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Reel Wet Ride, I actually perfer to use a full length rod. I like this as once a fish grabs your lure it will usually hook it's self, there is tention on the fish at all times, makes it hard to throw the bait. It can slowly pull out line and you have a crank to bring him in with, shorter rods say 5 feet are ideal, but I do just as well with my 7 foot Shakespeare Ugly Stick. You just have to take your time and don't rush the fish, it nice to have a buddy to grab the fish to.I also like to feel the fighting fish.
I prefer a windlass oufish any stationary 5 to 1
I've got heritage lakers, best tip ups I've ever owned. No wind trips even under some extreme conditions, but during periods of freezing rain, the spring on the flags will get enough ice on them so if they do trip the flag may only come up to a half mast position, you have to watch for that.Any of the lay down tip ups, no way. Too easy to not see them and have them run over by a wheeler os snowmobile, plus if the wind is blowing the snow it can cover them over. Get one with the reels that are in the water all the time, the reels out of the water are great until you get your first runner, then the wet line on the reel will freeze and won't trip.My lakers are 10 years old now and need some work, I made the mistake of drying them out nightly in front of the wood stove and a couple of them have split the wood down where the reel is pinned into the wood, this summer I'm going to replace the upright wood portion of them. Only thing I wish is that the reel bolt went clear through the wood and was bolted instead of just being pressed partially through.
you can pull that reel bolt out w pliers and fill the hole w some Gorilla glue, this will help with the cracks in the wood too. after just push the reel bolt back in the hole and tap w hammer lightly.
Life is to short to use plastic.
I prefer the Polar styles too. It allows me to see from a distance if the fish is running and how fast.
I love my polar Tip-ups... i did up grade to the larger wood modle once I started targeting Pike. I dont know if the smaller plastic one would be an issue but I didnt want to take that chance