IceShanty.com's Ice Fishing Community
IceShanty Main => General Ice Fishing Chit Chat => Topic started by: Picking perch on Dec 06, 2018, 08:04 PM
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Looking to try the automatic fisherman or jaw jacker. Any suggestions or comments?
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Personally, I'm a Jawjacker fan because of how compact they pack down to and how they're adjustable to a variety of different rod sizes.
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I agree. They pack down great and they are versatile. I use them for crappie, perch, walleye, and catfish. Also dropped one off my sled doing 20mph and didn't hurt it at all.
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X2 on the Jawjacker.
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I like the jj and it taking up not much room is nice too.
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I really like my Jawjackers, I dont use them a ton but I catch a lot on them.
My only complaint is that I dont want to put out a bunch to outfit them with correct power rods reels and line for different species. I really need to find a deal and buy the right rods and extra spools, its just a ton of money. Currently I've been using some jigging rods I've upgraded and replaced.
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I have the AF lil bulky but works ...got some HT Hookmasters last season ...work well for pan fish ...going to pair them with some dock runner combos this season
https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/ht-enterprises-hookmaster-hookset-system
http://www.uglystik.com/uglystik-combos-spinning-combos/ugly-stik-dock-runner-spinning-combo/1454371.html
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I am a huge jaw jacker fan. You won't be disappointed.
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I have never used an Automatic Fisherman but I own a Jaw Jacker. The things I like about the Jaw Jacker;
(A) nice wide base and the stabilizing arms "straddle" the hole
(B) simple set up with any rod, I made braid line loops for several rods and they stay on the rods all the time. The loops don't get in the way when the rod is used as a standard jigging rod yet is all set up to slip into the Jaw Jacker at any time.
(C) I fish Minnesota at times. The Jaw Jacker "trigger assembly" can be unpinned and completely removed from the base. I leave the "trigger assembly" in my truck back at the access. Now the "base assembly" is a perfectly MN legal, rod holder.
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The JJ are probably the best comercially produced one of all the automatic hooksetters in my book as I have/use most of them. Click on either one of the pics at the bottom of this post to see the jigging jacker in action with a bubblebox to keep the holes clear. Video taken at Henrys lake Idaho last weekend. 80% of the fish I caught were on this set-up during the day and night
https://www.iceshanty.com/ice_fishing/index.php?topic=359870.msg3882940#msg3882940 (https://www.iceshanty.com/ice_fishing/index.php?topic=359870.msg3882940#msg3882940)
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Im a automatic fisherman fan. Like the trigger better not all plastic, feel much stronger plastic, made in use 20 year warranty. And if want compact look at the new snapper by automatic fisherman.
On a normal day have close to 20 autos out when kids are with me.
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Build your own for $10
https://www.iceshanty.com/ice_fishing/index.php?topic=361387.msg3872698#msg3872698
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I have made probably 5 different types myself. I now just use this one.You can adjust tension by changing the string length. You can adjust the trigger with you pliers.
(https://i.postimg.cc/xJbDY1WV/IMG-3037.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/xJbDY1WV)
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Thank you all. I am very surprised it wasn’t closer to a 50/50.
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Having used both I no longer use either one. Don't even bring them on the ice.
My hands down favorite is the AK Salmon Bear.
It's just a better system all the way around.
Works with any rod and is much more robust than the jaw jacker.
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High shipping charges to the lower 48. Prevent me from purchasing a Salmon Bear. So not a viable option. Most recent check showed an 18.00 shipping charge for each trap.
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High shipping charges to the lower 48. Prevent me from purchasing a Salmon Bear. So not a viable option. Most recent check showed an 18.00 shipping charge for each trap.
Make your own.
