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IceShanty Main => General Ice Fishing Chit Chat => Topic started by: uncleshorty on Nov 20, 2017, 06:08 PM

Title: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: uncleshorty on Nov 20, 2017, 06:08 PM
... not counting Smitty Sleds & tip ups.

For me it was my DIY spud bar made from 3/4 inch iron pipe and a piece of sharpened leaf spring.  Version 2, however, will have a T handle since Version 1 did not and now rests at the bottom of Glendale Lake...
Title: Re: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: Big Ice Hole on Nov 20, 2017, 07:02 PM
My father inlaw's gaff.
Title: Re: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: Reinert on Nov 20, 2017, 07:17 PM
My girlfriend,homemade by her parents,does that count?? ;D
Title: Re: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: fishyholes on Nov 20, 2017, 07:54 PM
I tuned out my Jetsled Jr with an auger holder and a raised flasher mount that is at eye level. It saves my neck and back as I am more of a standing person than a bucket sitter. I then built some 40" long rods for the height. The package is less bending over and hunched body positions which allowing me to fish longer and more comfortably through a 12h day of fishing. All the components of the sled break down to flat with a pull of a pin or a turn of a knob.
Title: Re: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: Ice Scratcher on Nov 20, 2017, 08:16 PM
Might be a spud bar my Dad made for me 1983 (tool and die shop), when I started ice fishing..

<°)))>{
Title: Re: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: GasBlaster on Nov 20, 2017, 08:22 PM
Fish whistles .
Title: Re: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: WYIfish on Nov 20, 2017, 08:26 PM
Not a gadget but a ritual that works a "pike dance" ceremony to get the bite going. Mr. Pikey doesn't  like the dancing on the ice in his shallow weed lines so  he runs right into the minnows on the tip ups.
Title: Re: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: Iceassin on Nov 20, 2017, 08:33 PM
Hole covers
Title: Re: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: Drifter_016 on Nov 20, 2017, 09:01 PM
All of my rods.   ;D
Title: Re: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: Nessmuck on Nov 20, 2017, 09:02 PM

(https://s2.postimg.cc/3u0w8c09h/IMG_0687.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/3u0w8c09h/)
My 30-30 lead sounder....it has other uses too....
Title: Re: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: Big Ice Hole on Nov 20, 2017, 09:07 PM
(https://s2.postimg.cc/3u0w8c09h/IMG_0687.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/3u0w8c09h/)
My 30-30 lead sounder....it has other uses too....

Wish I was in New Hampshire, I'd share the sounder with ya! 😉
Title: Re: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: skifisher on Nov 20, 2017, 09:30 PM
A rope “throw-bag” I carry with my gear. It was made with a recycled stuff sack and 40 feet of rope with bowline loops tied on both ends. Haven’t used it yet, but it’s good to know it’s there if I need it.
Title: Re: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: Nessmuck on Nov 20, 2017, 09:34 PM
Wish I was in New Hampshire, I'd share the sounder with ya! 😉
..
LOL
Title: Re: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: AndyJ on Nov 20, 2017, 09:40 PM
And I know a big gal who would wear that as an earing.
Title: Re: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: Spider1 on Nov 21, 2017, 05:09 AM
My Smitty sled.
Title: Re: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: Unclegillhunter on Nov 21, 2017, 05:16 AM
my spud made by a guy that lived across an alley from me 22 yeas ago.
Keep it safe! JDL
Title: Re: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: captain54 on Nov 21, 2017, 05:56 AM
I always have my sounder made out of a 44. Mag shell but never use it any more. lol   Vex does it. I made a lure retriever that works well even on tiny panfish jigs. Real handy when fishing brush piles or beaver huts.
Title: Re: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: DLB on Nov 21, 2017, 06:38 AM
 Going thru a bunch of stuff in the garage attic last year I found the fly rod my Dad bought in 1930.  The section where the reel attached had cracked almost in half and for some reason, I never threw it out.  Bought a cork handle from Jans Crafts and turned the upper section into an ice fishing rod.  I use it jigging for walleye on Saginaw Bay.
Title: Re: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: aquarium234 on Nov 21, 2017, 07:20 AM
I second the hole covers as the best thing I've ever made....never chip any holes any more :0) its amazing. Though I got to say the creative way I've made tow bars for snowmobile over the years. When you tow 4 sleds out...somehow tow bars  tend to get abused.... Amazing what you can do with spare parts......
Title: Re: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: Spud_bar on Nov 21, 2017, 09:59 AM
She aint pretty, but it's incredibly useful. I've also added a few features since I took this picture.
- Sled is used as bench seat in my pop up style fish house.
- Seat backs that are hinged with paracord, so they lay flat when not in use
- A 1" PVC rack that fits in holes of the sides (on top, to stand vertically) to help keep stuff from falling off the side. These holes also work as rod holders

(http://u.cubeupload.com/spud_bar/IceFishing000011.gif)
Title: Re: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: uncleshorty on Nov 21, 2017, 10:20 AM
Nessmuck, is there a skunk out on the ice or is that a byproduct of another "homemade" project......
Title: Re: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: ByteN2it on Nov 21, 2017, 11:28 AM
I made a little wind powered jigging machine that hooked a few up last year & I plan on using it again this season.


