Author Topic: HT Ice Riggers? (Read 11249 times)

Icefisher40 · « **on:** Oct 31, 2012, 11:09 AM »

Does anybody use the HT Ice Riggers, or any similar products?

I enjoy having tip-ups out when I am jigging, but to me, it just isn't as much fun bringing in a fish with my hands compared to a rod and reel (to each their own.)

I was doing some looking online and found the HT Ice Rigger, a tip-up, in with you you use a rod.
Any experience with these?

Thanks,

Icefisher40

Castaway · « **Reply #1 on:** Oct 31, 2012, 11:19 AM »

I have a few of them that I use and for the most part have worked well for me. Smaller fish seem to sometimes not trip it, but the sensitivty is adjustable(just not the easiest thing to adjust). They count as a tip up here so I dont always use them.

BaitBucket · « **Reply #2 on:** Oct 31, 2012, 11:23 AM »

Try these, same price, but better.
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/clam-arctic-warrior-tip-up.aspx?a=573408

Wavemaster · « **Reply #3 on:** Oct 31, 2012, 11:32 AM »

I bought one last year for that same reason, but only got to use it a few times due to the lack of ice. I used it on Perch and it worked well, even for the small ones. With most regular tip-ups, small Perch will not always trip the flag. It just takes some time to practice setting up to get the right tension on the rigger. Too little and the line comes out before the flag trips, too much and flag pops, but the line does not trip like it should. When you set it up, they recommend leaving the bail open. The fish will trip the flag, the line will let go as the fish runs and it does not feel resistance. It can be a pain to set up when very cold. Once you set it properly, it works great. I would recommend one.

Gamedog1 · « **Reply #4 on:** Oct 31, 2012, 11:44 AM »

BaitBucket...please tell- Why or what makes it better? just curious.

fishlessman · « **Reply #5 on:** Oct 31, 2012, 11:46 AM »

ive been looking at the nor'easter by indian hill, its taller so you could see it in deeper snow, more money though.

BaitBucket · « **Reply #6 on:** Oct 31, 2012, 12:03 PM »

Quote from: Gamedog1 on Oct 31, 2012, 11:44 AM

BaitBucket...please tell- Why or what makes it better? just curious.

I actually have both of the HT Ice Rigger and the AW.
The ice rigger is finicky. Somtimes a lite bit wont trip it, and a hard hit can pull the line free from the clip without setting it.
I also dont like the rod holding situation.

The AW you just set it and forget it.

Here is a review of both:
http://lofigunandgame.blogspot.com/2012/01/rod-tenders-reviewed-arctic-warrior-vs.html

Icefisher40 · « **Reply #7 on:** Oct 31, 2012, 12:06 PM »

On the AW, is the flag attached to the rod? And on the ice rigger is it attached to the line?

BaitBucket · « **Reply #8 on:** Oct 31, 2012, 12:11 PM »

Quote from: Icefisher40 on Oct 31, 2012, 12:06 PM

On the AW, is the flag attached to the rod? And on the ice rigger is it attached to the line?

Im not quite sure what your asking here. Check out my link above.

I think its also worth mentioning the AWs store much better as well. They fold up flat, and are very lite.

Boydric · « **Reply #9 on:** Oct 31, 2012, 12:23 PM »

Quote from: BaitBucket on Oct 31, 2012, 12:03 PM

I actually have both of the HT Ice Rigger and the AW.
The ice rigger is finicky. Somtimes a lite bit wont trip it, and a hard hit can pull the line free from the clip without setting it.
I also dont like the rod holding situation.

The AW you just set it and forget it.

Here is a review of both:
http://lofigunandgame.blogspot.com/2012/01/rod-tenders-reviewed-arctic-warrior-vs.html

The review was good. I was looking into both of these as well.

BaitBucket · « **Reply #10 on:** Oct 31, 2012, 12:28 PM »

The Riggers aren't bad, i just didn't like clipping my line into that clip.
The pvc that holds the rods is a pain as well. And they dont stack well.
For the same price, get the AW's.

Also, if you are just getting these. Do yourself a favor and buy baitcasting reels/rods.
The reason being is because u can use the magnet on the baitcaster to hold your bait in place.
When a fish takes your bait it will still free spool. Then just turn the handle to disengage the free spool and set the hook.

U can do the same thing kinda with spinning reels. Just set the drag real loose, and tighten it up before you set the hook. I didnt like doing that.

addicted to ice fishing · « **Reply #11 on:** Oct 31, 2012, 01:50 PM »

I have one and use it quite a bit. It is fine. This year I may try a jaw Jacker, automatic fisherman, or a slammer tipup, all use poles vs regular tipups.

Gamedog1 · « **Reply #12 on:** Oct 31, 2012, 06:22 PM »

BaitBucket.....Good info, thank you.

jammer icecube · « **Reply #13 on:** Oct 31, 2012, 06:32 PM »

I put a couple ice riggers out with my tipups and i do like them. It doesnt always trigger but the pike set it off and thats a blast on the rod. They are a bit awkward/bulky to carry but worth it on busy days for running around bringing in fish.

rdhammah · « **Reply #14 on:** Oct 31, 2012, 09:37 PM »

i have both, the ice rigger and the arctic warrior. i had a hit one time on the AW. fins almost pulled the rod and AW into the hole had it not been for another fisherman who saw this before i was able to get there. i donot like the rocker bracket that you have to attatch to the rod. i find it uncomfortable. have not had an issued with the ice rigger flag tripping. i actually prefer the ice rigger.

