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Pennsylvania => Ice Fishing Pennsylvania => Topic started by: RuttNutt on Sep 03, 2019, 07:43 AM

Title: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: RuttNutt on Sep 03, 2019, 07:43 AM
So I have an older Clam Kenai that just has a basic padded bench seat. Been looking at the new Eskimos with the swivel mesh seat since last season. Once I saw that, I got to thinking it would not be too hard to mount a swivel seat to my Clam. I looked for a replacement seat from all the major manufacturers but could not find one.

A couple weeks ago one of my hunting buddies said his dad got a nice seat for his ground blind. Turned out to be just what I was looking for! So I picked one up this weekend and just have to mount the swivel base on my sled. Think this is gonna work great!

So anybody else have any upgrades in the plans?


(https://i.postimg.cc/XZmmrkTs/8-B4-A085-B-48-A1-4-F4-A-8093-F158894-C2418.png) (https://postimg.cc/XZmmrkTs)
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: jimhaney08 on Sep 03, 2019, 09:00 AM
Nothing major here.  Unless I find a decent one man flip over for sale....   lol.
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: RuttNutt on Sep 05, 2019, 06:53 AM
I stopped at Home Depot yesterday after work to get some hardware to mount the seat. Didn't realize the swivel base was attached to the legs of the chair and the seat portion was not attached. Had to take the legs off and of course it was METRIC hardwarde and I only had English wrenches!  ::)

SO I stopped at Lowes on the way into work this morning for metric wrenches. Should be able to get it mounted tonight after work! Can't wait..................
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: Chris338378 on Sep 05, 2019, 06:12 PM
My main goal for this season is to finish my Smitty Sled I've been working on since last year whenever I had some free time which wasn't much.  One of the other reasons I wasn't too concerned with getting it finished which is just screwing it together was I was thinking about trying to paint an ice fishing scene on each of the risers.  I wasn't thinking of going too extreme, maybe just a tip up with the flag up and some trees in the background but with my artistic abilities that could end up being a big project.  ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: RuttNutt on Sep 05, 2019, 07:59 PM
LOL! I wouldn’t even attempt that. My painting ability is limited to solid colors out of a spray can.  ;)
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: RuttNutt on Sep 05, 2019, 08:01 PM
I got my new seat mounted tonight.

(https://i.postimg.cc/N97rMmsV/A41-C6838-ADB7-463-D-8-D75-D9-CB9-BB908-D0.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/N97rMmsV)
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: RuttNutt on Sep 05, 2019, 08:04 PM
I think I’m gonna LOVE this thing!  @)

Perfect height now, with back support AND it swivels!

(https://i.postimg.cc/7bKfWxfg/95-B23-D49-72-D3-4638-B07-F-7-C08-C9-BBC8-D9.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/7bKfWxfg)
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: RuttNutt on Sep 05, 2019, 08:06 PM
Folds down nicely- just have to turn it to the rear so it doesn’t stick out past the sled.

(https://i.postimg.cc/w7tT4DKp/DF83-C493-C91-E-47-A8-BC20-764-DD2-CFDFD3.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/w7tT4DKp)
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: filetandrelease on Sep 06, 2019, 06:29 AM

 That looks great RuttNutt
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: RuttNutt on Sep 06, 2019, 06:59 AM
Thanks Filet................. ...................... ..now the hard part: waiting til we get ICE to try it out!  ::)
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: Spider1 on Sep 06, 2019, 07:21 AM
LOL! English wrenches....

 Looks good buddy.
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: Chris338378 on Sep 06, 2019, 07:51 AM
Looks good Pal and no reported battle injuries to boot.   ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: RuttNutt on Sep 06, 2019, 10:46 AM
Thanks guys! Yes, no injuries.............. ...................... ...but in the spirit of full disclosure- I did have to take the swivel bracket off after mounting it to the sled. (I thought I could mount the bracket first, and then the seat). Didn't realize I had to attach the seat before mounting the bracket!  ::)

