IceShanty.com's Ice Fishing Community
Ice Fishing Tips -Check your local regulations! => Equipment => Topic started by: P Gottshall on Dec 22, 2004, 05:06 PM
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It's amazing what you can do with a mouse-trap. . . ;)
Here’s my ultra-sensitive whip-up design. You purist jiggers should just move on (just kidding!)
I was intrigued by Slammerman's “Slammer Tip-Up” design. I’ve stared at it for days, & wondered how I could make it more sensitive, as central-IL Crappies probably don’t hit hard enough to trip it. His design is a good one, but I think aimed at bigger fish.
What I need is an ultra-sensitive trip mechanism. Talking with my Dad, we came up with “mouse-trap”. A mouse trap has a tremendous amount of force, but can be setoff by a mouse weighing almost nothing, kind of like a Crappie bite.
So here’s the design we came up with. I’m using a 30” medium Walleye rod, so don’t think this will be too dangerous, other than snapping my fingers in the trap. My biggest concern is that I’ll rip through the Crappies’ mouths. If I do I’ll go to a lighter rod.
Note that I tie-wrapped the trap on, so it will be easy to change when necessary, as at $0.25 each, they do tend to fly apart.
Next, I need to figure out how to trip the trigger when Crappies “lift” the bait, as they usually do. . .
This thing works excellent.
Too much time on my hands with no ice,
Paul
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v623/pgottshall/trap1.jpg)
The only trick is wrapping the line around the hold-down arm, so that a slight tug on the line will cause the trap to snap, releasing the pole. Here’s a close-up sketch:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v623/pgottshall/MouseTrap.jpg)
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Cool. Have you tried this at all on big lakers?
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i cant believe it someone finally built a better mouse trap!!
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billditrite,
No lakers in cental-IL. I expect it will work especially well on Catfish through the ice, & hopefully Crappies with a lighter rod & the trap set super-sensitive.
Paul
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Paul , that whip-up is a killer. Can't wait for my wife to see me make this one. Now she will know there is something wrong with me!!!! thanks
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NIce job,it looks good to me. :o
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I am impressed. Yes... impressed
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that is such a cool idea!! :tipup: :tipup: :tipup:
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That's a good question; you've obviously really looked at it!
The "flipper" never lays flat enough on the wood to actually catch the line. Plus, as the flipper is coming over, I think it will tend to throw the line off the hold-down-arm. Of course it actually happens too fast for me to see. I just know I've tried this many times, & the line has never gotten caught.
If the line could get caught, I suspect the snap of the pole will pull it free. As long as you're not using 2lb line, you should be fine.
Paul
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v623/pgottshall/MouseTrapview2.jpg)
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man thats cool
the only thing is if you hook a big one the rod tip will pull down and over the trap
possibly break the tip off
but awesome for light biting perch kids would love to see a fish strike and the hook set.
what would happen if you let the line from the rod tip go down to the hook and say at water level you tie on a short piece of line run that up to the mouse trap and loop the line around the trip wire I think it would give a better hook set and if the fish ran with the hook and line the short piece could go with it. the only thing is that short line may get tangled when you reel in
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I want to know how do you set this thing with cold hands! I think its cool but I can already hear a lot of cussing comeing out of fish shacks when someone gets their fingers caught in it ;D. Just a little help with this Paul. put a small block of wood or elect tape on the spring loaded trapping device so it can not catch the line it will trip on it leaving a gap so the line will pull out from under it without catching the line. Maybe I will try to use this Idea except I will put the mouse trap on my line and send it down the hole and catch those lite biters :D.
Coldfeet
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It definately looks like somebody ( no name mentioned here) has got WAY too much time on his hands .
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Icefishermen are geniuses . I'm sure this will get some modifications to suit but I think we got a winner here lads . ;D Hats off to P.Gotshall our latest inventor .
TD
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Man that thing needs to be illegal...Poor fish aren't going to have a chance. ;D ;D ;D :clap: :thumbsup: :clap: :thumbsup: :clap: :thumbsup:
Way to go Paul.
Tight Lines
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[quote
I was intrigued by Fishin Musician’s “Slammer Tip-Up” design.
excuse me?? ... who's Slammer Tip-Up design??
