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Ice Fishing Tips -Check your local regulations! => Tipups => Topic started by: Ramp 23 on Nov 02, 2016, 07:06 PM

Title: JACK TRAPS
Post by: Ramp 23 on Nov 02, 2016, 07:06 PM
Do you think, having used them, that Jack Traps have increased your catch rates on various species of fish, that they actually improved your catch over other tip ups, for example a Polar tip up. Or are jack traps mostly about appearance, fit ,finish,craftmanship ?
Title: Re: JACK TRAPS
Post by: Curley on Nov 04, 2016, 07:50 PM
Never had the pleasure of using a Jack trap but have seen and handled them. They are a high end quality product that will last for years. Presentation will get you more fish, but there is a certain satisfaction of having quality equipment. Kind of like having a fine rifle as compared to a plastic stocked all American Ruger. They'll both bring home the bacon.
Title: Re: JACK TRAPS
Post by: NorthNH603 on Nov 07, 2016, 06:41 PM
I upgraded to Jack Traps from Polar last year. To be honest with you I haven't noticed a change in my fish catching. The Jacks are beautiful though and they are easy to work with. I look forward to fishing these for ages and handing them down when the time comes. I will never buy another brand trap again.
Title: Re: JACK TRAPS
Post by: OldSailor on Nov 07, 2016, 07:16 PM
Here's a link. Good reading when you click the 'ABOUT' button.
http://jacktraps.com/
Title: Re: JACK TRAPS
Post by: Ramp 23 on Nov 08, 2016, 07:02 AM
Thanks for the response , interesting story & polar comparison
Title: Re: JACK TRAPS
Post by: WarBonnett on Nov 08, 2016, 08:06 AM
    WAY too much money for a ice fishing trap !!!!!!!!!!!!   :cookoo:             WB
Title: Re: JACK TRAPS
Post by: iowapackfan on Nov 08, 2016, 12:41 PM
 :o
    WAY too much money for a ice fishing trap !!!!!!!!!!!!   :cookoo:             WB
:o :o agree! :o :o
Title: Re: JACK TRAPS
Post by: NorthNH603 on Nov 08, 2016, 01:44 PM
:o :o :o agree! :o :o

They are more than just a ice fishing trap, I don't know, you just have to put hands on them. Almost art how beautiful these are.
Title: Re: JACK TRAPS
Post by: jocasseee on Nov 08, 2016, 03:55 PM
They work great for me.   The prices are going up I noticed.   I was able to piece together 7 all on craigslist for about the price of 2 new ones.  Well worth checking frequently on craigslist as they don't come up often.
Title: Re: JACK TRAPS
Post by: NorthNH603 on Nov 08, 2016, 04:19 PM
They work great for me.   The prices are going up I noticed.   I was able to piece together 7 all on craigslist for about the price of 2 new ones.  Well worth checking frequently on craigslist as they don't come up often.

You my friend got a smoking deal.
Title: Re: JACK TRAPS
Post by: jocasseee on Nov 08, 2016, 04:47 PM
I live about 5 minutes from the shop but drove over an hour to 2 times to get them used.  Just put some lithium grease to the reel bolt and I d say she's as good a new one.   
I have had a lot less hit and spits with the jacks compared to the polar ones I had before, so time well spent in my eyes.
Title: Re: JACK TRAPS
Post by: Alex Delarge on Nov 09, 2016, 08:10 AM
As long as traps are working equally well and have the same presentation I can't see how 1 would catch more than the other. Having said that, 1 trap may be better to target a certain species. Polar tip ups can get buried in the snow easily but are lightweight and take little storage space. Jack traps are more visible but have that awful trip mechanism where you try to put a little hook through a split ring all while in some kind of bracket. I feel sorry for an old-timer I fish with that uses the jack traps, his eyesight is bad and his fingers freeze easy and he's gotta take his glove off to set his trap. I've been using heritage lakers for a few years and like those. I may occasionally bring polar tip ups and I don't even know where my jack traps are.
Title: Re: JACK TRAPS
Post by: caught_the_fever on Nov 09, 2016, 11:54 AM
I'm not sure about catch rates but I will echo the sentiments of the other poster's mentioning craftsmanship.  Further, I have fished some extremely windy conditions and have never experienced a false flag resulting from it.  If you have a flag with a Jack, you know something hit your bait which is not always the case with other traps.