But the end result came out great, so no harm done!  @)
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: Unclegillhunter on Sep 07, 2019, 01:20 PM
Looks like a comfortable sea! Thanks for sharing!
Keep it safe! JDL
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: RuttNutt on Sep 12, 2019, 01:14 PM
Thanks- you too Uncle!
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: CowDawg on Sep 12, 2019, 10:15 PM
What the he-- is an English wrench??????????  But the swivel chair looks inviting for the ice season!!!
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: Spider1 on Sep 13, 2019, 05:17 AM
LMAO!!!!
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: Chris338378 on Sep 13, 2019, 08:04 AM
The one thing you can be sure of about the English wrenches is they're definitely not Ching-Chang-Pow wrenches.   ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: icehound67 on Sep 15, 2019, 08:07 PM
No major upgrades this year, was considering a camera but not sure I want one. I am however gonna purchase a few of the new Okuma ceymars with the bait feeders 500 size
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: RuttNutt on Sep 16, 2019, 08:49 AM
What the he-- is an English wrench??????????  But the swivel chair looks inviting for the ice season!!!

I don't know.................. .........AMERICAN?!  ???  It is in inches instead of mm.................... ..........
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: Chris338378 on Sep 16, 2019, 09:17 PM
Oh standard wrenches.   ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: RuttNutt on Sep 17, 2019, 06:47 AM
Oh, STANDARD is the proper term? Thanks CHris- as you can probably tell, I'm not much of a mechanic!  ;D
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: Chris338378 on Sep 17, 2019, 09:07 PM
I would've never guessed.  LOL  Although you are definitely one of the most determined ice fishermen I know since you launched Operation Dingy.     ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: Totemir on Sep 17, 2019, 10:07 PM
Marcum LX-7 and a few mods to the sled.
(https://i.postimg.cc/7fQqBnzp/34161106-00-F0-4512-9-AC1-28500936-D512.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/7fQqBnzp)

(https://i.postimg.cc/WdFTxq6t/4-EC71333-8-A0-B-43-B9-8-C17-EFEFE413-FA20.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/WdFTxq6t)

(https://i.postimg.cc/k20qCMfs/80-FFCFA4-6-F75-4-C1-C-BCD9-AF6-CFE86349-C.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/k20qCMfs)
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: Spider1 on Sep 18, 2019, 09:55 AM
actual it's imperial.... but us Americans call it standard cuz calling anything imperial just doesn't feel right to us.
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: Unclegillhunter on Sep 18, 2019, 10:50 AM
Wow I love this site! Can learn something new every time I read the posts! So always thought metric and SAE. What is SAE?
Keep it safe! JDL
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: Spider1 on Sep 18, 2019, 01:41 PM
Threads. SAE stands for Society of Automotive Engineers. They basically set the standard thread and fitting sizes.
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: Chris338378 on Sep 18, 2019, 03:51 PM
Wow I love this site! Can learn something new every time I read the posts! So always thought metric and SAE. What is SAE?
Keep it safe! JDL

Or as the old timers call them right (standard) and wrong or foreign crap (metric).   ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: Spider1 on Sep 19, 2019, 05:06 AM
like we say in manufacturing... America is going metric, inch by inch.
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: DR.SPECKLER on Sep 19, 2019, 06:06 AM
like we say in manufacturing... America is going metric, inch by inch.
i believe it,my chrysler van is metric.i actually own more metric than sae because almost everything i work on like newer small engines are metric these days.   
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: supervdl on Sep 30, 2019, 03:59 PM
No major upgrades for me - I might get some new boots specifically for ice fishing and that's about it.
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: chilly-willy on Sep 30, 2019, 08:01 PM
So I have an older Clam Kenai that just has a basic padded bench seat. Been looking at the new Eskimos with the swivel mesh seat since last season. Once I saw that, I got to thinking it would not be too hard to mount a swivel seat to my Clam. I looked for a replacement seat from all the major manufacturers but could not find one.

A couple weeks ago one of my hunting buddies said his dad got a nice seat for his ground blind. Turned out to be just what I was looking for! So I picked one up this weekend and just have to mount the swivel base on my sled. Think this is gonna work great!

So anybody else have any upgrades in the plans?