BaitBucket · « **Reply #15 on:** Oct 31, 2012, 09:45 PM »

Quote from: rdhammah on Oct 31, 2012, 09:37 PM

i have both, the ice rigger and the arctic warrior. i had a hit one time on the AW. fins almost pulled the rod and AW into the hole had it not been for another fisherman who saw this before i was able to get there. i donot like the rocker bracket that you have to attatch to the rod. i find it uncomfortable. have not had an issued with the ice rigger flag tripping. i actually prefer the ice rigger.

Then you didnt open your bail or set your drag. Thats the only way this can happen.. Which will also happen with the Ice Rigger if you do the same.

BaitBucket · « **Reply #16 on:** Nov 01, 2012, 08:27 AM »

Here is a quick video comparing the two: Check it out here
A quick note i didnt mention was that if you fail to open the bail or set your drag on either one, you run the risk of losing your whole setup if a big fish takes your bait. It can actually pull the whole thing down the hole. Ive never seen it, but have heard it can.

The Ice Rigger has a hoop in the back you can use to anchor it with a spike. You can do the same with the AW if you put the anchor in front of the back metal plate.

Also, the pegs on the Ice rigger are for which side your reel is on. So it doesn't interfere with the flag trip. (forgot to mention that)

Lowrance25 · « **Reply #17 on:** Nov 01, 2012, 08:38 AM »

I have 5 that I use sometimes instead of my jack traps for fun... I've never really had a problem with them I have caught hundreds of fish on them. I have used them for pike fishing as well and never really had a problem with them not tripping on a bite.

BaitBucket · « **Reply #18 on:** Nov 01, 2012, 08:43 AM »

The only way i can see it not tripping on a bite is if you set the inside washer to tight.
I never messed what that washer.

eriksat1 · « **Reply #19 on:** Nov 01, 2012, 08:47 AM »

Like any type tip down set up they are a pain in the butt when it is below freezing and the hole keeps freezing up.

BaitBucket · « **Reply #20 on:** Nov 01, 2012, 08:50 AM »

I use hole covers, no issues with freeze ups.
If i didn't, its really no different than cleaning your holes with a regular tip up..

Gamedog1 · « **Reply #21 on:** Nov 01, 2012, 08:51 AM »

Ok-line size depends on what your targeting, but what size line would you recomend for this? What do you normally target? with the AW.

BaitBucket · « **Reply #22 on:** Nov 01, 2012, 08:55 AM »

Actually i use 50lb power pro braid for all the fish i target.
What I swap out is my leaders. I use 2 ft flouro leaders that i tie to the braid
4lb for Panfish/perch
12lb for Trout, bass, Pickerel
50lb (leader material) for Pike (bass and pickerel will hit this too)

The reason for the heavy braid is because when the fish runs the braid is dragged along the bottom edge of the ice in your hole.
So beefier is better.

Lowrance25 · « **Reply #23 on:** Nov 01, 2012, 09:04 AM »

Lol I use 6-15lb fluorocarbon. I don't see the need for braid and especially when it comes to finicky trout they will bite the light line a lot quicker than they will braid they can clearly see... I have seen my fluorocarbon rods outfish my braid rods all day. I have even swapped the rods in the holes to see if there is a difference. I catch more big fish on fluoro than I did braid... Same with open water. Only things I use braid for now is heavy flipping and some applications for saltwater

BaitBucket · « **Reply #24 on:** Nov 01, 2012, 09:13 AM »

Quote from: Lowrance25 on Nov 01, 2012, 09:04 AM

Lol I use 6-15lb fluorocarbon. I don't see the need for braid and especially when it comes to finicky trout they will bite the light line a lot quicker than they will braid they can clearly see... I have seen my fluorocarbon rods outfish my braid rods all day. I have even swapped the rods in the holes to see if there is a difference. I catch more big fish on fluoro than I did braid... Same with open water. Only things I use braid for now is heavy flipping and some applications for saltwater

Thats why i use 2ft fluoro leaders =)

Lowrance25 · « **Reply #25 on:** Nov 01, 2012, 06:35 PM »

Quote from: BaitBucket on Nov 01, 2012, 09:13 AM

Thats why i use 2ft fluoro leaders =)

2 foot isn't always enough. Depending on where your bait is swimming(if it is) it may be right next to your braided line anyway.

BaitBucket · « **Reply #26 on:** Nov 01, 2012, 06:45 PM »

I usualy use a small split shot to make sure they stay down.
Running all fluoro doesn't stop them from swimming up. And if they aren't at the depth you want, your most likely not catching fish.

Lowrance25 · « **Reply #27 on:** Nov 01, 2012, 08:12 PM »

Quote from: BaitBucket on Nov 01, 2012, 06:45 PM

I usualy use a small split shot to make sure they stay down.
Running all fluoro doesn't stop them from swimming up. And if they aren't at the depth you want, your most likely not catching fish.

split shots aren't always enough to keep them down... especially if something is chasing it.

Icefisher40 · « **Reply #28 on:** Nov 01, 2012, 08:17 PM »

Lmao at what this thread turned into.

jammer icecube · « **Reply #29 on:** Nov 01, 2012, 08:19 PM »

x2 .....love it

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Author Topic: HT Ice Riggers? (Read 11249 times)