Author Topic: Getting ready for the season (Read 12083 times)

Digs · « **on:** Oct 18, 2019, 08:27 PM »

I'm hanging up my open water gear and prepping for the ice. Just ordered 600 yards of line to respool my reels. Also going to do some updates to my shack. I converted a pop-up camper into a shack a couple of seasons ago and left the floor plan as is. I think I want to gut the whole thing and put one long bench down the back wall. What is everyone doing to get ready for ice?

bikrsrule · « **Reply #1 on:** Oct 19, 2019, 05:20 PM »

I took my boat out for its last troll this morning, brrr and windy, 1 rainbow for my trouble. I bought a bunch of used tip-ups last spring, Have to check the squidding line and if its good just tie on my leaders and hooks. I will have enough for a outing with all the grandkids now, other than that I have deer season to go before ice season comes in..I am looking forward to it!!! ( Newer quad this year)

RyanW · « **Reply #2 on:** Oct 19, 2019, 05:57 PM »

Just upgraded the 5ah battery for my drill auger setup to a 12ah. Super stoked for that. I’ve been thinking about setting up a 30 gallon outdoor pond on my porch for shiners. Not sure about that one though. I should be able to get by with just heavy aeration depending on the type of winter central Michigan gets this season. Charged the flasher last week. Not much to do now but wait to stock up on spikes. I do need to get a new blade guard for my auger though. 3 seasons with a broken one is long enough.

Digs · « **Reply #3 on:** Oct 19, 2019, 06:08 PM »

Quote from: RyanW on Oct 19, 2019, 05:57 PM

Just upgraded the 5ah battery for my drill auger setup to a 12ah. Super stoked for that. I’ve been thinking about setting up a 30 gallon outdoor pond on my porch for shiners. Not sure about that one though. I should be able to get by with just heavy aeration depending on the type of winter central Michigan gets this season. Charged the flasher last week. Not much to do now but wait to stock up on spikes. I do need to get a new blade guard for my auger though. 3 seasons with a broken one is long enough.

Yeah those 12ah batteries are great. I have one of those and 5ah looking to get another 12 and ditch the smaller one.

SALMONEMIA · « **Reply #4 on:** Oct 20, 2019, 07:58 AM »

Re spooled all my spinning reels with pline. Ordering another jack trap and some sleeves to protect my traps. Following the advice of Roccus I put all new leadere hooks and buttons on all my tip ups at the end of the season. Im ready to go pretty much.

Sylvanboat · « **Reply #5 on:** Oct 20, 2019, 08:36 AM »

Bought a 28" noodle rod, Clam netting for the flip over, new cleats and some jigs. Buddies and I visiting Cabelas next Sunday to round things out. In Chicago so we still have a wait ahead of us.

Digs · « **Reply #6 on:** Oct 20, 2019, 11:03 AM »

I'm also going to try and start tying my own bucktails. My wife got me a fly tying kit for my birthday the other day. I also bought a bunch of unpainted tungsten jigs I got 20 for $12.50. My sons and I have been having fun painting those.

bassin212 · « **Reply #7 on:** Oct 20, 2019, 08:04 PM »

i'm excited for this year! I upgraded my tent on my 3 man clam voyager to a full thermal tent. Bought runners for the tub and just bought a Helix 7 SI G2 for open water and bought the conversion kit for the ice as well. I plan on mounting the unit to my snowmobile to utilize the GPS as well.

Nosaj · « **Reply #8 on:** Oct 21, 2019, 11:33 AM »

I have to put new line on about 6 of my tipups, check the line on the rest of my tipups, go through all my leaders and make up new leaders where needed and starbright my Fatfish.

bikrsrule · « **Reply #9 on:** Oct 21, 2019, 04:17 PM »

Nosaj Starbright your fatfish?

meandcuznalfy · « **Reply #10 on:** Oct 21, 2019, 05:57 PM »

Quote from: Digs on Oct 20, 2019, 11:03 AM

I'm also going to try and start tying my own bucktails. My wife got me a fly tying kit for my birthday the other day. I also bought a bunch of unpainted tungsten jigs I got 20 for $12.50. My sons and I have been having fun painting those.

Make sure you get some head cement and put a little on your thread after tying, it'll make them last longer.

Digs · « **Reply #11 on:** Oct 21, 2019, 06:04 PM »

Quote from: meandcuznalfy on Oct 21, 2019, 05:57 PM

Make sure you get some head cement and put a little on your thread after tying, it'll make them last longer.