(https://i.postimg.cc/XZmmrkTs/8-B4-A085-B-48-A1-4-F4-A-8093-F158894-C2418.png) (https://postimg.cc/XZmmrkTs)


Don't know if Dunham has same one in the cabelas add?? Looks like same one in Dunham add..  but it's same price and you can get some times 10% at Dunham? There  is a cupon in the michigan fishing guide for our state.. not sure if Dunham is local around you guys but it is in michigan ..
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: chilly-willy on Sep 30, 2019, 08:26 PM
Just though of this too..  tripple aaa of michigan incurance company..  if you have there aaa auto club towing cards..  they give 10% at certin places..  dunhams is one of those last I looked.. show your card and save type thing.
 
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: captain54 on Oct 17, 2019, 09:53 AM
None....the last update .....caused lack of ice.....the Striker float suit......lol
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: pa-iceman on Oct 28, 2019, 07:13 PM
I just fishing my first smitty sled and today I just got my new eskimo fatfish 6120I.
(https://i.postimg.cc/8sPBxhvs/20191028-171206.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/8sPBxhvs)
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: CowDawg on Oct 28, 2019, 07:55 PM
Holy crap batman... You guys are still beating up the dead horse on English wrenches???  RUTNUTT  just go over to Harbor Freight and pick up a Metric adjustable wrench... Problem solved!!!!!! ;D ;D
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: Chris338378 on Oct 28, 2019, 11:01 PM
HAHAHAHA Metric adjustable wrench, that's priceless.  Aren't they next to the kaniffiler valves?
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: Spider1 on Oct 29, 2019, 05:00 AM
guys, funny you should mention it... I actually have a metric adjustable wrench... yeah, they make them and I just had to have one. ;D
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: StonecoldCat on Oct 29, 2019, 05:12 AM
Holy crap batman... You guys are still beating up the dead horse on English wrenches???  RUTNUTT  just go over to Harbor Freight and pick up a Metric adjustable wrench... Problem solved!!!!!! ;D ;D
  Do they have the latest digital model?
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: Spider1 on Oct 29, 2019, 08:24 AM
if you're gonna spend the money, might as well get one with Bluetooth!
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: RuttNutt on Oct 29, 2019, 09:18 AM
Man, we need some ICE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  ::) ::) ::)
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: Chris338378 on Oct 29, 2019, 03:44 PM
You're right we need some ice, at least four inches.  We could take up a collection and buy a tanker of liquid nitrogen to help us get some ice.    ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: RuttNutt on Oct 30, 2019, 10:39 AM
I'm afraid to even ask how much that would cost.................. ................ :o
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: Chris338378 on Oct 30, 2019, 07:45 PM
I'm not sure but can call if you'd like.  The only problem I can think of is having them deliver it to the lake of our choice.  Although if we got the right driver and dispatcher, say a friend of Mr. Benjamin.   ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: chilly-willy on Oct 31, 2019, 04:20 AM
Must be part of that sucking sound ross perot talked about in 92? Every thing went to Mexico etc??  like the escort zx2 and other cars  built in Mexico..  for ford motor company.. since there not built here they use metric..j/s
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: CowDawg on Nov 02, 2019, 09:24 PM
  Do they have the latest digital model?

Yeah!!  but I didn't have the store coupon.
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: NEZ on Nov 15, 2019, 08:11 PM
My upgrade is to fish more. :icefish: :icefish: :icefish:
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: cajuntony on Nov 16, 2019, 03:36 AM
My co workers rag me about making big purchases  every time I do we end up having warmer winters... fishing with wat I got this yr...
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: Van_Cleaver on Nov 17, 2019, 09:07 AM
I'm trying to get by with the voluminous amount of jigs, rods, reels etc. already in my possession. That said I did just pull the trigger on a Dakota Lithium Ion battery for my flasher in a attempt to keep the overall weight down.
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: Chris338378 on Nov 17, 2019, 09:37 AM
The only upgrade I can see me making in the near future is getting another Eagle Claw inline reel.  I have one already and like it quite a bit.  It did take a little getting use to when dropping the jig down and stopping it where I want to but I got use to it using it for a day.  Some guys don't like this reel but I don't have any issues with it and like the price a lot. 
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: cajuntony on Nov 17, 2019, 10:05 AM
Yes Chris I like inline reels also ...a bit to get use to but no line twist  on light presentations
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: Chris338378 on Nov 17, 2019, 02:37 PM
It wasn't too bad getting use to it.  The big thing was controlling how fast the line fed out and keeping the spool from continuing to spool out line once the lure stopped.  I solved the problem with keeping slight pressure on the spool when it was getting close to where I wanted to stop my lure then stopping the spool by adding more pressure.  After an hour or two I had it down pat and got it to be a habit. 
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: Black Jack on Nov 22, 2019, 12:37 PM
Got an Eskimo one-man flip-over this year. Should be nice on those cold, blustery days......just my Buddy heater and me!
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: Dsmeltz18 on Nov 22, 2019, 09:32 PM
Huge upgrades for me, Just got into ice fishing last year and sure glad I did.