Since I'm a serious angler, I would prefer to buy quality equipment, take care of it and it last me 10+ years (or a lifetime) than to spend less, have equipment issues and/or have to replace it every few years.  Lithium grease to the reel spool and some 3 in 1 on the flag arms have worked for me to this point though the arms do have a tendency to rust a bit. 

I will say I am glad I purchased mine when they were around $32/trap w/ line.  The prices have gone up considerably since. 
Title: Re: JACK TRAPS
Post by: Ericbres on Nov 14, 2016, 07:45 AM
I'm not sure about catch rates but I will echo the sentiments of the other poster's mentioning craftsmanship.  Further, I have fished some extremely windy conditions and have never experienced a false flag resulting from it.  If you have a flag with a Jack, you know something hit your bait which is not always the case with other traps.

Since I'm a serious angler, I would prefer to buy quality equipment, take care of it and it last me 10+ years (or a lifetime) than to spend less, have equipment issues and/or have to replace it every few years.  Lithium grease to the reel spool and some 3 in 1 on the flag arms have worked for me to this point though the arms do have a tendency to rust a bit. 

I will say I am glad I purchased mine when they were around $32/trap w/ line.  The prices have gone up considerably since.

I am going to agree with a couple of points made here:
I've fished on some NASTY days where some guys in our group didn't even bother going out. Most that did, were getting wind flags. Mine just sat and when they did go up, there were fish on the line (or had at least taken a bite). In my opinion, on sub-zero windy days - if I am forced to leave the warmth of the shanty, in my opinion the extra few bucks for a Jacks Trap is worth not wasting my time for a wind flag.
Sure they are a few extra bucks - but - budget, just like any other quality purchase you need to make. For example, I buy my son a single Jacks Trap for Christmas every year. He uses his cheap leftovers/hand-me-downs to complete his set for the time being. But 5 (well, now 3) years from now he will have a nice set of traps that will last him a lifetime. I did the same thing when I wanted mine. Bought one per season while using the old ones to complete my set.

And yes, some 3 in 1 on that flag arm is important. I forgot on one of mine and it ended up being a bear to deal with.
Title: Re: JACK TRAPS
Post by: caught_the_fever on Nov 17, 2016, 12:54 PM
I am going to agree with a couple of points made here:
I've fished on some NASTY days where some guys in our group didn't even bother going out. Most that did, were getting wind flags. Mine just sat and when they did go up, there were fish on the line (or had at least taken a bite). In my opinion, on sub-zero windy days - if I am forced to leave the warmth of the shanty, in my opinion the extra few bucks for a Jacks Trap is worth not wasting my time for a wind flag.
Sure they are a few extra bucks - but - budget, just like any other quality purchase you need to make. For example, I buy my son a single Jacks Trap for Christmas every year. He uses his cheap leftovers/hand-me-downs to complete his set for the time being. But 5 (well, now 3) years from now he will have a nice set of traps that will last him a lifetime. I did the same thing when I wanted mine. Bought one per season while using the old ones to complete my set.

And yes, some 3 in 1 on that flag arm is important. I forgot on one of mine and it ended up being a bear to deal with.

You're a heck of a dad getting the little guy Jack traps.  Depending upon his age, he may not be able to fully appreciate the difference but years from now when he's still fishing them, there's no doubt it will bring back the great memories fishing with dad.  While a bit different as a grown man, I always enjoy hitting the ice with my father - it's fun seeing something as simple as the spring of a flag turn a man in his 60's into a child once again. 

