IceShanty.com's Ice Fishing Community
IceShanty Main => General Ice Fishing Chit Chat => Topic started by: TickleStick on Oct 04, 2020, 09:05 PM
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In this last month or so I've blowing through money on ice fishing gear, its getting ridiculous but I love it LOL.
Got a new TUCR PN being made, just ordered a Shimano 500 size reel from Japan, I was waiting for the Vanford 500 but couldn't wait and found
a nicer reel (overkill)
I can't even mention the amount of line, lures and ice gear I have purchased this month because of all the new 2020 ice gear.
With my luck we won't get any ice haha.
Anyone else blowing money they shouldn't???
Pics will come when my combo is here.
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Lol, I did that last year for ice fishing, may have went a bit crazy this spring on open water stuff, including rod making equipment and expanding my soft plastic making molds.
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Curious on what reel you went with?
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I hear ya i spent about $200 on various jigging raps :icefish:
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So far I've gotten a 2 Mag's custom rods, A Garmin 64st, a bunch of Gamakatsu tackle boxes, Milwaukee 2804 drill, a couple sets of base layers, Muck Arctic Pro's, 2 new Genz boxes for the flashers, Amped battery, a bunch of lipless cranks and spoons, a bunch of tip-up rigging stuff, and a Plano sportsman's trunk to store it all in and help haul it around. I'm currently waiting on a Pistol bit, and a pair of Fish Monkey gloves to arrive and as soon as the Otter Lodge hubs are in stores I plan on getting one of those. I put a Clam cargo net and a sled organizer on the trunk and plan on adding a rod holder and a couple of other things to it.
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My first couple years out of college I blew a fair amount each season on new fishing and hunting gear, most of the big stuff I found a good sale price on. I was finally making decent money and wanted to have nice equipment. Got a few big items each year and after a couple years I was pretty much set. I'm glad I bought the stuff then because now being married with a kid and a house its harder to justify spending a bunch of money on myself. Since I have nice equipment for fishing and hunting now, I don't really fall for all the new stuff that comes out every year. Kind of just replace when needed.
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I've gone the opposite direction - binge donating. Slowly came to the realization that I had x10 the stuff one actually needs and started outfitting a couple of friends with gear I rarely (if ever) used. Now I'm down to about x5 the stuff one actually needs...
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I binge shop for gear at garage sales but i havent been into a store in 5 months.if i do need something i buy it online.with the ice seasons being so short for many years here in Michigan,im not buying anymore ice fishing gear other than bait.
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I sold almost everything last year and never went. This year I bought just enough to go with a Marcum Showdown, 2 Rods and reels, A sled to convert to into a windbreak, bibs and a few Jigs. I spent $326 and sold more than $900 worth of stuff last year. I am all set waiting for early November ice to come on. Should be fishing by November 10th.
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It keeps coming in waves. Bought a few items off clearance early back in the spring, then started the summer looking over what all I needed. Ended up buying online for plastic baits and bobber floats. Added some terminal tackle from the idea here on the Shanty and I think I may be good. Still waiting to see what the season looks like, but I can see one more round of Binge Shopping before the ice melts.
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I don't binge...I splurge now and then. LOL.
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So far I've gotten a 2 Mag's custom rods, A Garmin 64st, a bunch of Gamakatsu tackle boxes, Milwaukee 2804 drill, a couple sets of base layers, Muck Arctic Pro's, 2 new Genz boxes for the flashers, Amped battery, a bunch of lipless cranks and spoons, a bunch of tip-up rigging stuff, and a Plano sportsman's trunk to store it all in and help haul it around. I'm currently waiting on a Pistol bit, and a pair of Fish Monkey gloves to arrive and as soon as the Otter Lodge hubs are in stores I plan on getting one of those. I put a Clam cargo net and a sled organizer on the trunk and plan on adding a rod holder and a couple of other things to it.
That's like 5 years of purchases for many....lol Addicting, I understand, I tinker in my garage in the off season and went crazy last spring and summer with Milwaukee tools. All sizes sorts. Love them. No more air or power cords for me...
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Not sure its a binge or just filling a niche ..just bought a pair of SI Trekker bibs (got to do a review post on these soon) as last season weather conditions/season my SI Predator were to hot . I think I may get a Okuma BaitFeeding reels for dead sticking ...1000...or...500 ???? I have way way way more jigs then I will ever need or use ...but certain I will find something that I want/need to fill a cart to get free shipping . I am lucky enough that I can pass along some unused gear to other up and coming ice anglers ..