Just have some basic cheap Tip-Ups and one walmart rod/reel combo.
Borrowed a 8in hand Ice Auger last year, looking to purchase one this year
Would gladly take any advice for someone basically starting fresh.

Thanks, and good luck to everyone this year!!!
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: Spider1 on Nov 23, 2019, 05:30 AM
Welcome aboard!
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: Peccavi18 on Nov 25, 2019, 07:19 PM
I added an Eskimo Quickflip 1 from an end of season sale last year. Just did the spring lift, coffee table hinges, style smitty on it and my 2 man. Added a head light and interior lights to the Eskimo. I also picked up an LX7 in the off season. Just need to replace my spoons, I lost a tackle box to the bottom of a lake this summer now I have to slowly rebuild what I liked and used the most.
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: Mr. Charlie on Dec 02, 2019, 05:45 PM
Waiting in my new Eskimo Fat Fish 949i shelter to arrive ! Also picked up a new Pfleuger Monarch long stem , super sweet.
And the usual new jigs and such.
Gonna start building a Smitty this week. I have a few cool ideas for the design.
Other than that I’m still slaying fish from the boat so at least there’s that.
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: Fishslayer3 on Dec 05, 2019, 04:30 PM
Just bought a new Ridgid Octane drill and a two battery combo pack(6 and 3 amp/hr) at Home Depot, didn't really need it but its replacing my older gen 5 Ridgid on the Clam plate. Should have no problem turning the 8in auger now! ;D
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: nindo24 on Dec 11, 2019, 01:31 PM
I bought a Shappell FX100 last year before the ice was gone and used it a few times. My only "major" upgrade was I just put the sled guards on it today. I pulled the trigger on an auger back in September and just bought a Vexilar that arrived Monday. Totally stoked for some hardwater!
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: mitcher on Dec 11, 2019, 02:16 PM
My vexilar flx20 arrived last week. I am also considering buying the shappell fx100. What is your honest opinion on the fx100?
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: Van_Cleaver on Dec 11, 2019, 02:19 PM
Back to the original topic  ;) I got a Dakota Lithium Ion battery to replace the lead core on my flasher. What a difference in weight! Supposedly less than half. I just know when I went to put it in my truck last time out (Sun.) the difference was really noticeable.
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: chuck22 on Dec 11, 2019, 02:35 PM
Both me and my nephew got panoptix for the new season and can’t wait to use it
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: Gunflint on Dec 11, 2019, 02:39 PM
I purchased the new 2nd generation AquaVu HD10i Pro that I checked out at the St. Paul Ice Show.

125 feet of cable instead of the 50 feet on my Revolution Micro 5.

It will get over 8 hours of battery life (Using an Amped Up Lithium 12AH).

This should expand ICE FISHING TV to new places deeper than 50 feet.

Looking forward to it.
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: nindo24 on Dec 11, 2019, 07:14 PM
My vexilar flx20 arrived last week. I am also considering buying the shappell fx100. What is your honest opinion on the fx100?