Thanks for the tip......

jethro · « **Reply #12 on:** Oct 22, 2019, 08:34 AM »

I already built a bunk bed/platform in my flip so it's easier for me to overnight in it. Upgraded the lighting and will soon either build or buy a battery box of some sort since now I need weekend long power. I also plan on doing some cusking so I need to either build or buy some cusk traps. Never really done much of that, but I'm looking forward to it. Other than that I have to service the snowmachine and my trailer. Sure hope we have good ice by the time 2020 comes.

JIGGIN- · « **Reply #13 on:** Oct 22, 2019, 09:31 AM »

Spend most of the summer picking away at my to do list I created during the ice fishing season.
Added 2 more solar panels (now 260 watts), replaced my old outdoor led lights that hang outside around the house, added some more internal lights, added phone battery charger for CH side of the house, some straps to hold my jack etc in an orderly fashion, 24” led tv for the underwater camera etc, serviced the Argo, wheeler and snowmobile, running the augers, made a few more jig sticks, got a new pair of ice fishing pants (by Grunden), got my jack up blocks cut and together (still need to cut my tie down sticks) and now collecting bait (shiners and suckers). I have quite a few Redfin shiners for early ice fishing but not too many suckers so far. Still at it though. Been a busy summer.
I’m almost ready.

Roccus · « **Reply #14 on:** Oct 23, 2019, 07:01 AM »

Haven't got into the season prep yet, except for servicing the 4 wheeler and the trailer, I had a few big repairs on the boat before I put it away for the season, I've got to service a dozen salt water reels before I get heavy into ice fishing prep..

I secured my venison last Saturday so my mind is beginning to wander towards the hard water.

Troutsniffer76 · « **Reply #15 on:** Oct 24, 2019, 07:44 AM »

Sounds like some of you guys have been busy.. I've got the lobster traps stacked in the backyard and the boats are good to go. Other than that I have done nothing, but I've got a lot on my to-do list. First I gotta collect and store all my salt and freshwater gear and clean the garage. Then I'll go about getting new hooks, line and leader on all my tip ups, get the snowmobile breathing again and get my pop up out of the basement and aired out.

bassin212 · « **Reply #16 on:** Oct 24, 2019, 09:54 AM »

Quote from: doctorgee on Oct 22, 2019, 08:34 AM

I already built a bunk bed/platform in my flip so it's easier for me to overnight in it. Upgraded the lighting and will soon either build or buy a battery box of some sort since now I need weekend long power. I also plan on doing some cusking so I need to either build or buy some cusk traps. Never really done much of that, but I'm looking forward to it. Other than that I have to service the snowmachine and my trailer. Sure hope we have good ice by the time 2020 comes.

I plan on doing some overnight trips this year as well and jigging for cusk at night. I've only done it once and we didn't catch much. Maybe we can swap some info and reports when the time comes!

jethro · « **Reply #17 on:** Oct 25, 2019, 07:25 AM »

Quote from: bassin212 on Oct 24, 2019, 09:54 AM

I plan on doing some overnight trips this year as well and jigging for cusk at night. I've only done it once and we didn't catch much. Maybe we can swap some info and reports when the time comes!

Absolutely!

wshnIwsfshn · « **Reply #18 on:** Oct 26, 2019, 05:36 PM »

Got my bait tank setup for my shiners and went and soaked some traps today hoping for a bunch tomorrow fingers crossed

Unclegillhunter · « **Reply #19 on:** Oct 27, 2019, 11:11 AM »

Getting my Smitty done today!👻
Keep it safe! JDL

SALMONEMIA · « **Reply #20 on:** Oct 29, 2019, 10:04 AM »

Just got my jig and soft plastic order from fish usa. Looking at this filet table see link below. Its small lightweight and is the proper height. The table I use now kills my back as its way too short. I started fileting fish last year in my garage instead of the kitchen. It works nicely and keeps the mess out of the house. This makes the wanna be wife happy.
https://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/rite-hite-multipurpose-fillet-table#repChildCatid=4189205

looking at some rod socks and another jack trap and some protective trap sleeves. Need eggs and waxies too.

Coffin Dodger · « **Reply #21 on:** Oct 29, 2019, 11:23 PM »

Hey, Wayne.
The higher filet tables are a huge plus for the back!
The one you linked to looks like it may have stability issues?
Get a hold of me if you want, I have one that's home made, rugged and looking for a new home.

PoolGuy · « **Reply #22 on:** Oct 30, 2019, 04:10 PM »

Haven’t done much of anything to prep other than plugging in my vex....I’ll wait until after hunting season

SALMONEMIA · « **Reply #23 on:** Oct 30, 2019, 05:39 PM »

Quote from: Coffin Dodger on Oct 29, 2019, 11:23 PM

Hey, Wayne.
The higher filet tables are a huge plus for the back!
The one you linked to looks like it may have stability issues?
Get a hold of me if you want, I have one that's home made, rugged and looking for a new home.