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Sold my helix g1 and got a g2, 3 reels, line, scored a new in the box 6" lazer for 40, selling my 5" lazer, got a m18 drill because my 7 year old menards drill was ready to retire to light duty
still need to build a few rods and some tip downs
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Yep...been on a bit of a binge myself upgrading a lot of my equipment. New insulated shelter, better tip ups, more lures.
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I binged hard last year. I hadn't been ice fishing before so I got it allll.... sled, couple rods/reels, rod case, drill, 6" K-Drill and 8" Lite-Flite, float bibs/float jacket/hat/gloves/boots/spikes, spud bar and other safety gear, tip-ups, tackle, chair, a Garmin 93sv that I got for open water use as well, 30Ah battery for the graph, Buddy heater, Otter hub (end of season closeout), and more misc stuff... spent over $3k after all was said and done, though the 93sv, shuttle, battery, and battery box make up over a grand alone. Well worth the cost.
This year I'm just gonna get another light panfish rod, MAYBE a stiffer ML rod for walleye, and some tackle. I also got a 9Ah battery for my drill but I got it more for my leaf blower and weed whacker. I have everything else I need, thankfully! Gotta cool it... no pun intended ;D
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I've definitely been binging: Aqua-Vu HD7i, two 13 fishing reels, two Ceymar reels, I've wrapped two custom ice rods, purchased two more rods, started painting my own custom tungsten ice jigs (3mm to 9mm), started pouring my own custom ice plastics, plus too much clothing and gear. It's disturbing when I write it all down...
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Lots of articles on people stressed out due to pandemic. Psychologists suggest doing things that promote inner peace. If you are stressed out and buying some gear makes you feel better, you are making progress. Don’t feel guilt. That will only cause a relapse. Buy some more.
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Lots of articles on people stressed out due to pandemic. Psychologists suggest doing things that promote inner peace. If you are stressed out and buying some gear makes you feel better, you are making progress. Don’t feel guilt. That will only cause a relapse. Buy some more.
As long as you can afford it and are not going into debt. Most of the time when people therapy shop it is only temporary relief when they make the purchase, then they get down again when they realize the probably didn't need it and have to pay off their credit card.
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Curious on what reel you went with?
Shimano Soare CI4+ 500s
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Binged pretty hard the first couple years, I have almost anything you could want or need at this point. After the initial couple years of binging I mainly just upgrade my gear. Last year I sold my Otter Lodge Xt650 and bought a new X-over pro lodge that was on clearance at Scheels. This year i sold my spare flasher and bought a helix 5, mainly for my pontoon but I’m also curious about using one for ice fishing. I’m to the point now that i think i need to down size, I have an eskimo 6120i hub that ive used twice in two year, hardly justifies keeping it around. The gear is half the fun of ice fishing!!!!!
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As long as you can afford it and are not going into debt. Most of the time when people therapy shop it is only temporary relief when they make the purchase, then they get down again when they realize the probably didn't need it and have to pay off their credit card.
Post purchase dissonance sucks but I don't take it seriously.
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I've been pretty good so far. Got a new pair of ice cleats and some Finicky Foolers. That's been it. After not having safe ice last year, I want to spend less on ice fishing. In the market for a baitfeeder reel if the prices drop. That's about it.
Now just don't ask me how much I've spent on my open water fishing! :whistle: ;D
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(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50433015603_91e6b33f94_c.jpg)
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How do you think that shimano soare will compare to the new shimano vanford?? Or how does the soare compare to the stradic c4?
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How do you think that shimano soare will compare to the new shimano vanford?? Or how does the soare compare to the stradic c4?
Higher end then both, its close to the Vanford but with more bearings.
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Could you send a link on where you bought that reel?
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I do seasonal work, landscaping in summer, plowing in winter.
Money is a plenty April-November so that's when I buy most of my ice fishing gear haha. I went on a bender this summer. Bought a snowmobile, 2 person flip over, and I'll buy a gas auger and underwater camera before first ice.
I might invest in a few automatic fishermen too ;)
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Could you send a link on where you bought that reel?
I ordered it from Digitaka, got the reel in 4 days from Japan to the U.S.
Crazy fast...
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Now if Shimano will just make a $100 reel price point like the Soare Ci4+ well at least offer that shallow spool in other lower price point models.
