Ice fishing gear

[N.E.T.O.]

I've struggled with Pole Holders in particular for ice fishing. I don't like to hold the pole while waiting for a bite, but rather I like it to be held by a mechanical device or stationary until I see the strike indicator working. At that point I like to grab the pole and set the hook, which is where my problem with pole holders starts. I have not yet found one that isn't in my way while attempting to set the hook. The last couple years I balance my two poles on small coolers so that when the strike indicator goes off I can reach down, grab the pole and set the hook. Of course, you have already mentioned one of the drawbacks of that system...sometimes poles end up in the water.
I've seen some versions of hand made pole holders which I like that have the "quick release" capabilities that I look for, but most of these also have divantages also in that they take up a lot of room in an already crowded ice shack.
All of this while normally fishing on a fairly slow day. On good days, I never have a chance to put the pole down so poleholders are not needed!

So, my solution...make sure you only fish on good fishing days...days that you don't have to use a pole holder!

Randy
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