Jump to content
  • GUESTS

    If You  want access  to member only forums on FM, You will need to Sign-in or  Sign-Up now .

    This box will disappear once you are signed in as a member.

Recommended Posts

Posted

I can't believe I am getting myself into something else as far as fishing goes, but my interest is piqued to do some darkhouse spearing. I am starting from scratch with the equipment needed, and have a better idea after reading threads here, and other forums, for the last two days. I have an older model Fishtrap 3 that I could use, but will probably get a permanent shack, or a hub style portable to spear out of, down the line. Any thoughts, or opinions, on using the 'Trap 3? I'm still recovering from surgery, so it's going to be some time before I can get out on the ice to do any fishing, or spearing. I've got time to get some equipment, and keep reading up on the sport. Runnin', and gunnin' is still fun for me on the ice ,but being laid up for awhile has shown me I need to slow a bit. Peering down a big hole in the ice to see what's going on there is starting to appeal to me. It's been many years since I've witnessed someone spearing, but I always thought it was cool. Enough ramblin' on from me, for now.

Posted

I have never used a flip over, but have seen people do it. As long as it gets dark enough, you should be fine.

Posted

I have speared a few pike out of flip overs and so has archerysniper along with a host of other guys.

Quote:
Peering down a big hole in the ice to see what's going on there is starting to appeal to me.

Its a total peace of mind thing for me and it has giving me patience to no end, and that really helps when in the deer stand, but I do have to admit when I'm deer hunting my thoughts are on spearing and sitting in a nice heated shack.

Posted

The Fishtrap has quite a few pinholes in the canvas, and will need some work to be usable. Sorry for the ramblings of the original post,folks. Thanks for the replies to my question.

Posted

i've been using a clam yukon for several years now. they get pin holes in them very easy, so i take a piece of old carpet and put over the top of it. it's black then. you can also cut a huge hole in that. i've gone too big.

Posted

also put carpet or plywood down on the ice around your hole, this will help more than anything

Posted

I have done it out of a Frabil. It is black but yes has some pin holes. I am not convinced though you need perfect darkness. I set up a little deeper (10-12 feet) and have had plenty of pike come in even with a window or door open. You need it to be dark enough so you can see clearly but I think a little light coming from pin holes is not going to scare your fish away. Just my opinion though.

Posted

You need it to be dark enough so you can see clearly but I think a little light coming from pin holes is not going to scare your fish away.

+1

A darker interior means it's easier to see, but people get way too bent out of shape about small leaks of light. How many times have you had fish come in with the door wide open? It happens fairly frequently. "Don't make vibrations on the ice" is 10x more important that "absolute blackness." I think your set up will work just fine.

Posted

I also have a Clam Yukon, but it has a reflectix installed on the roof, and walls. Might the reflectix reflect too much light from the ice back at the hole, or would an installed floor take care of that? Yukon would be warmer than the Trap 3. Trap 3 has more space than the Yukon.

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.



  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • LakeofthewoodsMN
      On the South Shore...  Ice fishing remains strong across the south shore of Lake of the Woods out on Big Traverse Bay.  Resorts and outfitters on some parts of the lake have ice roads extending over 16 miles staying on nice schools of walleyes and saugers.  Many fish houses are over deep mud.  Some are on structure.  It is always fishing of course, but overall, February has been very productive for most anglers.   Extensions are being used on ice augers as the ice continues to thicken.  The thick ice this year will be good for the extended ice fishing season Lake of the Woods enjoys with fish houses out through March 31st, walleyes and saugers open through April 14th and a pike season that never closes. Most fishing activity is taking place in 26-32 feet of water.  Anglers are finding a healthy mix of walleyes and saugers, with a good number of jumbo perch in the mix this year.  Some big eelpout are also showing up.  Anglers are reporting plenty of fish for fresh fish frys and usually extra fish to bring home.   The one-two punch of a jigging line and deadstick is the way to go.  On the jigging line, jigging spoons with rattles tipped with a minnow head have been consistent.  Lipless crankbaits and jigging rap style lures also doing well.     Lures with a light have been working well in the stained water.  Please remember, in MN, lures with a light or water activated light can be used as long as the battery is mercury free and the hook is attached directly to the lure and not as a dropper line.     On the deadstick, a plain hook or a small jig with a live minnow 6 inches to a foot off of the bottom.    Some days, mornings are better, other days, it's the afternoons.  There is no distinct pattern, they could come through at any time. On the Rainy River...  The start of the day and end of the day have been best for those targeting walleyes on the river. A jig and minnow or a jigging spoon tipped with a minnow head is also producing some fish. Some big sturgeon being iced by ice anglers targeting them.  It is a catch-and-release sturgeon season currently.   Although ice conditions on the river are good, they can vary significantly due to the current, so anglers should always consult local resorts or outfitters for the most up-to-date safety information and fishing advice. Up at the NW Angle...  Ice fishing has been strong in the islands area of Lake of the Woods. Resorts continue to move their fish houses around, staying on the best schools of walleyes.     Anglers are catching a nice mix of walleyes, saugers, and jumbo perch with an occasional pike or tullibee as well.     Big crappies are still being caught just over the border.  Fish houses are available, check with a NW Angle resort for info on crappie fishing.   Lake of the Woods enjoys an extended ice fishing season with fish houses on the ice through March 31st and walleye and sauger seasons open through April 14th. Perch, crappie, and pike seasons remain open year-round.    
    • leech~~
      Maybe you should put rattle wheels down, if your going to sleep for 6hrs! 🤭 😆
    • JerkinLips
      Monday was my worst day of winter fishing on Vermilion in the last 4 years.  Caught only one 14" walleye in nearly 8 hours of fishing.  Missed two other bites and was marking very few fish.  Maybe the fish were taking Monday off after a big weekend.   No more water came up on the ice under my house.  Think it was because I haven't banked snow around it for a couple of weeks so the bare ice around the house is getting very thick.  I measured 38" of ice under my house and the Ion barely made it through even with the extension installed.  Needless to say I banked around the house this time.  Another lesson I learned today is don't drill holes if ice is frozen on your blades.  I did that on one hole and it didn't center properly and drilled at an angle on the edge of the opening.  Hope I can correct the location and angle on my next trip up.   Not much change in the surface lake surface conditions.  The drifts may be a little higher and are definitely harder.  There are still a few bare ice spots on the lake.  Very little activity on the lake today.  There are about 3 dozen houses from McKinley Park out to Birch Island.  Another person pulled there house off today, and I am sure many more will pull theirs off this coming weekend.  Only 13 days left of walleye season.    
    • leech~~
      A good start for never picking up a bow!   IMG_1910.mp4
    • leech~~
      Um, #metoo   leech~~ Author 'we have more fun' FishingMN Builders Posted January 26 My whole goal for the rest of this season.  Is to watch KC lose and Taylor cry!  🥳
    • smurfy
    • Wanderer
      Smurfy is happy.
    • Dash 1
      Great looking food. So far not much of a game and I thought the halftime show was worse I've seen. 
    • leech~~
      Oh is there a Superbowl game? 😋😋
    • Kettle
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.