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Now if Shimano will just make a $100 reel price point like the Soare Ci4+ well at least offer that shallow spool in other lower price point models.
Shimano Soare bb 500s is around $140ish.
Its a good looking reel also.
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Oh, I just ordered a Gloomis IMX Ice 331xf ;D
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Shimano Soare bb 500s is around $140ish.
Its a good looking reel also.
I must've gotten that one confused with another one that was in the $300+ price range.
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im new here, been fishing for over 40 years, recently trying to get involved in more hardwater, bought a used 5x8 snopro a couple years back,i live in the finger lakes region of upstate NY with great fishing around, but due to the shanty needing a bit of work, not the greatest ice, and some health issues i havent had it out much. My work is seasonal and im really hoping to enjoy it his year. i insulated it, will be pannelling it soon, and getting it ready to go. i bought a 1986 skidoo safari in great shape to tow it.i will mostly be fishing sodus bay, chaumont bay and onieda lake this year. i was in the hospital last tues night and couldnt sleep so i bought some more stuff. for the sled i bought a new windshield, new battery, and some carbide studs for the track,i was thinking of setting up another fishfinder mounted to the skidoo for going on scouting missions, i also bought a 50w solar panel and controller for the shanty, i also bought a striker 4 with a ice transducer i was thinking of mounting in the shanty but am now considering mounting to skidoo and getting something better for the shanty. i also purchased a dewalt 18v hammerdrill to mount to an auger to compliment my manual auger. i could use some advice where to go from here, i have several cheaper rods, tip ups, gear etc and i would really like to upgrade my setup and learn as much as possible. id appreciate any advise you could give me. thank you in advance
sean
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im new here, been fishing for over 40 years, recently trying to get involved in more hardwater, bought a used 5x8 snopro a couple years back,i live in the finger lakes region of upstate NY with great fishing around, but due to the shanty needing a bit of work, not the greatest ice, and some health issues i havent had it out much. My work is seasonal and im really hoping to enjoy it his year. i insulated it, will be pannelling it soon, and getting it ready to go. i bought a 1986 skidoo safari in great shape to tow it.i will mostly be fishing sodus bay, chaumont bay and onieda lake this year. i was in the hospital last tues night and couldnt sleep so i bought some more stuff. for the sled i bought a new windshield, new battery, and some carbide studs for the track,i was thinking of setting up another fishfinder mounted to the skidoo for going on scouting missions, i also bought a 50w solar panel and controller for the shanty, i also bought a striker 4 with a ice transducer i was thinking of mounting in the shanty but am now considering mounting to skidoo and getting something better for the shanty. i also purchased a dewalt 18v hammerdrill to mount to an auger to compliment my manual auger. i could use some advice where to go from here, i have several cheaper rods, tip ups, gear etc and i would really like to upgrade my setup and learn as much as possible. id appreciate any advise you could give me. thank you in advance
sean
Welcome to the Shanty, Seano! Sounds like you're off to a good start with your hard water endeavors - best advice I can offer up is to be patient and see what your SPECIFIC needs will be before adding those upgrades. Rods, reels, baits, line, hardware, etc. can be dialed in depending on fish species and desired techniques to chase them - some great individual fish species info is located on the forum boards below, but you'll have to add a few more posts to your account before you can access them I believe since this is your first post. Anyway, add a few more responses and then explore the remaining boards on the forum and be sure to check in with your State board. Keep coming back here to the Shanty and peruse through the old posts and you will find a wealth of info to help dial in most everything ice fishing related.
One thing I will advise you add are carbide ski skegs for your sled if you've studded the track so you can steer on hard pack snow and bare ice.
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i could use some advice where to go from here, i have several cheaper rods, tip ups, gear etc and i would really like to upgrade my setup and learn as much as possible. id appreciate any advise you could give me. thank you in advance
sean
Welcome!
Safety is key on ice. Look into float suits such as striker brand and anti slip for boot traction. I've used most of what is available and decided kold kutters ice racing screws 3/8" are best for me. Throw rope and boat seat cushion and a tether for cell phone. Bring a spare deactivated cell just in case. They can still dial 911 and use gps. A spud is important also. Be sure to get one with a wrist strap and use it.
You won't be using machines to travel early and late ice or less than ideal ice. Look at shelters that are easy to hand pull for shelter. One man flip is my suggestion and check weights before buying. You can add a tow bar to the flip.
Heat is nice and mr heater makes the popular heater.