Good luck this season and have fun! 
Title: Re: JACK TRAPS
Post by: Fontona19 on Nov 26, 2016, 01:25 PM
I think longevity is the point with Jacks. They are kiln dried first to weed out the junk wood, and then put together expertly. I will say that I am not a fan of Tim himself, as he has been rude to me on more than one occasion. I think there are other brands doing just as good of work, but none are better from my experience. Worth the money? Hard to say, but my son is going to have a great set of tip ups for the rest of his life that is for sure.
Title: Re: JACK TRAPS
Post by: Kevin in maine on Dec 06, 2016, 04:02 PM
Since I switched to Jacks 3 years ago I have had 1 stolen bait that didn't trip the flag. When I used heritage traps it happened very frequently, and I know how to lighten up heritage traps but when you do that they become prone to wind flags. So I have been very happy with the jacks and won't ever switch back.
Title: Re: JACK TRAPS
Post by: Mr.Harry on Dec 17, 2016, 04:00 PM
Jacks are awesome. Worth the money and then some when you take into consideration they'll out-last you, if you're good to them. Started using a few last year to see if I wanted to upgrade from Heritage. About every season a buy a new trap or two of different make, just out of curiosity and to 'field test' what else is out there.  Fore I tried the Jacks, I always came back to my heritages as the go-to's. That has begun to change. I bought 3 jacks last season, will buy 2 or 3 more this season, and then my heritages will be delegated to 'back-up' or 'group fishing' status. I DO see how they might increase your catch rate do to fewer hit 'n spits (sensitive trip and really smooth spool) or flagless hits.
Title: Re: JACK TRAPS
Post by: NateD on Dec 27, 2016, 03:42 PM
I think longevity is the point with Jacks. They are kiln dried first to weed out the junk wood, and then put together expertly. I will say that I am not a fan of Tim himself, as he has been rude to me on more than one occasion. I think there are other brands doing just as good of work, but none are better from my experience. Worth the money? Hard to say, but my son is going to have a great set of tip ups for the rest of his life that is for sure.

My dad did the same thing.  Every year he takes a trip to Moosehead with his college buddies, and since I was 10 he bought me one jack trap every year until I had a set.  15 years later I am still using them, zero maintenance, zero rust, and I haven't been nice to them at all.  It is pretty amazing how much ice fishing I've done and never had to buy a trap in my life.
Title: Re: JACK TRAPS
Post by: Gamalot on Jan 17, 2017, 08:11 AM
I bought a set of 5 Cross Jacks 8 years ago because I like them. Yes, they are a bit pricey but as I get older I enjoy upgrading to the better quality equipment and the Jacks are just that. I already had 3 other full sets including the Heritage Lakers and they all work just fine as long as you maintain them.

I guess it all depends upon how serious you are about ice fishing. The Jacks will last your lifetime and probably into your grand kids lives. Some guys drive Chevy's while other like Mercedes and paying a few bucks more is only an issue for those on a tight budget. Jack traps won't catch fish any better than the others but they sure are better quality for the long run and with just a little care they will last. If you are fishing big water that calls for deep sets and possibly large fish then Jacks are the way to go and the Heritage Lakers are no slouches either. When I fish local ponds with shallower water I use the HT Polar discs that fit 5 in a bucket. There is no need to complain about the price, if you don't like it then just find a cheaper alternative and go fishing.
Title: Re: JACK TRAPS
Post by: jiml on Feb 09, 2017, 10:53 AM
Never had the pleasure of using a Jack trap but have seen and handled them. They are a high end quality product that will last for years. Presentation will get you more fish, but there is a certain satisfaction of having quality equipment. Kind of like having a fine rifle as compared to a plastic stocked all American Ruger. They'll both bring home the bacon.

THIS^

I've harvested more game than I can count with my bread and butter Mossberg 500.....rabbit, hare, deer, pheasant, ducks and squirrels.  It has taken a pounding and has never failed me.....it is not pretty.....but its functional.    I have much "better" shotguns in the safe.......even a browning new model a5 and a pristine 1969 Belgian made original a5.  But the mossy comes with me every time in the field.......and I actually find my success rate on certain hunts better because of it........I'm not afraid to go into the ball busting thickets what that mossy 500 for rabbit, hare and pheasant.......when I used to take the brownings out for small game I'd stick to the trails because I was worried about dinging up my furniture!!!  The jacks are amazingly beautiful.....but I equate those to the guys that shoot trap and skeet with a kreighoff over under that ran em upwards of $7k........you still have to know how to shoot to have it improve your game!!!!  If you like the pretty stuff I get it.  But you can't "buy a better game"........you still have to know HOW to hunt......or fish. ;D

