one hand,  bucket in the other and go.
the flasher is set up just as well and easy on my
sled and trap, love the velcro.
i dont spread stuff on the ice every time i want to fish. dont care for yard sales. just pull my ducer and im off.