(https://s8.postimg.cc/9mbfba9ep/0_AC97307-0_BB5-4953-_B107-8_A515_AD2_E5_DA.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/9mbfba9ep/)
Title: Re: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: tbern on Nov 21, 2017, 11:33 AM
I made a little wind powered jigging machine that hooked a few up last year & I plan on using it again this season.


(https://s8.postimg.cc/9mbfba9ep/0_AC97307-0_BB5-4953-_B107-8_A515_AD2_E5_DA.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/9mbfba9ep/)
.    Nice idea!
Title: Re: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: Figure ate on Nov 21, 2017, 11:54 AM
(https://s2.postimg.cc/3u0w8c09h/IMG_0687.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/3u0w8c09h/)
My 30-30 lead sounder....it has other uses too....

Sweet! I made a few jigging spoon bodies out of empty rifle casings. Shine them up with a wire wheel and seal with epoxy.
Title: Re: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: filetandrelease on Nov 21, 2017, 12:02 PM

Some jigging spoons for eyes and perch and a little steel wool just Incase they need buffing up , and a tie down for my flip incase the winds come up
Title: Re: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: jethro on Nov 21, 2017, 02:11 PM
I made a tow bar for my jetseld with electrical conduit and some Simpson hold down plates.
Title: Re: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: DrCro on Nov 21, 2017, 02:16 PM
Sweet! I made a few jigging spoon bodies out of empty rifle casings. Shine them up with a wire wheel and seal with epoxy.

I bet you can catch a nice pike with that!
Title: Re: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: Nessmuck on Nov 21, 2017, 08:22 PM
Nessmuck, is there a skunk out on the ice or is that a byproduct of another "homemade" project......

when fish and game pulls up to the portable Shack on their snow mobile...I tell them it got sprayed by a skunk....hasn't failed me yet......
Title: Re: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: Nessmuck on Nov 21, 2017, 09:16 PM
I know............
Title: Re: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: poot_818 on Nov 21, 2017, 09:32 PM
Made these last season, both made from 1 inch rebar, busted hammer heads and a cutting edge! They are heavy and solid!

(https://s17.postimg.cc/bsjly74ij/20171110_161913.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/bsjly74ij/)
Title: Re: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: troutpig on Nov 21, 2017, 11:42 PM
Wanted something different for my hub shelters, other than those T-handle adapters
(https://s33.postimg.cc/udqlqvkjf/iceanchor.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/udqlqvkjf/)
Title: Re: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: RStock521 on Nov 22, 2017, 06:39 AM
Wanted something different for my hub shelters, other than those T-handle adapters
(https://s33.postimg.cc/udqlqvkjf/iceanchor.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/udqlqvkjf/)
How do you screw that in?  I've seen people use lags with a hex head, then drive them in with a drill and socket adapter, but yours look round?  Maybe it's just the angle of the pic making it look that way, but I'm just curious...
Title: Re: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: smitty0312 on Nov 22, 2017, 09:35 AM
I made a center counsel for my Clam Yukon with compartments to keep things better organized for jigs & drinks. Very handy. Tight Lines.
Title: Re: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: happyheber on Nov 22, 2017, 09:55 AM
I tuned out my Jetsled Jr with an auger holder and a raised flasher mount that is at eye level. It saves my neck and back as I am more of a standing person than a bucket sitter. I then built some 40" long rods for the height. The package is less bending over and hunched body positions which allowing me to fish longer and more comfortably through a 12h day of fishing. All the components of the sled break down to flat with a pull of a pin or a turn of a knob.
do ya have any pics  :)
Title: Re: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: ran7ger on Nov 22, 2017, 05:51 PM
It sounds like your using some of my fish whistles !!   It's  legal in Maine  to (get sprayed by a skunk now )  ;D.  No different then having a beer

 those "fish whistles" (love that btw) should be illegal for how well they work!  will be fair game up here next year around canada day!  gonna be a good day.
Title: Re: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: bart on Nov 22, 2017, 06:12 PM
Windguard and cooking rack on the Mr. Heater

(https://i.imgur.com/vI3PvsCh.jpg)

