What worked for you this ice season? What didnt?

[IceHawk]

Well being the ice season is slowly coming to a end. My question to all that ice fished this season what pros cons did you find on the hardwater?  Maybe we can all help each for our purchases next year.  We are all trying to save a buck now a days.  Yes I know many will say not enough time on ice  We have all been there including myself.  I thought Id give a report on some of things I used this ice season that really impressed me and some things that didn't. Logged 64 outings on the ice this year already and a few more to come so I've used my gear to fullest. .  Many that have fished with me know I put my gear through the test if it doesn't pan out its gone. So I am here to give a honest review!

 

1- For houses I ran two Clam pros older style  and as of late a Legend legacy XL thermal. Plus was the thermal 900 denier very easy to heat bad was there interior pole bracket needs to be reinforced. shakes some on windy days. But held up through the beating I put it through. 

 

2-Electronics Been a Vexilar man for 30 plus years, yes simple but effective. The reliability and durability is crazy and withstands test of time!. Running a FL-18 and a FL-8 as a backup. Honestly I haven't upgraded to newer models yet because I haven't seen the reason to other than color pallets, zoom features the 18 already has bottom zoom  and low power modes.  A  old school dial still puts you on fish I still know how to read baitfish weeds etc.  For all the new budget anglers starting a standard 8 will get you in the game at a reasonable price. Don't think you need to buy big buck electronics to be successful. Did run the new  Garmin live scope and panoptix a few times this winter and they are very impressive. It  will help a average angler become a successful one much faster. Takes the guess work knowledge and work out of the equation searching and finding fish. Cons very bulky and very pricey. I'm waiting until they come out with a more user friendly package to run on the ice. Then Ill be the next victim to purchase one 

 

3-Rods- I am a die hard Thorne bros man all the way because they have always performed under all conditions for me. Currently running  for eyes 3 perch sweethearts and one dead stick rod from them . For Panfish-  2 panfish sweethearts 3 power noodles and two trip wires. Catfish setup are two Jason Mitchel dead meats. I did add a Bass Khang walleye stick impressed me a lot and will be adding more great rod and blanks at a price that wont break the  bank  . For budget fisherman you cant beat the Jason Mitchel meat sticks for panfish a very good power noodle at a great price.

 

4-Reels Pretty much run all Plueger Presidents and Okumas on walleye setups and all in-line reels on panfish setups. Run a few of the black betty freefalls and Clam Gravitys. The Gravitys are holding up well a little more budget friendly yes not as durable but are holding up to the pounding i'm giving them.

 

5-Augers- currently my electric is a 8 inch K-drill on a Millwaukee 2704 drill combo. Great first mid ice auger but cons are chews up batterys bigtime when swiss cheeseing  thick ice. Great for a wheelhouse angler or guy who cuts less holes. For massive hole cutting through thick late winter ice  I still run my Strikemaster  gas lazer solo 8 inch.  I ran all of them this winter the 2 that impressed me were the lazer lite flights and clam plates light and cut like a dream. Bad a little tricky opening holes and blades take beating in dirty ice.  Also sometimes a little grabby at bottom of hole but I think a lot of this is  from our bad habits as we all are use to pushing down hard on our gas augers. Let the auger do the work and they cut like butter. The other one that impressed me was the 40 v lithium wow will this sucker cut mega holes on a single charge. Only con I would say was a little more weight and a little slower  but add the lite flite and you cut the weight down real fast. 

 

6- All other stuff- For jigs I ran all sorts and have boxes full.  Most  perform well Kenders. Clam Venom but  hands down the Amped outdoors tungstens were best bang for buck. Cons are Scandia tungsten don't waste your money hooks will break under a fish many times. Lines I tried numerous but still find myself going back to Trilene Micro ice 6 lb for eyes,  and 3 lb solar green for panfish. . I do run two tightline sticks with 2 lb yellow stren for line watching tightlineing.  Plastics boxes full of different ones  also but one of my favs  are Panfish Plastics especially chigger frys and Clam plastics especially the Maki minnow been a killer for me. 

 

I know this might seem like a stupid post maybe arrogant to some LOL, but honestly I wasn't a experienced as I am now and threw away bunches of dollars on stuff that wasn't that good over years. I honestly wish someone would of helped, showed me quality stuff back in the day. Could of saved few dollars.  We all work hard for a dollar and honestly I'm just here to give you a honest review of stuff that has worked and lasted through a tough season on ice !

[smurfy]

Wasn't a stupid post and no way arrogant.

Me personally I didn't get out near enough. So no hot tips. Actually I have good enough success with the stuff I already have. I do agree with you on the Thorne bro rods. I use the cetus reels on them.

 

 I did however hear there is a really hot top secret special potion out there.