Lithium batteries are best option to keep weight limits down for power and charging options. Amped is a great choice here and is a sponsor. I use only their batteries. They also have great prices on tungsten-ice-jigs.
A head light is great for low light and night fishing. Its always right where you need it most. You'll want one that is light weight and comfortable and provide the type of light you'll need.
You'll need a auger to drill adapter. If you're good at using a drill you can simply use the Kovac Ice master 2 adaptor. I've tried a clam plate and returned it.
Make some friends to learn more while on the ice and use your state board for local info.
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Oh hell yea!!!!
I’ve been waiting for ice since after July 4th! I started purchasing some new toys end of august. The biggest and most exciting being a 2021 Skidoo Expedition 900 ace turbo.. this thing is going to be one bad ass ice fishing machine!.
(https://i.postimg.cc/bswm7S9k/59-D68-CF1-FB01-4-E52-927-F-80-D0-D529-A753.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/bswm7S9k)
I also geared up with two TUCR rods and penn reels to help me find some big big lake trout this year, and customized a gun case to keep them protected on the long snowmobile trips.
(https://i.postimg.cc/LYvzDv77/A6671-C06-123-A-4-BBF-90-B9-37-A38-E41-F4-D7.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/LYvzDv77)
(https://i.postimg.cc/w1JLZ9ZD/D53-AD847-7790-46-C2-BFF5-87-E40-B562-C71.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/w1JLZ9ZD)
Besides that I’ve been replacing line on a lot of tip ups, binge watching ice fishing videos, and picking out some new lures here and there, just ordered the mopod for my aquavu I got last year, still need to order a lithium battery for the camera, fish finder and general power as I’m hoping to do an overnight or two. Which gets me thinking I’m going to need a bigger heater ;D. I’m also to be purchasing an otter magnum sled this year but that will wait until the ice comes.
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thank you for the sound advice, i have some boot traction and a couple mr heaters, also have a throw rope w cushion, can you explain the cell phone tether? i will be checking out float suits, was thinking of just bringing a life jacket but knowing me i wouldnt have it on when i need it most.
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thank you for the sound advice, i have some boot traction and a couple mr heaters, also have a throw rope w cushion, can you explain the cell phone tether? i will be checking out float suits, was thinking of just bringing a life jacket but knowing me i wouldnt have it on when i need it most.
You should add your location to your profile ...county and state..helps members know the various conditions you may encounter in your area..plus may be a deal in your area ;)2 ..the Striker Ice Trekker is a good choice . Start with the bibs ,if you cant afford both ..as you will always wear the bibs ..just note there is no elastic/spandex on the side area ..so fit is SPOT on Check the size chart ..may want to go up a size . $99 bucks per piece = a piece of mind
https://www.franksgreatoutdoors.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=striker+ice+trekker
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thank you for the sound advice, i have some boot traction and a couple mr heaters, also have a throw rope w cushion, can you explain the cell phone tether? i will be checking out float suits, was thinking of just bringing a life jacket but knowing me i wouldnt have it on when i need it most.
I highly suggest a float suit, especially because of what you just said...you don’t trust yourself to actually wear it, most likely because they are uncomfortable.They now make life jackets that are either manually or water activated that are barley noticeable when wearing them. I was looking into these for my girlfriend who loves to fish with me but does not have a float suit... these life jackets run anywhere from $150-$250 which is half the cost of a float suit with not as much use as far as keeping you warm etc.. to me the float suit is way more bang for your buck. Just something to think about if you look that direction
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thank you for the sound advice, i have some boot traction and a couple mr heaters, also have a throw rope w cushion, can you explain the cell phone tether? i will be checking out float suits, was thinking of just bringing a life jacket but knowing me i wouldnt have it on when i need it most.
I never go in the field without my phone tied to my person. It can be as simple as a piece of paracord, but what I use now is a fishing lanyard, and loop a piece of braided fishing line through the speaker hole in the bottom of my phone case.
https://smile.amazon.com/s?k=fishing+lanyard&i=sporting&ref=nb_sb_noss_2
(https://i.postimg.cc/K4dn44JH/IMG-9682.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/K4dn44JH)
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You should add your location to your profile ...county and state..helps members know the various conditions you may encounter in your area..plus may be a deal in your area ;)2 ..the Striker Ice Trekker is a good choice . Start with the bibs ,if you cant afford both ..as you will always wear the bibs ..just note there is no elastic/spandex on the side area ..so fit is SPOT on Check the size chart ..may want to go up a size . $99 bucks per piece = a piece of mind
done and done, thanks for the heads up
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Oh hell yea!!!!