Ok will do. Does it fold up? Are you trapping bait yet?

Coffin Dodger · « **Reply #24 on:** Oct 30, 2019, 10:24 PM »

Quote from: SALMONEMIA on Oct 30, 2019, 05:39 PM

Ok will do. Does it fold up? Are you trapping bait yet?

We can customize the table to your needs or wants. The top is 1/2" Azak or similar. I used it for filleting salt water fish. I can customize the top in size also, if it's bigger than what you want.
I decided not to trap bait this year. I don't expect to do much ice fishing.

Digs · « **Reply #25 on:** Oct 31, 2019, 01:17 AM »

Quote from: Coffin Dodger on Oct 30, 2019, 10:24 PM

We can customize the table to your needs or wants. The top is 1/2" Azak or similar. I used it for filleting salt water fish. I can customize the top in size also, if it's bigger than what you want.
I decided not to trap bait this year. I don't expect to do much ice fishing.

That's sad to hear......

SALMONEMIA · « **Reply #26 on:** Oct 31, 2019, 08:10 AM »

Ok Richard I will give you a shout. Thanks. I don't need a huge table I will keep in my garage, leaning against wall when not in use. As you said the height is key for back comfort. I use that electric knife you gave me all the time now, figured it is time for a table.

Roccus · « **Reply #27 on:** Oct 31, 2019, 08:42 AM »

Making progress, salt gear is put away, boat is under wraps and I've got venison in the freezer..( I still have a buck tag I can fill)
I started a special build ( tip ups) for a long time friend who lost his dad this spring, I knew and fished with his Dad for many years and have fished with 3 generations of the family, the tip up will be my snow leopard special, but with Red. White and blue finish with a American flag signal flag ( he saw active duty in Vietnam with the marine corp). .the .wood will be white ash, tip ups will be 25" high, with a 21" long base. set to a 4" wide footprint...the 4" HT enterprise spools will be filled with 1500' of line, 1000' of it will be 40lb green dot backing and 500' of 36lb green waxed Dacron.

as an aside, I've dug out my gear and brought it front and center in the shop so I can commence to tinkering!

SALMONEMIA · « **Reply #28 on:** Oct 31, 2019, 11:49 AM »

Quote from: Roccus on Oct 31, 2019, 08:42 AM

Making progress, salt gear is put away, boat is under wraps and I've got venison in the freezer..( I still have a buck tag I can fill)
I started a special build ( tip ups) for a long time friend who lost his dad this spring, I knew and fished with his Dad for many years and have fished with 3 generations of the family, the tip up will be my snow leopard special, but with Red. White and blue finish with a American flag signal flag ( he saw active duty in Vietnam with the marine corp). .the .wood will be white ash, tip ups will be 25" high, with a 21" long base. set to a 4" wide footprint...the 4" HT enterprise spools will be filled with 1500' of line, 1000' of it will be 40lb green dot backing and 500' of 36lb green waxed Dacron.

as an aside, I've dug out my gear and brought it front and center in the shop so I can commence to tinkering!

Very Cool Joe. I remember you telling me something about building something special similar to your custom traps you built last year. Those will be very nice for sure. That will be a very nice Gift.

Coffin Dodger · « **Reply #29 on:** Oct 31, 2019, 09:09 PM »

Quote

That's sad to hear......

Thanks Digs. Sad, but that's the way of it. I never had much trouble catching bait around here. Last year, I got permission to trap a spot that had very easy access and more bait than I've ever seen before. This time of year, 3 or 4 traps would produce all my 70 gallon tank would hold and all I'd need for a season.

Quote from: Roccus on Oct 31, 2019, 08:42 AM

Making progress, salt gear is put away, boat is under wraps and I've got venison in the freezer..( I still have a buck tag I can fill)
I started a special build ( tip ups) for a long time friend who lost his dad this spring, I knew and fished with his Dad for many years and have fished with 3 generations of the family, the tip up will be my "snow leopard special", but with Red. White and blue finish with a American flag signal flag ( he saw active duty in Vietnam with the marine corp). .the .wood will be white ash, tip ups will be 25" high, with a 21" long base. set to a 4" wide footprint...the 4" HT enterprise spools will be filled with 1500' of line, 1000' of it will be 40lb green dot backing and 500' of 36lb green waxed Dacron.

as an aside, I've dug out my gear and brought it front and center in the shop so I can commence to tinkering!

Those tip ups sound very special, Joe. 1500' of line, that's probably enough so even I couldn't get spooled by the time I got to them.

"Snow leopard special"? Is that the name of the traps you described or does it have a special meaning?
I have a couple friends who were marines in Nam. They were a special breed.
Hope your striper season was a good one.

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Author Topic: Getting ready for the season (Read 12083 times)