I haven't had any real problems so far. The only thing I would suggest is upgrading the windbreak hinges. They don't hold up very well, cheap metal. I have yet to replace them, I bought material to upgrade them. Overall I'd buy it again. I teetered between getting a 1 man or a 2 man, but not disappointed I got a 1 man.
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: mitcher on Dec 11, 2019, 07:29 PM
Wanted to go light weight. Thinking about going with the insulated one. It is only a few pounds more for a few more dollars. Thank you for the reply.
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: Bigtrout131 on Dec 11, 2019, 10:02 PM
Greetings,

I've been researching Jet Sled modifications over the past few years.  There are a lot of cool mods out there.  I finally put all the research into action last season.  My goal has been to have enclosed storage utilizing the Jet Sled base.  I wanted to be mobile and not need an ATV or Snowmobile to drag this thing around because it is so heavy.  After all the modifications that I have made to this, it is a little heavier than my original intent but I can still drag it around (very easy on ice).  I'm strong enough to get this into the back of my truck with all gear inside, but really its a 2 person job.  I did recently add a tow hitch so that it can be towed with a snowmobile when I go up to Northern Maine for my annual ice fishing trip.  Last year it tipped over on the trail due to dragging it with a rope and half of my gear was spread out over the trail  :(. 

This is on the Smaller Jet Sled (25" Wide x 54" Long).  I can now put in the following major gear and still have room to spare other miscellaneous supplies.

10" ION-X Ice Auger (Power Head and 10" Drill, Also have enough room if I wanted to bring my 8" drill too)
ION-X Battery bag w/ two batteries
6 Gallon Bucket/Seat
Small Tackle Box (Fits in Back Storage Bin)
Jack Trap Tipups w/ Case (Can also put in probably 8-10 more tipups when I bring my children out)
Marcum Flasher
Propane Heater (Like the Mr. Heater Type)
2-Jig Rods and Case
Propane Lantern w/ extra propane bottles
I also if desired could put in propane camping stove (Smaller one) and a griddle and a few cooking items if desired (Would have to keep it to a minimum, but it could be done)
Handwarmers, Toilet Paper, Bags, Gloves, Hats, Small Tackle Storage Boxes, and numerous miscellaneous necessities. 

With the lid open and hinges placed against the wind, (So the lid doesn't blow shut) I have used this as a good wind break when I want to be mobile and don't want to set up my portable shanty.  On really nice (warmer days) I simply leave the portable shanty in the truck for weight reduction.  Many times I just have my Marcum, Jig Rod and Auger out and I sit on this.  Scoot it right up to a hole, sit on it and jig.  I have one more item coming this week, which is Wear Bars for the jet sled so I don't wear holes in the sled.  (Should be here tomorrow).  Last year I also purchased the 13QT Frabill Magnum Bait Station.  Bait cooler (Has a molded in aerator) and is awesome.  Looks like a normal cooler.  I'd recommend to all ice fisherman.  A little pricey but worth it IMO.

Last year this was started as you can see from pictures below, and this year I added a back storage bin which doubles as my bait cooler shelf.  This is solid, you can sit on it no problem and I'm 275lbs.  I finished this with Gunstock Stain, and 3 coats of Varnish.  I think it came out decent.

As You can tell I'm pumped for some ice fishing.  It's just a waiting game now.  I'm hoping to find some safe shoreline ice this weekend.  It's 26°F as I'm typing this, so there is hope.


(https://i.postimg.cc/sMBGMHJS/Jet-Sled-Pre-Modifcation-2-17-2018.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/sMBGMHJS)

(https://i.postimg.cc/G9rDXQcw/Jet-Sled-First-Modification-2-11-2019-Closed.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/G9rDXQcw)

(https://i.postimg.cc/SJ1zNbck/Jet-Sled-First-Modification-2-11-2019-Inside-Filled.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/SJ1zNbck)

(https://i.postimg.cc/bDRs77zX/Jet-Sled-First-Modification-2-11-2019-Inside-Storage-Shelf.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/bDRs77zX)

(https://i.postimg.cc/149gG3Hy/Jet-Sled-First-Modification-2-11-2019-Opened.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/149gG3Hy)

(https://i.postimg.cc/RNhNYpy8/Jet-Sled-Second-Modification-Finished-12-07-2019-Added-Storage.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/RNhNYpy8)

(https://i.postimg.cc/mPM2xvwd/Jet-Sled-Second-Modification-Finished-12-07-2019-Closed-Left-Si.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/mPM2xvwd)

(https://i.postimg.cc/MMtpP1Dq/Jet-Sled-Second-Modification-Finished-12-07-2019-Closed-Rear-St.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/MMtpP1Dq)