(https://i.postimg.cc/DJHHMKtf/IMG-20181120-195208042.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/DJHHMKtf)
(https://i.postimg.cc/3kh5hYWd/IMG-20181120-195216357.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/3kh5hYWd)
(https://i.postimg.cc/K43dgRM1/IMG-20181120-195227597.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/K43dgRM1)
(https://i.postimg.cc/FkJ5rKjJ/IMG-20181120-195232789.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/FkJ5rKjJ)
(https://i.postimg.cc/470RRchg/IMG-20181120-195253770.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/470RRchg)
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If what you're looking for is the ability to use a rod look at the finicky foolers. I now own 5 and that's all I use. I sold my jaw jackers. They worked great but I don't like something made of plastic setting the hook for me. It reminds me of when I was a kid and my dad set the hook and I just reeled it in. How to set, when to set, how hard to set are all the big challenges to ice fishing, why have a trap do it for you, now they jig for you to and soon they will automatically reel the fish in also....where is the sport JMHO
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Another vote for the JawJackers....they're all I use anymore, retired my tip ups. :icefish:
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built a few of these last year. seemed to do just fine. can fine tune as you need. can make 5 for 20 bucks if you buy everything. a modern take off from the original "steelie slammers" of the 70s. 57.9 KB slammer rig1.jpg Check Error
(https://i.postimg.cc/7fNkw4Zs/slammer-rig1.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/7fNkw4Zs)
44.1 KB slammer rig2.jpg Check Error
(https://i.postimg.cc/Jsh98Bg0/slammer-rig2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Jsh98Bg0)
I didn't glue any of it together either.
I since added a couple eye screws down the side of the shaft for shorter rods.
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One thing I really like about the self setters is that I get mostly lip hooked fish using them.
Using conventional tip ups( or even I'm sure something like the finicky foolers) I get a lot of gut hooked fish that swallowed the bait.
You get busy, not paying enough attention, or they're far enough away from you that the fish has a little bit of time and they end up swallowing the bait.
We all know how that goes whether it's a keeper size fish or not you now have to keep it or put it back down the hole bleeding profusely or cut your line and lose your tackle.
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A little late but a plus for the jawjackers. I have a couple and they work very well with good adjustments for trigger tension, rod length, and amount of hook set.
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never lost a fish with a fooler
One thing I really like about the self setters is that I get mostly lip hooked fish using them.
Using conventional tip ups( or even I'm sure something like the finicky foolers) I get a lot of gut hooked fish that swallowed the bait.
You get busy, not paying enough attention, or they're far enough away from you that the fish has a little bit of time and they end up swallowing the bait.
We all know how that goes whether it's a keeper size fish or not you now have to keep it or put it back down the hole bleeding profusely or cut your line and lose your tackle.
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never lost a fish with a fooler
Not sure why you're quoting me.
I didn't say anything about losing fish with a finicky fooler or standard tip up.
What I said was with the self setters that set the hook I get mostly lip hooked fish whereas when I use a conventional tip up at least for trout and similar species I get a lot more gut hooked fish.
Lip hooked fish are much easier to release and you don't risk hurting the fish as much.
Are the majority of the fish you've caught on the finicky fooler lip hooked?
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If what you're looking for is the ability to use a rod look at the finicky foolers. I now own 5 and that's all I use. I sold my jaw jackers. They worked great but I don't like something made of plastic setting the hook for me. It reminds me of when I was a kid and my dad set the hook and I just reeled it in. How to set, when to set, how hard to set are all the big challenges to ice fishing, why have a trap do it for you, now they jig for you to and soon they will automatically reel the fish in also....where is the sport JMHO
I’m a fan of the finicky fooler as well.
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Not sure why you're quoting me.
I didn't say anything about losing fish with a finicky fooler or standard tip up.
What I said was with the self setters that set the hook I get mostly lip hooked fish whereas when I use a conventional tip up at least for trout and similar species I get a lot more gut hooked fish.
Lip hooked fish are much easier to release and you don't risk hurting the fish as much.
Are the majority of the fish you've caught on the finicky fooler lip hooked?
lose meaning gut hooked and die.
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I have 2 AF they work great and I built 2 of my own which work great also
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Bought my first one this year. After seeing the Automatic Fisherman in person and seeing multiple videos on both, I went with the Jaw Jacker. I haven’t got it on the ice yet but it’s very well designed and thought out. It also packs down smaller than my Beaver Dam tip ups.
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Just a quick question for those that use these. What lb test are you running? Should I put 8lb on? Can I get away with 6lb? I normally use 6lb on my dead stick rod with a minnow and use 8lb on my medium action jigging pole when using rapalas etc.
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Just a quick question for those that use these. What lb test are you running? Should I put 8lb on? Can I get away with 6lb? I normally use 6lb on my dead stick rod with a minnow and use 8lb on my medium action jigging pole when using rapalas etc.
I only use 6# micro ice on my rods.
I have no problems using mine on my Salmon Bear self setter.
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I haven't used an AF but I'm a big fan of my JJ. I like how much it folds up for transportation and the good lip hookset I get. I run a few different rods on it. My heavy "Pike" setup only has 6lb but also a steel leader. It's more about how you set your drag on your pole than line strength. My Light weight "Crappie" setup is usually 3-4lb but on a lighter rod. I also tinker with the settings on the Jaw Jacker for different species.