Fishin' Musician's device was copied after an illustration which I drew and designed for IN-Fisherman back in 1995. They called it a "Steelie Slammer" in the article by mistake. We were field-testing that design at the time and they didn't survive our "Polish downhill snomobile & sled loaded with gear wipe-out" test. The Slammer Tip-Ups that we sold that year through Virgil's Steelhead & Salmon Tackle Specialties were of a revised design.
You DO have too much time (and PVC) on your hands Paul. Keep us informed how your rod-holders work under real fishing conditions on the ice.
You need to think of an original name for it - maybe the Gott-Trap??
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Guys,
Thanks for the comments. Yes I have had a lot of time on my hands, but now we have 4in in cental-IL! Out of the garage, & into my Scout for the next couple months. ;D
If anyone has an idea for a more robust trip-mechanism, I'd love to hear it. I bought a "yo-yo" reel off ebay for $2, which has a similarly-sensitive trip. Mayber there's an idea there. . .
Slammerman - I didn't know where the original Steelie-Slammer design came from, but saw a post of a homemade one here, which I referenced. Credit to you for a great design on that one! - check your pm's.
Merry Christ-mas everyone, & keep your fingers out of the trap!
Paul
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i just finished reading the article about slammers in the january New England Game & Fish.good article 10 for 10 on pike is phenominal!!
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Paul-
Fantastic!! I have built the "Slammer" style but worry about the force with which the rod whips up. This design seems to put the rod under a little less pressure and might be safer where small children roam the ice. I am very interested in getting some dimensions in terms of how high is the rod-holder end? How high is the trap-holding end? What is the distance between the posts and roughly how much PVC did you need to make 1 trap?
I am always looking for new ways to use a rod and reel in a tip-up fashion and this one needs to be tried. THanks for posting!
Brian
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paul thats cool its a great design
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Good design paul. If you don't mind i think i might adapt that same design somewhat to a wood design to make it possibly adjustable and more stable. I had a problem with a lot of pike hitting tipups with a single fathead minnow for big perch and i think it would be fun to try to catch one on a panfish rod.
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Modify away!! I don't mind at all. I like to post ideas that will get other people thinking, to see what feedback I get, & what ideas people have for improvements. I work in the (electrical) engineering world, & know that the best idea is rarely the first idea. We also live with the NIH syndrome (Not-Invented-Here), where a lot of people feel attacked if someone tries to improve their idea. ;) Not me! Go for it! All I ask is that you share your improvements here!
I tend to make stuff out of PVC, as it's cheap & easy to work with, but it's not necessarily the best choice. It can be brittle & bulky. I've also been thinking of building this out of wood, as I'd like it to fold up so it fits in my shanty a little better, plus I have an idea for a more-robust trigger mechanism.
When I do, I'll post a pic. I'd appreciate you doing the same!
Good luck,
Paul
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no problem. after i build it I'll post a picture. I dont know how much i'll be able to improve on it but i'll give it my best go. i look forward to see your next design.
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I built one last night and that thing is awsome,showed everyone at work they loved it!!!! :o :o :oI am going to try to modify mine so you dont have to use the mouse trap(dont like the idea of cold broken fingers and all).I will let you know how it works and post some pics if I an find someone to do it,is posting pics hard?
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How about trying this with a simple downrigger release . ??? Might be a tad easier on the fingys . :-\
TD
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Machinist,
Kinda' fun isn't it?
Posting pic's is relatively easy. See http://www.iceshanty.com/ice_fishing/index.php?topic=5732.msg49398#msg49398
Instead of sharemation.com, I strongly recommend photobucket.com (http://photobucket.com).
I'd love to see what you do in place of the mousetrap!
Good luck!
Paul
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HAAaaa i made one last week! My wife looked at me and said, "you have GOT to be kidding me."!! nope, just a litte nutty, honey.... hahhahahaha.. It works great!! you can 'bend' the trigger on the trap to get a very fine set.. only problem damaged fingers! i took it out last Thursday, set it up, had people wondering what the heck that 'thing' was.. hahaha.... we had light biters that night so it never 'went off' .. but the days coming when I catch that first fish... my Dad will laugh all night until we get home... guaranteed.. and that's what it's allll about!! hahahhaahha.. have fun! (and pray for ice!) thanks Paul!! or Slammer.. or whoever.. I'd like to see the modification.. if I can think of something I'll post it..