[Rick]

1 hour ago, IceHawk said:

I know this might seem like a stupid post maybe arrogant to some LOL, but honestly I wasn't a experienced as I am now and threw away bunches of dollars on stuff that wasn't that good over years.

 

I honestly wish someone would of helped, showed me quality stuff back in the day.

 

Could of saved few dollars.  We all work hard for a dollar and honestly I'm just here to give you a honest review of stuff that has worked and lasted through a tough season on ice !

 

This is the most useful kind of thread starter we can get!

 

If any of you have something you like or things you like out ice fishing...please share. Even if it's been posted before.

 

Nothing like a little confirmation.

 

IF YOU'RE NEW HERE...LET'S HERE FROM YOU. YOUR OPINION OR QUESTION IS IMPORTANT TO US!

[Wanderer]

10 hours ago, smurfy said:

 

 I did however hear there is a really hot top secret special potion out there.

I heard the same thing!  In the spirit of such a rumor and trying something new things, I picked up a puck of Billy Rub in emerald shiner a couple months ago. Nice concept but I can’t give it any credit for anything noticeable except smelling a bit like anise.  Maybe wax worm or leech or something does better?  At $6 I’ll leave the verdict out till I hear another rumor or Chris starts selling his potion. 

 

Id like to try some of those ice flies Borch had lined up for a GTG prize - Liam’s, I think they were?  I’ll locate some before next season.  
 

Otherwise I have to agree with Royce that the Nils does leave more slush in the hole than I prefer, even though I know slush in the hole is important to have.  It’s more noticeable when drilling through thicker ice.

 

Lead vs tungsten: I acquired more tungsten this season but decided I won’t turn my back on lead for when I want a slower drop.  I can also slow the drop more by putting more waxies on a jig - like up to 4 was the ticket one particular day.  1 or even 2 waxies couldn’t turn a fish but 3-4 had em gobbling it up in a hurry.

 

I’m also collecting more unique plastics to try.  I love ice plastics but February was a slower than usual month for them in my experience.  I picked up some 13 plastics on sale I’m anxious to try before the ice is gone.  I love 13 products. And speaking of 13 products, I’m adding Descent reels to my line up.  I’m almost cleared out of spinning reels on my panfish rods.  And I feel I could get away with doing the same on walleye rods if I wanted to.  The Decents have a nice gear ratio and great drag and I’ve handled plenty of pike with them on panfish rigs to have all the confidence I need.  Great reel for $35.

 

A new tip on jigging with minnow heads I picked up: change out the split ring to hook connection on the bottom of the spoon with a cross lock snap.  Disconnect the hook from the snap, thread the minnow head on the hook from the back to the front through the mouth and reconnect to the snap.  It’s a great way the keep the head on longer and not risk jigging it off.

 

Oh, and the Jiffy E6 auger is sweet!  Solid unit with great battery life.

 

Thats it for me now - gotta get ready for the chore that pays the bills.

[Rick]

Wow, the minnow head to hook method is new to me. Cool one.

[Getanet]

Sounds like you guys had me beat by about 60 outings or so, but two things that I enjoyed using this year:

 

1) Venum lures - was impressed by how long the spoons hold a charge for.

 

2) Bait Up - pretty convenient way to carry crappie minnows or fatheads. Would be especially useful for the guys who get out often enough that it's worthwhile to keep your bait in a larger bucket at home, and bring a smaller supply of minnows out for each trip. Also think it will work well for kayak fishing, which I plan to get more into this year.

[eyeguy 54]

I did everything pretty much the same as last winter with the exception of cadence. Chased panfish all winter and just one trip to LOW. Really slowed my cadence down. Seamed you’re be effective on the days the crappies were super fussy. Used impulse mayfly 90% of the time. Tried a newer plastic called Spug from panfish pursuers the last two outings and loved them. Ordered a pile last night. Buy 2 get one free. lol bought an Flx 20 and looking forward to using it next season. Got a couple more Descent reels and a couple great rods from a friend who makes an awesome rod. Lazer lite flight arrives today for next season. Really like the k drill and the less slush issue. I like clean holes. Will see how the lazer is. Never put any meat down for panfish this winter but will grab a puck next season to use a couple times. I don’t miss the black fingernails. lol. Used 4 mm tungsten 95% of the time this season. Widow maker and checkai. Learned a lot the last few years from guys on here and now it’s nice to be able to suggest to others I have been able to get out with that are wanting to learn. Tight lines. Forgot to mention that I also upgraded to the 7 Ah Dakota lithium. Love it!!!!!!!!!