(https://i.postimg.cc/F1vvjCTq/jaw-pike.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/F1vvjCTq)
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JJ - ALso picked up one of the "Jigger bases" to try this winter! Cant wait
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Here is a video that I made with the Jaw Jacker playing a role in the success of the trip. The new jigging base is the real deal! https://youtu.be/xJbhCFomlPE (https://youtu.be/xJbhCFomlPE)
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Here is a video that I made with the Jaw Jacker playing a role in the success of the trip. The new jigging base is the real deal! https://youtu.be/xJbhCFomlPE (https://youtu.be/xJbhCFomlPE)
That jigging platform works better than I expected, what does it run on?
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That jigging platform works better than I expected, what does it run on?
100$ after shipping -
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That jigging platform works better than I expected, what does it run on?
It uses three AA batteries. Seems to last quite a while. I am going to modify mine so that it can run off of a USB and be able to use my rechargeable drill batteries. I got mine for $65 on sale. Pretty steep, but it’s only money.
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These jawjacker bases are going to be awesome. I can dead stick with one and jig with the other. These things are very well built i might add.
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These jawjacker bases are going to be awesome. I can dead stick with one and jig with the other. These things are very well built i might add.
Bring them in with the jigging rod and close the deal with a dead stick. Deadly combination for sure!
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I’m a fan of the finicky fooler as well.
X3 on the Finicky Fooler. Love setting the hook, that's half the fun and sport of fishing. Also, less expensive than a JJ or AF. And the hole covers are awesome to!
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Alaska Fish Trap
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Alaska Fish Trap
Thanks for posting that video I enjoyed it.
I have a couple of the Alaska Salmon bears and that's all I use in a self setter anymore.
Most of the time I don't even use my tip ups anymore I just use the salmon bear.
I honestly feel if more people would try out the Salmon bear, jawjacker would lose one heck of a lot of business as the Salmon bear is 10 times a better unit then the jaw jacker or the automatic fisherman.
I don't even know where my automatic fisherman is anymore and my jaw jacker gets left at home.
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X-2 the Salmon Bear for me
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Salmon Bear ? Cant find this at all.. where or what is it actually called?
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Salmon Bear ? Cant find this at all.. where or what is it actually called?
The company is AK Salmon Bear LLC
The product is AK Fish Trap
The web site is http://aksalmonbear.com/ (http://aksalmonbear.com/)
Macey is a good guy and I like the product. However, I did modify it slightly:
https://www.iceshanty.com/ice_fishing/index.php?topic=360798.msg3864871#msg3864871 (https://www.iceshanty.com/ice_fishing/index.php?topic=360798.msg3864871#msg3864871)
(http://stevelarsen.com/ice_shanty/akmod3.jpg)
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Nice product. I like the idea of not having to bend and stress the rod when using on the jaw jacker or auto fisherman.
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Just a quick question for those that use these. What lb test are you running? Should I put 8lb on? Can I get away with 6lb? I normally use 6lb on my dead stick rod with a minnow and use 8lb on my medium action jigging pole when using rapalas etc.
ill use 4 pound on my "PVC slammer" sets for crappie. I use 10 pound main line for bass/pike type fish and heavier rods. I can put my tiny gill rods in mine too if I want to. the limber rods allow for lighter line applications.
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I feel obligated to support the Automatic Fisherman because Kerry, the owner, gives great customer service. I've had 6 units for about 10 years and they are made of hard plastic and stainless steel and still work well. The rods on the original units snapped and he provided new ones after 2 years. I do not own a jaw jacker of akfishtrap but I reviewed them online.
The things I like of the Automatic Fisherman over the other units are: the hanging bobber signals light biting fish, the trigger drops down after the fish bites making a thump, I attached indicator lights from Frabil that light when it drops down for night fishing, the rods and reels are top quality with s/s eyes, the base is very sturdy in the wind, the kit includes a hollow-floating ice-bobber which prevent line freeze, everything you need is included. They are pricey but you get what you pay for. He sells direct and I hope someday he will become a sponsor. I have nothing to say negative about the jawjacker and I have seen a lot of them around.
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I tried a Jaw Jacker last season and liked it enough to buy two more. After reading this thread, I'm very interested in the AK Fish Trap. I think a couple of those would be a nice addition to my pack basket.
I just looked at the price... yikes!
Tight lines,
Bob