(https://i.postimg.cc/grTYxztS/Jet-Sled-Second-Modification-Finished-12-07-2019-Closed-Right-S.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/grTYxztS)

(https://i.postimg.cc/RWc9pcSy/Jet-Sled-Second-Modification-Finished-12-07-2019-Closed-Back-V.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/RWc9pcSy)

(https://i.postimg.cc/zL8NsV3B/Jet-Sled-Second-Modification-Finished-12-07-2019-Opened.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/zL8NsV3B)

(https://i.postimg.cc/ftghSCCt/Jet-Sled-Second-Modification-Finished-12-07-2019-Rear-Storage-L.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/ftghSCCt)
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: cajuntony on Dec 12, 2019, 04:21 AM
Very nice project bigtrout it is thought out very well tight lines bring on da ice...
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: nindo24 on Dec 12, 2019, 02:16 PM
Wanted to go light weight. Thinking about going with the insulated one. It is only a few pounds more for a few more dollars. Thank you for the reply.

I probably should've gone with the insulated version, but no complaints otherwise.
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: mitcher on Dec 12, 2019, 04:11 PM
Looks like insulated is only 5#more at 42#.
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: Iceassin on Dec 12, 2019, 04:49 PM
I'm always looking for ways to downgrade.  I'm getting there! ;D
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: Chris338378 on Dec 12, 2019, 06:11 PM
Great job BigTrout, looks very nice and you obviously gave it a lot of thought.
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: geothefisher on Dec 13, 2019, 09:12 PM
My only "upgrades" for this season is a sleeker "Smitty" sled and another 36" Ice Blues rod in the arsenal!
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: Mr. Charlie on Dec 14, 2019, 12:27 PM

(https://i.postimg.cc/SJ71gj6F/250386-AF-ED86-4-D11-BCF8-81-B55-D336387.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/SJ71gj6F)
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: Drillin-n-Chillin on Dec 14, 2019, 09:23 PM
Mr. Charlie
I have that same box. Bought it for holding freshwater trout flys and didn’t like how it held them. Seeing those jigs in it, I’m glad I didn’t toss it. It’s getting repurposed for ice fishing. Thanks for posting.

Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: Mr. Charlie on Dec 15, 2019, 08:04 AM
Yeah but seems to work great. I love being able to see the collection.
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: Jagger0502 on Dec 16, 2019, 05:15 PM
The wife just gave me permission to upgrade my flasher if I sold the two I have now, marcum showdown and marcum LX5I... Just sold the showdown, as soon as the LX5I is sold I think I will have a vexilar 28 on the way.
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: Mr. Charlie on Dec 16, 2019, 06:56 PM
What are you asking for the marcum ?
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: Chilly Chile on Dec 17, 2019, 06:16 AM

(https://i.postimg.cc/vcpWxsv9/1126191847.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/vcpWxsv9)
Some new rabbit hair jigs I'm excited to try out.
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: Mr. Charlie on Dec 17, 2019, 06:23 AM
I’ve gotta stop buying things and start fishing things.
(https://i.postimg.cc/c6scsbv2/E8149-F28-D411-4-F1-C-BF18-A26-B1-E16-C831.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/c6scsbv2)
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: fatty crusher on Dec 19, 2019, 11:03 AM
Just got her mostly assembled. Probably never really be "finished" as there is always room for improvement. 7 rod holder in back. Rear caddy is detachable by removing 4 quick pins. Perfect for bait, electronics, and bucket. Was considering a auger rack in rear between caddy and where flip over sits. Maybe a nice flag pole to display a little pride. Pulls like a dream, loaded down pic from 2 weeks ago on 3 night camping trip in northern Minnesota. Need to get on the paint but not to worried. Ready for the pa ice already


(https://i.postimg.cc/BtQKGJgQ/20191217-153011.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/BtQKGJgQ)

(https://i.postimg.cc/PLQPB7vw/20191217-153050.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/PLQPB7vw)

(https://i.postimg.cc/8s5j0tp7/20191208-094620.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/8s5j0tp7)
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: RuttNutt on Dec 19, 2019, 12:54 PM
DANG!  :o  Now that's a PIMPED OUT smitty sled!  @)
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: Black Jack on Dec 19, 2019, 04:56 PM
I have to stop reading this thread. It's giving me the urge to go out and buy something, even though I don't need a thing. Somebody please help me before I order again!!
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: fatty crusher on Dec 19, 2019, 10:32 PM
DANG!  :o  Now that's a PIMPED OUT smitty sled!  @)
Thanks, I put a little time into it. Chomping at the bit here and going crazy for some safe ice.  So close now.
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: RuttNutt on Dec 20, 2019, 12:13 PM
I got something for an early Christmas present that I will use on the ice, as well as out in the woods.