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Are all inventors schizophrenic?
Or is it just me? :P
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Trapperdirk I thought of that but have never used one so I didnt know how light it could be set.If they can be set light the I will try one.BACK TO THE LABORATORY HA HA HA HA HA HA(EVIL LAUGH) ;D ;D
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could you post the dimensions of this. What size is the PVC?
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O.K. I am done with my mods to this fish catchin machine!!!I will try to post some pics in e few days when I get a chance.what I did was instead of the mouse trap I used two L screws that are used to hang picture frames with(the little brass ones)and screwed them to the t end that had the mouse trap on it so the hook would hold the rod tip bent over and the other one you drape the line over so it pulls the rod tip off from the other L hook and the bent over rod does the rest(setting the hook).The best thing about this set up is no busted nuckles/fingers to worry about and that you can set the sensitivity of the strike by turning the hook that holds the rod tip down,I have a 1/16 ounce worm wieght on the end of the string and it will set off the rod if you let it drop abouta 1/4 t a 1/2 an inch from the line being slack,or you can set it heavy for bigger minnows and such.Like said I will take some pictures and try to post them if I have any problems I will email them to somebody if they would help.The only problem is that there is hardly any ice hear and I cant wait to test it,the weather also lookes like it is giong to hit record highs this week to!!! >:( >:(
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Are all inventors schizophrenic?
Or is it just me? :P
no me too!! and me ,and me, and me , and me
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Paul, I wanted to tell ya I finally caught something on that contraption! first fish was a 10" perch and the second.. a 6" gill.. when that first fish hit, the trap snapped, I turned my head and in amazement I saw my rod pounding. wo wwhat a Thrill! my Dad couldn't stop talking about it! the second fish set it off while I was out checking my tipdowns.. snap!! I heard about 150' away.. by the time I got there that poor little gill was all tuckered out.. it's just the cat's meow.. THANKS!! Oh, I use a 6 foot light action rod. I was using a CJ&S's Finkie tipped with a fathead minnie tail. and I had a matchbook cover on the line to get some action.. worked perfect! thanks so much! :D :D
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Thanks for the pictures!!!
For us visually inclined guys, the photos really help. Will look forward to seeing some of the modified designs to follow?!
Thanks,
-Reelcharacter
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I dont know how to post a picture yet so if somebody here could post them I would email the pictures to them,just let me know
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Gairz,
That's awesome! Hope they tasted good!!
Machinist,
[email protected] & I'll post-'em for ya!
Paul
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O.K. I am done with my mods to this fish catchin machine!!!I will try to post some pics in e few days when I get a chance.what I did was instead of the mouse trap I used two L screws that are used to hang picture frames with(the little brass ones)and screwed them to the t end that had the mouse trap on it so the hook would hold the rod tip bent over and the other one you drape the line over so it pulls the rod tip off from the other L hook and the bent over rod does the rest(setting the hook).The best thing about this set up is no busted nuckles/fingers to worry about and that you can set the sensitivity of the strike by turning the hook that holds the rod tip down,I have a 1/16 ounce worm wieght on the end of the string and it will set off the rod if you let it drop abouta 1/4 t a 1/2 an inch from the line being slack,or you can set it heavy for bigger minnows and such.Like said I will take some pictures and try to post them if I have any problems I will email them to somebody if they would help.The only problem is that there is hardly any ice hear and I cant wait to test it,the weather also lookes like it is giong to hit record highs this week to!!! >:( >:(
I dont know how to post a picture yet so if somebody here could post them I would email the pictures to them,just let me know
MACHINIST sent me these photo's to post. Nice idea.. I can see me using these on my contraption. I've yet to get my fingers in the mouse trap.. ;D but when I do that mouse trap is sure to go down the hole..
MACHINIST MODIFICATION TO THE PAUL'S UL WHIPUP:
TOP VIEW:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/gairz/MACHINIST_inv_topview.jpg)
SIDEISH/TOP VIEW:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/gairz/MACHINIST_inv_sideivew.jpg)
BTW, my contraption has since caught more fish. Two gills and a perch. The thing alone outfished my Dad last Sunday!! hehee ;D
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Well what do you guys think?Thanks gairs for posting the pics for me.On the fish trap you can set the hook that holds the rod tip down so that it's a hair trigger or for a little more aggressive fish,just turn the hook.I will be doing some testing tonight somewhere,don't know where yet but it will get tested.The only thing that I don't like is that the trap is built for one rod and one rod only I tried others but they didn't work the same.