I'll stick to my old heritage lakers......2 decades of use.....and they ain't pretty......they just work.
Title: Re: JACK TRAPS
Post by: NateD on Feb 09, 2017, 11:13 AM
THIS^

I've harvested more game than I can count with my bread and butter Mossberg 500.....rabbit, hare, deer, pheasant, ducks and squirrels.  It has taken a pounding and has never failed me.....it is not pretty.....but its functional.    I have much "better" shotguns in the safe.......even a browning new model a5 and a pristine 1969 Belgian made original a5.  But the mossy comes with me every time in the field.......and I actually find my success rate on certain hunts better because of it........I'm not afraid to go into the ball busting thickets what that mossy 500 for rabbit, hare and pheasant.......when I used to take the brownings out for small game I'd stick to the trails because I was worried about dinging up my furniture!!!  The jacks are amazingly beautiful.....but I equate those to the guys that shoot trap and skeet with a kreighoff over under that ran em upwards of $7k........you still have to know how to shoot to have it improve your game!!!!  If you like the pretty stuff I get it.  But you can't "buy a better game"........you still have to know HOW to hunt......or fish. ;D

I'll stick to my old heritage lakers......2 decades of use.....and they ain't pretty......they just work.

Ever need to replace parts on those lakers?
Title: Re: JACK TRAPS
Post by: Gamalot on Feb 09, 2017, 11:42 AM
THIS^

I've harvested more game than I can count with my bread and butter Mossberg 500.....rabbit, hare, deer, pheasant, ducks and squirrels.  It has taken a pounding and has never failed me.....it is not pretty.....but its functional.    I have much "better" shotguns in the safe.......even a browning new model a5 and a pristine 1969 Belgian made original a5.  But the mossy comes with me every time in the field.......and I actually find my success rate on certain hunts better because of it........I'm not afraid to go into the ball busting thickets what that mossy 500 for rabbit, hare and pheasant.......when I used to take the brownings out for small game I'd stick to the trails because I was worried about dinging up my furniture!!!  The jacks are amazingly beautiful.....but I equate those to the guys that shoot trap and skeet with a kreighoff over under that ran em upwards of $7k........you still have to know how to shoot to have it improve your game!!!!  If you like the pretty stuff I get it.  But you can't "buy a better game"........you still have to know HOW to hunt......or fish. ;D

I'll stick to my old heritage lakers......2 decades of use.....and they ain't pretty......they just work.

I agree 100% with what you said. I have both Heritage lakers and Jack Traps so I can give a very fair critique on both. HLs are a fine tip up and all any real ice man will ever need as long as he cares for them. The ones I have are made from what appears to be Poplar wood that came un treated with no protective shelac or poly coating. The spool axle is pressed in and the flag and spring are what appears to be galvanized metal. My HL spools are plastic but I have seen some that came with aluminum spools. I have had a spool fall right out from the pressed in axle while fishing so that led me to do some maintenance on the tip ups, sealed the wood and pinned the spool shafts so they won't pop out. Wood swells when it gets wet and is not brought into the house after fishing and allowed to dry. Yes, they sure do work fine and usually get the job done but they also do get ratty looking after some years of use.

My Jack Traps are highly sealed Oak with a very high gloss finish that lasts and lasts. All the hardware is excellent quality stainless steel and the spools are aluminum. Not so much as a drop of rust or wear after over 8 years of constant use. I don't have to do anything on them to keep them looking and working great and just like new. They cost at the time I bought them twice the price as the HLs did but I am perfectly fine with that simply for the added quality and durability. I do get the Nice Gun/Beater gun analogy but I have no issue with tossing my Jacks in a bucket and taking them all over when ever I want to fish. I use the HLs for friends I take fishing that don't have decent equipment.