I’ve been waiting for ice since after July 4th! I started purchasing some new toys end of august. The biggest and most exciting being a 2021 Skidoo Expedition 900 ace turbo.. this thing is going to be one bad ass ice fishing machine!.
(https://i.postimg.cc/bswm7S9k/59-D68-CF1-FB01-4-E52-927-F-80-D0-D529-A753.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/bswm7S9k)
I also geared up with two TUCR rods and penn reels to help me find some big big lake trout this year, and customized a gun case to keep them protected on the long snowmobile trips.
(https://i.postimg.cc/LYvzDv77/A6671-C06-123-A-4-BBF-90-B9-37-A38-E41-F4-D7.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/LYvzDv77)
(https://i.postimg.cc/w1JLZ9ZD/D53-AD847-7790-46-C2-BFF5-87-E40-B562-C71.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/w1JLZ9ZD)
Besides that I’ve been replacing line on a lot of tip ups, binge watching ice fishing videos, and picking out some new lures here and there, just ordered the mopod for my aquavu I got last year, still need to order a lithium battery for the camera, fish finder and general power as I’m hoping to do an overnight or two. Which gets me thinking I’m going to need a bigger heater ;D. I’m also to be purchasing an otter magnum sled this year but that will wait until the ice comes.
now that's a sled! That was my first choice but we had a great deal on a Yamaha venture mp fall in my lap last year, nice machine but very tippy
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These feel amazing, cork is excellent, guides and wraps are perfect, action feels nice.
Will see how they fish hopefully soon.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50482007908_d968b6cd5d_z.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50482008103_e35741358d_z.jpg)
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Cork looks great as it should for the price! I doubt I'll drop that kind of cash on an ice rod but I'll certainly keep my eyes out for your impressions... what do you plan to use them for?
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Cork looks great as it should for the price! I doubt I'll drop that kind of cash on an ice rod but I'll certainly keep my eyes out for your impressions... what do you plan to use them for?
The 331xf will be excellent for 1/16 oz tungsten jigs, small jigging raps and smaller spoons, this rod is very sensitive and has a soft tip, its a little stiffer tip
compared to the TUCR Bullwhip due to being a carbon blank, it is also thinner and lighter, the 331xf will work excellent for panfish, trout, walleye and smallmouth bass even though it was designed as a panfish rod.
331XF
33" 1 power/Extra fast.
The 332f is a lot stiffer and a has a bit slower action, larger jigging raps, med to large spoons, it has a lot more power then the 331xf and it should being a 2 power
rod, I would use this rod for smaller lake trout, cutthroat trout, walleye and smallmouth.
332F
33" 2 power/Fast.
My main two rods this year will probably be the 331xf and a TUCR PN.
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I never go in the field without my phone tied to my person. It can be as simple as a piece of paracord, but what I use now is a fishing lanyard, and loop a piece of braided fishing line through the speaker hole in the bottom of my phone case.
(https://i.postimg.cc/K4dn44JH/IMG-9682.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/K4dn44JH)
This is a brilliant suggestion that will be a part of my setup from now on.
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thank you for the sound advice, i have some boot traction and a couple mr heaters, also have a throw rope w cushion, can you explain the cell phone tether? i will be checking out float suits, was thinking of just bringing a life jacket but knowing me i wouldnt have it on when i need it most.
Found a thread on here a while back saying these work well. Since my Samsung s20 doesn't have a headphone jack and because I like this tether tab I can keep it in the back of the phone when not needed to store the loop out of the way. When I want to use the loop of the tether I bring it down through the USB port and clip to my bibs with a retracting key reel. I keep the phone in my striker bib chest pocket. It helps keep the battery warm and the zipper keeps it from slipping out.
https://www.amazon.com/BLACKRAPID-Tether-Tab-Replacement-Smartphone-existing/dp/B0792G8F57
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=retractable+key+ring&sprefix=retract
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This is reminding me of my annual impulse buying...wait if I plan for it, does it make it impulse?
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This is a brilliant suggestion that will be a part of my setup from now on.
This is a MUST HAVE accessory. ALL cell phones are attracted to ice holes .
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This is a MUST HAVE accessory. ALL cell phones are attracted to ice holes .
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