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Indiana => Ice Fishing Indiana => Topic started by: RynoIceMan on Jan 13, 2012, 10:35 PM

Title: Spud Bar!!???
Post by: RynoIceMan on Jan 13, 2012, 10:35 PM
was wondering if anyone knew where i can buy a spud bar locally??? around lake and porter county area....if not maybe a pic of one u made and what i would need from menards or home depot to make one my self....have a small wire feed welder that im not good using but not bad either lol
any info is appreciated
thanks
ryan
Title: Re: Spud Bar!!???
Post by: tater140 on Jan 13, 2012, 10:39 PM
I believe i've seen them at Gander Mountaing, although I"m not really sure how their used.  It's seems counter intuitive to strike the ice right between my legs.  I was expecting a device that struck the ice further out from my feet.
Title: Re: Spud Bar!!???
Post by: FelixD on Jan 13, 2012, 10:43 PM
I use a piece of #6 rebar (3/4"). you can put some 3/8" flat on it if u r going to use it to open or cut holes. But if its just to spud ur way out round bar works fine. u will learn how it should sound.
Title: Re: Spud Bar!!???
Post by: Nanner on Jan 13, 2012, 10:51 PM
 Indianapolis Gander had them...so I imagine the stores up north would have them if there not sold out....good luck finding one cause they will be a useful tool this year
Title: Re: Spud Bar!!???
Post by: berg285 on Jan 13, 2012, 10:55 PM
I made these out of 1' black pipe and some old scrap 1/2 plate steel i had laying around. I notched the pipe and welded the plate to it. I serrated the tip and used a grinder to sharpen them.  :tipup:

(http://i40.tinypic.com/9sc803.jpg)

 I didn't sharpen the first few quite as much as i did some but they still work very well.
(http://i43.tinypic.com/anop5i.jpg)
Title: Re: Spud Bar!!???
Post by: FelixD on Jan 13, 2012, 11:15 PM
Nice work!
Title: Re: Spud Bar!!???
Post by: crappiehunter on Jan 14, 2012, 06:10 AM
I bought mine at Country Bait Shop in Valpo a few years ago. I'm not sure if Doris has any more but I think I paid $10 for it. Support the little guy
Title: Re: Spud Bar!!???
Post by: bret on Jan 14, 2012, 06:38 AM
Your local tackle shop, Gander Mtn, Cabelas, Bass Pro should have them.  I have a one piece spud that works well.  I've seen some newer ones that can be broken down into 2 pcs which is nice for stowing it away.  Also some have nice foam padded handles which is easy on the hands and makes for a better grip.

Just remember that every spud bar is different when you strike the ice with it.  With my spud if I poke thru in 1 hit.... I stop and don't go any farther...it's only about 1.5 inches at best.  If I go thru in 2 hits I proceed cautiously.  If it is more than 2 hits I'm good.   I try to hit the ice the same everytime and I also pay attention to what the ice looks like....not all ice is good.  The spud is a great tool on the ice....everyone should have one handy.
Title: Re: Spud Bar!!???
Post by: Ice_Fly on Jan 14, 2012, 07:39 AM
I have my great grandgathers spud.... I have seen them at baitshops in the past. If u have access to a welder,  you can just make one out of some scrap steel. I even seen some homemade ones made out of steel, stainless steel, & even a short aluminum one for opening up old holes.
Title: Re: Spud Bar!!???
Post by: RynoIceMan on Jan 14, 2012, 09:55 AM
thanks alot for all the info guys....i am just lookin for one for safety not to cut/break holes to fish........will check at a few baitshops this week if they dont have any may try an build one....thanks again
Title: Re: Spud Bar!!???
Post by: SouthBend on Jan 14, 2012, 12:24 PM
Rebar works great. Weld on a handle and it's good to go.
Title: Re: Spud Bar!!???
Post by: reno81 on Jan 14, 2012, 12:39 PM
Cabelas has them. They are right by the scoops. If u could pick one up at country bait u should i have been a customer there for a long time and we need to remember that these little mom and pop bait stores  are prob. Hurtin right now not seelin hardly any bait when usually this time of year they are makin alot of money. For those of us who fish the valpo. Chain country bait is the best place to get a wide variety of live ice fishing bait. So lets all rem. To support the small guys so they can continue to provide us with what we need.
Title: Re: Spud Bar!!???
Post by: A- bomb on Jan 14, 2012, 04:09 PM
tractor supplies and farm and fleets are usually the best place to find in stock and they sell 'em cheap!
one note.....
make sure to put a loop on the handle as i have tossed a couple thru thin ice and away they went!!! and blowing thru on one whack i wasnt going back for it!
Title: Re: Spud Bar!!???
Post by: Greg2ha on Jan 14, 2012, 07:25 PM
tractor supplies and farm and fleets are usually the best place to find in stock and they sell 'em cheap!
one note.....
make sure to put a loop on the handle as i have tossed a couple thru thin ice and away they went!!! and blowing thru on one whack i wasnt going back for it!
Excellent point! Back away easy!  Learn to live and fish another day!
Title: Re: Spud Bar!!???
Post by: rico on Jan 15, 2012, 08:04 AM
Your local tackle shop, Gander Mtn, Cabelas, Bass Pro should have them.  I have a one piece spud that works well.  I've seen some newer ones that can be broken down into 2 pcs which is nice for stowing it away.  Also some have nice foam padded handles which is easy on the hands and makes for a better grip.

Just remember that every spud bar is different when you strike the ice with it.  With my spud if I poke thru in 1 hit.... I stop and don't go any farther...it's only about 1.5 inches at best.  If I go thru in 2 hits I proceed cautiously.  If it is more than 2 hits I'm good.   I try to hit the ice the same everytime and I also pay attention to what the ice looks like....not all ice is good.  The spud is a great tool on the ice....everyone should have one handy.

Good stuff there 'seal.