For ice fishing no one needs Heritage Lakers or Jack Traps to catch fish. I see others with what I consider cheap Chinese junk tip ups catch just as many fish and for sure the fish don't give a damn who made the tip ups. If you happen to like General Motors cars you know some guys buy the Chevy while others go for the Cadillacs and that is the difference between HLs and Jack Traps. I have had just about all of them including the Beaver Dams and I like my Jack Traps the best of all of them. I have never had a wind flag with the Jacks and I can adjust the tension it takes to trip the flag for when I use larger bait. I never have a problem seeing a flag up and never did with the HLs either. It is a simple matter of personal preference and the ability to afford the better gear. I never have seen a better made or higher quality tip up than my Jack Traps but I know for sure I will never need them when someone does build one. These will be handed down to my sons and grand sons and maybe the great grand sons and further.
Title: Re: JACK TRAPS
Post by: jiml on Feb 09, 2017, 12:57 PM
Ever need to replace parts on those lakers?

One time in 20 years of ownership.....went through them a couple years ago and changed out the hardware and flags.  Never had a failure while actually fishing with them either. 

The parts I bought were piece of mind because after 18 years on the lakes getting tossed in and out of sleds and buckets the flags were starting to peal off the poles......found it easier to just buy the full parts kit that came with a full flag and all the brass hardware for the spool. 

That is it.

Title: Re: JACK TRAPS
Post by: NateD on Feb 10, 2017, 04:16 PM
One time in 20 years of ownership.....went through them a couple years ago and changed out the hardware and flags.  Never had a failure while actually fishing with them either. 

The parts I bought were piece of mind because after 18 years on the lakes getting tossed in and out of sleds and buckets the flags were starting to peal off the poles......found it easier to just buy the full parts kit that came with a full flag and all the brass hardware for the spool. 

That is it.

They sound pretty nice, my 6 jack traps are going on 15 years never replaced a thing, no grease, no tightening bolts, nothin'. But my dad bought me them one at a time when I was a kid, and they were 32 dollars then, so I can see not wanting to spend the cash on a full set, if somebody stole mine, I wouldn't be able to replace all of them.

Title: Re: JACK TRAPS
Post by: Gamalot on Feb 10, 2017, 05:17 PM
I bought my set of 5 Jack Traps probably 10 years ago when he was running a sale. Think I paid $150 plus shipping and I put my own line on them. I never had to do anything but dry them off after a day of fishing by standing them near the wood stove. They work flawlessly with the SS trip wire going through a SS tube and the grease is still there after all these years. I do believe but really don't know, there could be a lubrication point under one of the tube braces so you can grease the shafts of the trip tube. The gloss finish on the wood is about as good as new after many days soaking in cold water and even freezing up in the holes. I just like them and if I had to replace gear that was stolen it would be Jacks for sure.
Title: Re: JACK TRAPS
Post by: jiml on Feb 10, 2017, 05:47 PM
They sound pretty nice, my 6 jack traps are going on 15 years never replaced a thing, no grease, no tightening bolts, nothin'. But my dad bought me them one at a time when I was a kid, and they were 32 dollars then, so I can see not wanting to spend the cash on a full set, if somebody stole mine, I wouldn't be able to replace all of them.
I've seen them for $49 each now.
Title: Re: JACK TRAPS
Post by: walpy on Oct 31, 2017, 08:22 AM
I've been buying mine and a set for my brother 2 a year, 1 on birthdays and 1 on Christmas.. fill in the gaps with Arctic Fires for now.
Title: Re: JACK TRAPS
Post by: BillyChuck on Dec 09, 2017, 09:55 AM
I just purchased my first 3 Jacks. LLBean carries them and I just took advantage of a 25% off coupon and Free shipping.$39 each.
Title: Re: JACK TRAPS
Post by: Gamalot on Dec 09, 2017, 10:36 AM
I just purchased my first 3 Jacks. LLBean carries them and I just took advantage of a 25% off coupon and Free shipping.$39 each.

LL Bean seems to carry just the standard and big bob model of the Jacks. If you go to his site there are a number of different styles and woods to select from that might suit your needs a bit better. I bought a set of 5-31 inch Cross Jacks in Oak about 5 years back and think I paid right around $150 delivered. They came without line but were available rigged for a bit more. He does offer some decent deals when you are buying sets and hands down they are the best tip ups I have ever used. Similar to the Heritage Lakers and a few others but just better quality materials and the poly finish is flawless. For just a few bucks more each it is no contest which ones to get.