I did a video of these mods: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsIqHWWkMuc (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsIqHWWkMuc)
Title: Re: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: dangle on Nov 22, 2017, 07:33 PM
I like your wind guard, Bart. I made a cook top for my buddy heater also.
http://s1359.photobucket.com/user/1dangle/media/20150901_162203_zpsqee1sagg.jpeg.html?sort=3&o=3
Title: Re: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: bart on Nov 22, 2017, 08:14 PM
I like your wind guard, Bart. I made a cook top for my buddy heater also.
http://s1359.photobucket.com/user/1dangle/media/20150901_162203_zpsqee1sagg.jpeg.html?sort=3&o=3


The wind guard works well. It's hard to tell if the rack is touching the handle in the pic, gotta be careful you don't melt the handle.
Title: Re: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: FishGut on Nov 23, 2017, 01:25 AM
I love my Salt Valley Tipups (Lincoln NE, circa 197?). A modern set of is five built from a 1/6 board cut into squares, some 2 inch PVC pipe for a spool, aluminum laundry wire legs, and piano wire and bandanna shreds for flags. Windproof if you set 'em right, adjustable for any weight from free running to several ounces.
Title: Re: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: staggerin on Nov 23, 2017, 01:34 AM
Cooking rack for my big buddy,  custom vertical jigs kinda like the perch talkers,  and the 12 volt battery box with switches that I'm working on.
Title: Re: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: buz23 on Nov 23, 2017, 03:16 AM
She aint pretty, but it's incredibly useful. I've also added a few features since I took this picture.
- Sled is used as bench seat in my pop up style fish house.
- Seat backs that are hinged with paracord, so they lay flat when not in use
- A 1" PVC rack that fits in holes of the sides (on top, to stand vertically) to help keep stuff from falling off the side. These holes also work as rod holders

(http://u.cubeupload.com/spud_bar/IceFishing000011.gif)

Those skis have got a lot of rocker, like the one I built.  Load the thing up with whatever it takes to make it sit flat on the floor, then fasten a section of lightweight board along the side of the ski supports on each side to hold them in that position.  It will track and ride a lot better on the ice.
Title: Re: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: Gamedog1 on Nov 23, 2017, 09:21 AM
Home made custom rods (spinning and through the blank longer ice rods with the cork handle)and a Hook remover for those expensive tungsten jigs. Both items sold at stores BUT! custom made are better! 
Title: Re: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: bart on Nov 23, 2017, 10:33 AM
I made this sled. The Boy Scouts use it during the Winter Camporees, it's been indestructible!
(https://i.imgur.com/0wnPw5Ah.jpg)

A PVC Rack Insert, works great. I would only lower the auger rack portion.
(https://i.imgur.com/lmtt0yRh.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/jVLLLqZh.jpg)
Title: Re: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: Spud_bar on Nov 23, 2017, 10:37 AM
Those skis have got a lot of rocker, like the one I built.  Load the thing up with whatever it takes to make it sit flat on the floor, then fasten a section of lightweight board along the side of the ski supports on each side to hold them in that position.  It will track and ride a lot better on the ice.

Good tip! it does fish tail a bit side to side when on glare ice. Thanks.
Title: Re: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: Nessmuck on Nov 23, 2017, 10:48 AM
I made an anchoring system for my hub style portable shack....Nevah had any luck with the screw/ Lag type systems.....you run into lousy ice...slush ice ..false ice...they Nevah seem to work for me....even had my Snap-on impact driver on the ice...to wind them in ..no luck. Pics to follow....or maybe I need to patent it first...lol
Title: Re: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: bart on Nov 23, 2017, 10:51 AM
Found the other sled I had made, heavier than the other one. Gave it to the Boy Scouts also, they use this one for hauling gear and wood. The other one is light and used for the Dog Sled races.
(https://i.imgur.com/ocYOumFh.jpg)
Title: Re: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: Light liner on Nov 23, 2017, 01:24 PM
I made a couple cupfors last season they work great.
Title: Re: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: Paul of Hbg. on Nov 23, 2017, 06:03 PM
Several years ago I bought a book which had plans on how to make something called "a spitter" so I thought I'd make one.
BTW its purpose is to keep the fishing hole from freezing over.
After making one you simply drill a hole part of the way through the ice next to the hole you're fishing through. Then put the "spitter" to work by splashing a bit of water into the fake hole so the dip tube on the spitter has some water to draw from. Then light the spitter up.....its just a metal can with coiled copper tubing inside, that has the bottom end of the tubing poked out through the lower part of the can, and soldered around it to keep water out of the can). I think I used about 10ft of 1/4" tubing for my small metal coffee can. I saved the lid to keep the charcoal from making a mess in the jet sled.
The top of the coil of copper is extended out over your fishing hole. Inside the can is placed some charcoal, and you light it up.
The idea is that the water in the bottom coil heats into steamy burps that plop into the real hole and keep it warm enough not to freeze. I wish I new how to reduce the file size of the pic on my phone....I'd post a pic....
Title: Re: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: hardwater diehard on Nov 23, 2017, 06:10 PM
Title: Re: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: WYIfish on Nov 23, 2017, 08:38 PM
I have pretty much seen it all now.  I use my scooper to keep the hole ice free.
Title: Re: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: Nessmuck on Nov 24, 2017, 10:03 AM