Edited March 6, 2020 by eyeguy 54

[papadarv]

I fish in my Wheel House, Eskimo Hub or Frabill flip. I no longer need to drill dozens of holes, sit on a bucket freezing my fingers,ears & toes catch - and release buckets of fish as age finally caught up to me, creature comfort now prevail. I drive to a potential spot in my pickup or light weight riding SnoDog, 

 

Drill a single hole with my M18 fuel 2804 drill configured with a chuckles adapter, Eskimo iON quick release, modified Mora hand auger with added slush propeller fins pushing slush 18" away from the drilled hole under ice.

 

Search the potential area 1/2 football field size with my with my Fl-8 or ShowDown Trollerattached to my 360 deg "T-Stick" search tool

 

 

Find fish in a couple drilling, than mark, drill, slush fishing holes in my Hub/flip floor cut-out locations, bit of heat, dry floor, warm comfort on a fold chair with side table. 

 

I totally appreciate all the ideas, techniques, jigs, rods , equipment etc. posted on this site. These shared ideas greatly increased my catch rate. If I catch a fish that's OK, not catching is just as OK. The pleasure of going ice fishing is second to none and I look forward to continue for the next 15 years.

[Borch]

Always love your post papadarv.  Biggest changes for me was I started to make my own custom Ice Rods with the Basskhang blanks primarily.   Love the 36" perch carbon rods for fishing outside for perch, cats and eyes.  Otherwise I was using the panfish or finesse noodle rods that I cut down to various lengths, (28-36").  Reels are much like Chris laid out. 

 

Fishing line there are a couple brands I run in 3-5 lb test.  They are suffix ice, vicious ice and pline flouroice.  I run a lot of the hivis options.

 

Plastics/baits: Many, many that I like.  Rippers from Panfish Pirates, the chigger frys from Panfish Plastics, Berkley wishbones and some of the Eurotackle stuff as well.  I really have  had good luck on anything from Liam's Lures.  But the Mayfly, scuds and black ants have really been effective.

 

Changed my auger to the Milwaukee,  clam plate and 7" lazer auger.  Other than the little grab at the bottom of the I've occasionally it have been an improvement over my 6" kdrill. 

 

I changed over to the Clam thermal  legend lx ice team version.  Love the led light bar that's dimmable.  Still playing with the bracket.  I will be locktighting the jam nuts as they do rattle loose.

 

I'm using the marcum lx6 with an upgraded dakota lithium battery.  Not a big fan of the case.  Its cumbersome to set up and pack up.  Otherwise it's been a good locator.  

[Wanderer]

9 hours ago, eyeguy 54 said:

Forgot to mention that I also upgraded to the 7 Ah Dakota lithium. Love it!!!!!!!!!

I ordered a 12Ah lithium from my local bait shop but it hasn’t come in yet.  Was hoping to have it by now.  Looking forward to the light weight and DAYS between charges.

[eyeguy 54]

I got the 7 ah for the vexilar. Saw a 10. Didn’t know they had a 12. That 7 runs a long long time.

[monstermoose78]

I run a clam plate with the 6 inch bit that can with it. I also added the extension as I am way to tall to use that short auger. The drill is a Dewalt dcd985 brushed drill with the 9 amp batteries. 
 

Jigs I have been ordering 3 & 4 mm from sportsman direct. They have a larger hook and I like it. As for plastics I have been using maki minos, mayflys, and some fly looking plastic I got at the bait den.

 

The rod I use is a black ice from Kichler Custom pair with a descent inline reel. Spooled with 3 pound test. 
 

For a shelter I have a Jason Mitchell flip over the big one. Love the light bar and no more stupid lantern to break the globe or mantles.    
 

Love my old FL-8 that thing has been with me since 1997. Can’t seem to upgrade as I trust it so much. 

Edited March 7, 2020 by monstermoose78

[mrpike1973]

What worked for me was using binoculars and following behind all you guys!! Haa Haa just kidding.

1. learning to move and not stay on one spot.

2. buying the 6 inch lite flite way better and faster auger.

3. Not wasting time on walleyes going back to pan fishing more fish and more fun.

4. I quit using tip ups this year my hands were frostbite bad as a kid and I couldn't stand messing with minnows outside when it was cold.

I learned because of no tip ups I moved more was not anchored down and that meant more fish for me!

5. Bought the bride a camera kept her busy and found out inline reels the jigs still spin so i went back to spinning reels love it less tangles.

6. Trying new lakes and not following the crowd.

7. Minnows for me were an anchor after I quit using them I got more panfish.

8. Reading and following HSO Sorry but I lost my password a while back and could not figure out how to get back.

9. Following fellow HSO on the ice oops I meant HAA HAA 

 

[monstermoose78]

A new plastic I picked up that worked yesterday is billyrub plastics. 

Edited March 8, 2020 by monstermoose78