I am rather anal about my equipment so the only time I even take the Jacks is when I am going on an easy access lake where I know they won't get beat up bouncing around on a long bumpy haul. I take the Lakers on those adventures or even the HT Polar extreme disc type when I am going to shallow ponds. The Jacks are just too nice to abuse them IMO but they are built heavy duty enough to handle a lot of abuse for a lot of years and then hand them down to children and grand kids.

Gam
Title: Re: JACK TRAPS
Post by: burt reynolds on Dec 10, 2017, 06:32 PM
The old adage you get what you pay for....great quality and craftsmanship, will last a lifetime.
Title: Re: JACK TRAPS
Post by: dkfry on Dec 10, 2017, 06:53 PM
Just the same as with Ice Rods. There is a low end and high end, say an HT Ice Blues rod vs a Thrones Bros custom rod. You can get some no name plastic tipup or go with Jack Traps. Both will work but the higher end usually does at least one or two things better or people would not pay the money for them.
Title: Re: JACK TRAPS
Post by: Gamalot on Dec 11, 2017, 06:51 AM
What a good quality tip up does better comes from the design and materials they are made with. I have never once had a false wind flag while using the Jacks. Heritage Lakers also have a fail safe trip. The Jacks use all stainless steel for the shaft and tube and it is easily lubed at the start of each season. The seal coat finish on the Jacks keep water out so the wood does not get soaked and swell. I have had the spool shaft work it's way lose on the Lakers because it is just a pressed in fit. As the wood swells the free spin of the spool tightens up. If you typically use large bait such as suckers you just reduce the flag height on the Jacks which puts more pressure on the trigger mechanism but does not affect the spool spinning free at all.

After a day of fishing I stand all of my tip ups on the mantel to dry by the stove. The Jacks wood does not get soaked so they dry pretty quick. It is pretty easy once you get your first Jack to see that the man who made them was an ice man and put a great deal of thought into the design to overcome all of the typical shortfalls found on most other traps. There are a few very good quality tip ups out there but my natural progression was going from the cheap ones as a kid and then to Beaver Dams and the Heritage Lakers as an adult and finally to the Jacks when finances allowed. I will never need to buy another tip up unless some yahoo on a sled runs one of my Jacks down the hole. I also like the HT Polar therm extreme discs for when I fish shallow ponds and keep them rigged for the slime darts with wire leaders. On the cold and windy days they do attempt to keep the hole from freezing up or filling with blown snow but they can also get covered over and are very hard for the sleds to even see them because of their low profile.

We all like our fishing styles. Some love jigging with electronics and some just like to set out traps and wait for flags. Some like small pan fish while others go after much larger game fish in deep water. I started ice fishing back in the early 1960s and hope I can still get out for the next 10 years. It sure is getting much harder and less enjoyable as I age and dragging all the gear is tough on these old bones. Cold never really bothered me much when I was younger but these days I need my pop up clam, heater, power auger and other creature comforts and a freaking mule to drag it all once we get more than a few inches of snow on the ice. I avoid bitter cold days and real windy ones and have chased my shanty across the lake once or twice before learning to anchor it. Being retired I often have great days for fishing during the week when most of my fishing buddies are working but going by myself is never a good plan with all that can go wrong out there.

Gam
Title: Re: JACK TRAPS
Post by: Capt. j-rod on Dec 12, 2017, 03:40 PM
I'm with Gamalot. I run Jack Traps, beavers, and I have a few Indian Hills. ALL*** are top notch. (beavers are older, not uncle josh). I reach for the Jacks first. The Indian is always out there too. Beavers are filling in the gaps. I see all the new rigs that use a rod and reel... I like the primal hand lining and the old school way. It keeps us in touch with the traditions. I like made in USA by guys in their garage build a better mouse trap gear. The pride and quality in a Jack or Indian Hill is awesome. I did cut and put some D.O.T. tape on ask of my traps and flags for the sled heads. Yes I've got some $$$ in my traps, but I bought them once and my kids will use them someday. Tight Lines and stay safe guys!
Title: Re: JACK TRAPS
Post by: George_B on Dec 13, 2017, 02:33 AM
Well said Gamalot on your post, my progression also over the many years.
Title: Re: JACK TRAPS
Post by: Gamalot on Dec 13, 2017, 06:41 AM
I like and agree with how Capt.J said it. Even after 50 years fishing on hard water I still get a tingle up my leg when I am fighting a large fish by a hand line from a tip up and knowing I have a 6 pound test leader with a 6+ pound fish who does not want to meet me. Where others tend to get real upset if the line brakes or the fish spits the hook I just say congratulations to the fish for winning the battle. Just seeing a big fish on my line under the hole as he flashes by is thrill enough because I would probably throw him back any way. If I do catch a nice trout around 18 inches or a 20 inch walleye that could be dinner that very night but the rest get to fight again. No offence intended but I never did get the concept of catching fresh fish only to take them home and freeze them for a later meal. Buying frozen fish at the market is way cheaper IMO but then I only fish to get me off my rear and out doing something besides work.