(https://s2.postimg.cc/3k5dcggvp/IMG_0701.png) (https://postimg.cc/image/3k5dcggvp/)
My trusty ice scoop ,has a chisel on one end...to bust up the ice,in the hole
Title: Re: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: Tinker on Nov 24, 2017, 10:27 AM
Yeah and here I just turn up the buddy heater to keep my holes open  ;D  love to see innovation though!
Title: Re: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: gearheart on Nov 24, 2017, 03:54 PM
home made moonshine. 
Title: Re: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: dangle on Nov 24, 2017, 04:50 PM
I like how gearhaert is thinking   ;D.
I have posted this before,  I use a car carrier that I got cheap, to haul my gear. I made conduit braces and runners. Pulls real nice.I have it shown on a smitty sled, I am thinking about using Barts  idea, and making adjustable conduit runners for the height to make it easier to load.
http://s1359.photobucket.com/user/1dangle/media/20151011_143207_zpshzzngjaz.jpeg.html?sort=3&o=4
Title: Re: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: Idahogator on Nov 24, 2017, 07:18 PM
I made a couple cupfors last season they work great.

Light liner,
             I've looked far and wide for a definition of your word " cupfors" to no avail.

 Could I impose on your good nature for enlightenment, please?

 Thank you in advance, Sir.


Tom
Title: Re: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: Big Ice Hole on Nov 24, 2017, 07:25 PM
Light liner,
             I've looked far and wide for a definition of your word " cupfors" to no avail.

 Could I impose on your good nature for enlightenment, please?

 Thank you in advance, Sir.


Tom
e

It's a joke!

You ask, what's a cupfors, and he says, coffee or something to that affect!
Title: Re: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: uncleshorty on Nov 24, 2017, 09:22 PM
Nuck, nuck, nuck...
Title: Re: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: ran7ger on Nov 24, 2017, 09:25 PM
yep, good one.  i never go out on the ice without some updock  ;D
Title: Re: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: JonPerry on Nov 24, 2017, 09:32 PM
I keep a matterdaddy next to me on the seat just in case, because you never want to see what'll happen without it.
Title: Re: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: uncleshorty on Nov 25, 2017, 03:52 PM
The way the world is today, to be on the safe side, you should NEVER leave home without a garagekey and a piecost...
Title: Re: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: Nessmuck on Nov 25, 2017, 03:59 PM
Don't forget to get a Hurts Donut..........
Title: Re: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: WYIfish on Nov 25, 2017, 05:03 PM
Another time honored one started up from the days of Robin Hood in the forest on sherwood pond ice fishing.....a pull this.  They were merry men after all.
Title: Re: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: Idahogator on Nov 25, 2017, 05:29 PM
Guilty as charged.     :bow: :roflmao:    Once again, duped by stewed ice fishermen.   Have another pull on the torpedo juice.  Line up by a handful and be called a hi-five.     MJ possession is only joint custody.     :roflmao: ;)2
Title: Re: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: Seamonkey84 on Nov 25, 2017, 06:22 PM
My diy henweigh is very useful when the situation arises. I also never head out without some extra headlight fluid and a can of elbow grease.
Title: Re: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: hounds on Nov 25, 2017, 07:20 PM
Love the Water spiter tried to make one of those about 7 years ago could not get it to work, because I could not get a good seal on the outside of the copper pipe.  Looks like the cement helps with that.
Title: Re: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: baogongmeo on Nov 25, 2017, 08:58 PM
Homemade boudin. Giggity Giggity
Title: Re: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: timr35 on Dec 01, 2017, 04:31 PM
uncleshorty, when you do the "T" handle put a piece of para cord or light rope through it, lets you snag it with a hook.
Learned that from watching a friend try and lift his with a magnet that just wasn't strong enough.
Title: Re: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: poot_818 on Dec 01, 2017, 05:09 PM
On my homemade spud bars I used paracord around the tops of them and made a slip knot which I'll put around my wrist after plenty of excess rope off each so it's not like it would be instantly tight!
Title: Re: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: Buckmaster7600 on Dec 02, 2017, 09:00 AM
My hole covers, Kong large rubber dog frisbees. 10" diameter heavy rubber stack nicely. Like most others if it's -20 the hole will freeze but in normal conditions they work perfect!
Title: Re: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: slipperybob on Dec 02, 2017, 09:06 AM
I can hardly believe, I've got nothing right now... ???

not even home made ice picks...
Title: Re: Best Homemade Gadget You Take Out On The Ice...
Post by: maddogg on Dec 02, 2017, 09:22 AM
home made moonshine.


What hole do you put this in? ;D