I pulled the trigger on a Garmin InReach GPS + Satellite communicator. Has an SOS button and can also text from anywhere on the planet using the Iridium Satellite Network.

Figured as much as I am hunting, hiking, backpacking and fishing in areas with sketchy cell service, this will come in handy and at the very least will provide piece of mind.

I clip it to my jacket or pack now every time I go into the “outdoors”(it has a caribiner clip)
I even marked a couple spots on the lake recently with the gps.  ;)

Not cheap, but I needed a better gps anyway, so really I am just paying $12/month for the safety plan.(for texts and SOS) You get 10 (free)texts per month and unlimited preset messages. (And SOS function)


(https://i.postimg.cc/TpqvcWHR/88-CF117-D-C618-4923-9-AFC-DE6-FABF1-FA83.png) (https://postimg.cc/TpqvcWHR)
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: Mr. Charlie on Dec 20, 2019, 03:20 PM
After all these years I finally built my first Smitty!
Cool project and can’t wait to use it!
(https://i.postimg.cc/t1sffHxZ/136471-D7-A25-A-4-C0-B-B3-DB-F156-E40-FD122.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/t1sffHxZ)

(https://i.postimg.cc/3kSVnwdQ/152640-F5-5436-401-A-B3-B9-B7-E0-F0-C0-EA98.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/3kSVnwdQ)

(https://i.postimg.cc/zVk9H7NB/1-C1-D6-D6-C-537-D-4-B6-F-A820-8-B3-F60-DE1144.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/zVk9H7NB)

(https://i.postimg.cc/LnzmCjpK/59372994-C967-41-F7-A15-A-8-AB05-A82-C346.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/LnzmCjpK)

(https://i.postimg.cc/7f4FLcpd/6959-B3-B6-1358-4-CE5-909-D-2-E59-DB918-C75.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/7f4FLcpd)

(https://i.postimg.cc/CRL9G8M4/80065-D13-1-FA7-4-E12-85-B9-02-E58-E792-AF4.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/CRL9G8M4)

(https://i.postimg.cc/FkywZgJT/CE4-F4-B49-6014-4-E59-9663-E7-A57-D1-C337-F.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/FkywZgJT)
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: fatty crusher on Dec 20, 2019, 04:27 PM
I got something for an early Christmas present that I will use on the ice, as well as out in the woods.

I pulled the trigger on a Garmin InReach GPS + Satellite communicator. Has an SOS button and can also text from anywhere on the planet using the Iridium Satellite Network.

Figured as much as I am hunting, hiking, backpacking and fishing in areas with sketchy cell service, this will come in handy and at the very least will provide piece of mind.

I clip it to my jacket or pack now every time I go into the “outdoors”(it has a caribiner clip)
I even marked a couple spots on the lake recently with the gps.  ;)

Not cheap, but I needed a better gps anyway, so really I am just paying $12/month for the safety plan.(for texts and SOS) You get 10 (free)texts per month and unlimited preset messages. (And SOS function)


(https://i.postimg.cc/TpqvcWHR/88-CF117-D-C618-4923-9-AFC-DE6-FABF1-FA83.png) (https://postimg.cc/TpqvcWHR)
Nice! Been thinking about one but hate plans and commitment. Be a great piece of mind especially when camping out on ice and the blizzards roll in. There's been a few times I had slight concern.
Title: Re: Major Upgrades this season
Post by: RuttNutt on Dec 20, 2019, 09:47 PM
I have the Annual safety plan. It’s a one year commitment at $12/month

You can get the Freedom safety plan. Only 30 day commitment at $15/month but you can suspend at any time. Basically paying only for the months you use it. Activate it when you need it.