Gam
Title: Re: JACK TRAPS
Post by: jiml on Jan 06, 2018, 12:51 PM
You won't catch more fish using jack traps over other tip ups. Jacks are more of a pride in ownership thing.

If you have the $ and want to spend it go for it.....but heritage Lakers get the job done for alot less money and will also last a lifetime with some basic maintenance.
Title: Re: JACK TRAPS
Post by: Gamalot on Mar 06, 2018, 07:03 AM
IF, A fish had any idea what brand or quality of tip up you were using it would not hit at all. Presentation at the bottom end has nothing to do with what trap the line is attached to. I love my Jack Traps and need only to dry them after each use and have never needed to do any other maintenance on them. I check them before each season to make sure the spool spins free and the trip rod turns free. With the Jacks I don't get wind or false flags and I think most fish don't feel the trip at all because they work so smoothly.

Jack traps are just a matter of pride and respect for quality and craftsmanship. If Jacks are the very first tip ups you buy when you are just starting out they will be the last ones you ever have to buy unless they get run down by some hot rod or seriously mistreated.

Gam
Title: Re: JACK TRAPS
Post by: Moosekill on Mar 15, 2018, 08:28 AM
I currently use Indian Hill traps but have used Jack traps when I was a kid. I fish with guys that use heritage traps.  The guys that fish the heritage get more wind flags and also have more occasions of a fish hitting and not setting off the flag.  It may be because they don't adjust their traps correctly, but they seem to be much more affected when it is really bad out.

I love my Indian Hills, but I don't believe he is making them anymore and would buy jacks if I ever buy another set for the kids.

Title: Re: JACK TRAPS
Post by: Gamalot on Mar 16, 2018, 10:55 AM
I have never seen up close an Indian Hills tip up but there really is not all that much science involved with most of these mechanisms. It is more about fit, finish and function over the long run. If Indian Hills makes a high quality tip up then good to hear and hopefully they last a couple life times as family Heirlooms.

NY just upped our line counts and now we can use a total of 7 lines when it used to be 5. It can be a combination of traps and jig rods or all traps so I had to go buy 2 more Jack Traps to complete my set. I highly prefer watching flags over jigging but that's just my preference. I was highly satisfied to get two new traps exactly the same as my other 5 that are now over 10 years old. I was also pretty lucky because my set is made of red oak and they don't offer them in that wood any more but did have a few left over.

I was also pretty impressed to here that Jack Traps business has expanded a bit and they are now a dealer for the Snowdog track sleds that I just bought this year. I can't say I would have driven from southern NY up to Maine to buy a Snowdog but based on the customer service at Jack Traps that I have received I would highly recommend them if you are near by and looking for a great ice gear towing machine.

We vacation in Maine fairly regular and one of our stops while there is always the LL Bean store but next trip I'll have to add a stop at Jack Traps just to get a thrill and maybe even see how and where they are made. They actually have a couple Snowdog machines in stock now and ready for delivery and what is even worse IMO, they still have solid ice to fish on while we have none. Man if this doesn't suck. I have feet of snow in the yard and all around me and more coming but the ice is gone. Snowing again right now with another Nor Easter possible early next week.

Some guys have all the fun but as much as I love vacationing in Maine in July I think ice fishing well into April might be just a bit too much winter for me at this old age.

Gam