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Can you make one that pours beer in my mouth and makes a sandwich for me? If you can, try working on one that with vacume, etc. too, I've got an expensive old model at home I'm willing to let go of at cost.
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I made both of these set-ups. On Blind Sodus you could hear the mouse trap snap from across the bay. Ever trap set caught a fish. The other though, with the brass hooks, doesn't set so easily. Many times, I have pulled line up to find fish hanging on the other end all tuckered out.
Lots o fun!!! ;D
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I've since modified my mouse trap after the pan got bent.. it works a little better. i took the pan off, took my pliers and yanked out one side of the staple that held the pan. I bent it up to a 90 degree angle (similar to Machineists "L" screws) I set the trigger under that staple. everything else is the same..
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OK Guys This is way to complicated. Here's my take on this .Two things first Keep it SIMPLE. the other if its not broken why try to fix it. Are you READY
Take a 2x6 or 2x8--10 to 12 inches in length.Take a broken hockey stick everyone has one of them laying around. Cut the broken end on a 45 degree cut. Take the but end of the hockey stick and trace the but end on the 2x8 or 2x6 now cut a square hole for the hockey stick to fit in. If its wobbly cut a nother piece of 2x6 or 2x8 only this time make this one 4 inches in length cut a square hole in the middle of this and screw this to the first board so the hockey stick will pass through both,now that is sturdier.
Now go to your local hardware store get yourself a few door springs the ones with the little rubber stopper on the ends.The ones that screw on the base boards to stop the door handle from going threw the wall.Get one for earch tip up. Also get as many pieces of dowling 1/4 inch,as you are wanting one piece for each tip up. also get yourself as many cup hooks as you need one for each tip up.Get the smallest cup hooks that you can find or your going to split the dowling.It might be advisable to drill the dowling one size smaller than the cup hook screw.
Now take the rubber stopper off of the end of the door stop and put in pocket .Take the steel end with the screw off of the bottom of the door stop and screw to the 45 degree cut you made on the hockey stick, take the dowling whatever length you want for the best sencitivity take the cup hook and screw into the dowling about one inch back from the tip.Take the other end of the dowling and screw it into the end of the door stop and screw the door stop spring back onto the metal piece that you screwed to the 45 dergree cut.Then attach a fishing reel about 3 to 4 inches up from the but end ,place the but end in the squared holes of the 2x6 or 2x8. Place next to hole, loop the line over the cup hook,bait up and drop your line in the hole.When it hits bottom reel in the line until it pulls the dowling parallel with the ice.Set the tension on the reel.
Next wait for fish to bite.
PS if using for night fishing wrap a piece of reflective tape on the end of the dowling.
Good luck and Happy Fishing
NOW THATS SIMPLE WHY DIDNT I THINK OF THAT
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Do any of you remember that kids came called Mousetrap?
MD
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Vette59....and just how does that set the hook for you??
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Well BELLYBUSTER--Billy Bob wants to know if you would like me to land your fish as well
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kinda missed the entire essence of this 3 year old thread didn't ya??? sarcasm may be assumed
Actually, just checked, 4 years, congrats
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kindaa funny.. I just saw my old mouse trap rig last night.. thinking about wiping the dust off of her and taking her out with the kids.. kids love it. hell, I love it!
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I have built five of these rigs, and caught a few perch with them. They are easy to build and set up. Thanks for the design. My materials list is 3 T connections, two 90 degree elbows, 36" of 1" PVC, a mouse trap, two zip ties and a hot glue gun. The PVC is cut into one 4" (rod holder), two 3" (base), one 12" (trap post) and one 14" (long arm base) section. Glue the base pieces together, but leave the trap post and rod holder unglued. Then you can disassemble the unit to store better. I fit all five in a three gallon square plastic bucket. I painted them all fluorescent orange for visibility.
I catch a few fishermen, too. One guy photographed them, and a couple have already built there own.
Thanks again for the original idea. I just call them "snappers", and I'm building two "slammers", too. The pike are on the feed right now, and I need to get out there.