Ice fishing gear

[Crimson]

[bobhappy] Decided to get the ice fishing gear checked out and ready. As I've gotten older, the gear has gotten simpler and lighter. It consists of a small plastic sled, a folding cooler, a bag of tackle and extra gloves, etc, a 4-1/2 inch dia ice auger, and some poles. Sometimes I take a fish finder, but normally don't use one.

I almost had a pole pulled into the water last year (second pole several feet away from me), so decided to make a pole holder that would be a little more stable than the light wire holder I use for pan fish. Made it out of aluminum and pvc, and included a feature for jigging. First time posting pictures, so hope they come out ok.

I would be interested in hearing about/seeing what others have come up with unique to ice fishing.

Crimson
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[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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[Troll]

Nice, are you an engineer? Those are true manufacturer quality rod holders. I think I se the jiging feature, that is cool. Apply for a patent today!
I try to have my hands on at least 1 rod all the time, unless the fish are liking it absolutly dead stick. Last year I had the good grace as to spend a lot of time watching fish on one of the underwater cameras. I was totally amazed at how many fish had my offering in their mouth and by the time I could strike had let go.
I have simple rod holder, I'll take a photo if you want, but I think you'll get the picture.
I put the rod on my bucket. The tip is over the hole and the reel is in the bucket with the rear grip on the other edge of the bucket. One bucket on the left, one on the right. Transducer in the middle showing both baits.
A simple grasp and lift sets the hook, jigging is done by, well jigging.
As far as PVC, around here it along with Duct Tape and WD-40 are the go to items. We also use it to customize our sleds.
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[SportfishinSteve]

I like the small holder that you can just pick up with the rod to set the hook.
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[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]I have played around with a lot of different holders. My current favorite for "dead sticking" is my "quick draw" holder that positions the rod tip right over the hole, and leaves the handle open for a fast grab without having to pull it out of a tube.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I also have a 4 tube vertical rod holder to set up on the ice to keep rods handy without the potential of being stepped on.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Last year I came up with a snap on rod holder for my Jet Sled that holds about five rods...both for transport across the ice and while not in use at the fishing spots.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Pics attached.[/#0000ff]
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[Crimson]

Thanks for all the great responses. You have given me some more ideas for pole holders! It's just like I thought, each individual figures out some nice custom fishing gear to fit their techniques. Thanks for sharing.

The pictures of the ice are getting me excited!

Crimson
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[SportfishinSteve]

Pat,

you are indeed the absolute "King" of PVC applications... [cool]
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[line_dangler]

[font "Times New Roman"][#000000]I really like the sled holders you have come up with. From the pictures it looks like you can remove the holders fromt he sled right? Or is it better if they are glued to the sled. What diameter PVC is that? Okay one more thing. What about the rod holder in the first pic, is it pretty sturdy in the wind? Looks like we better start getting ready for ice fishing as long as the the good cold weather holds up. [/#000000][/font]
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[font "Times New Roman"][#000000]Oh, let me as something else. The manual for my new Humminbird finder says that temps. below -10 degrees F can cause severe damage to the unit. What is a good solution to this incovinience? Or is what they write in there really true? Thanks. [/#000000][/font]
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[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]As you may have guessed, I have made posts in the past, detailing some of my PVC contrivances. I will copy and paste a couple or three at the end of this reply...including links to the instructional pics.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The "quick grab" rod holder is designed to sit beside my stool or chair, at the right height to reach out and grab without having to jump from the chair. In non windy conditions it works fine. However, when the wind kicks up you can substitute the high risers for shorter ones. I do not glue them so they break down for easy transport in the bottom of my sled.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Pay attention to the warnings about freezing your LCD display on your sonar. Not good. First, keep it inside your vehicle or inside out of the cold at night. Next, try to keep it protected inside an insulated carrier...and add some hand warmer pellets to keep it toasty. Having it mounted outside and unprotected in arctic winds is a sure invitation to freezing it up. Another suggestion is to run it with the backlight on. Not much help in below zero conditions, but okay for marginal trips.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Most of your other questions should be anwered by the copied posts below:[/#0000ff]
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Ice Sled Rod Rack
[cool][#0000ff]Had a couple of requests to post some "how to" pics on the new rod rack I put together for my Jet Sled. Here 'tis.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]It is simple, even for me. Some 1/2" elbows and Tees, some 1/2" PVC (cheap) and a few 1/2" to 1" Tees. The latter are the hardest to find. Most Home Depots have them in their PVC fittings, but you may have to look for them.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I precut and preassemble to make sure everything works right. Then I glue carefully. Getting a rod holder facing the wrong direction kinda ruins the beauty and functionality.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]By making the spacers between the tees, for each rod holder, about 2 1/2", the total width comes out around 21". That allows you to drill the 2 holes well within the outside edges of the back of the sled. You can make it shorter, with fewer rod tubes, or reduce the size of the spacers and add another tube. But, on mine, I wouldn't want the reels any closer together.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I suppose you could also play around and extend it out and add anothor row of tubes, but let's not get carried away.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The one thing I did not clearly show or lable was the short bungee cord I used to cinch down the middle of the rack after installation. I drilled a half inch hole and then used a short bungee cord with the plastic ball on the end to wrap up around the middle tube to help stabilize it.[/#0000ff]

[#0000ff]EDIT: Oopsie. Forgot to include a pic of the mounting holes on the back of the sled. I used a hole saw to cut holes at the right spots on lip of the sled. You need to hold the two drop pieces in place and draw circles where you need to cut the holes. You may also need to use a Dremel tool to open them up a bit so that the whole fitting slides down in for a snug fit.[/#0000ff]
[url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?do=post_attachment;postatt_id=32584"][#63626b]PARTS.jpg[/#63626b][/url] (186 KB)
[url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?do=post_attachment;postatt_id=32585"][#212126]PRE ASSEMBLED.jpg[/#212126][/url] (171 KB)
[url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?do=post_attachment;postatt_id=32586"][#212126]ROD GROOVES.jpg[/#212126][/url] (171 KB)
[url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?do=post_attachment;postatt_id=32587"][#212126]ON THE SLED.jpg[/#212126][/url] (102 KB)
[url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?do=post_attachment;postatt_id=32588"][#212126]PERCHSICLES AND ROD RACK.jpg[/#212126][/url] (212 KB)
[url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?do=post_attachment;postatt_id=32589"][#212126]MOUNTING HOLES.jpg[/#212126][/url] (111 KB)

McGuyver's PVC ice rod holders
[cool][#0000ff]I should own stock in either a PVC manufacturer or Home Depot. Always messin' with that stuff for gadgets for my tube or for ice fishing.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I got a chance Monday to try out two of my newer innovations. The first is an H-shaped 4-tube vertical rod holder. It is compact and fits inside the sled or out on the ice, for keeping rods from being stepped on and handy for quick changes. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The second is a "quick grab" horizontal rod holder. I got tired of trying to get the rod out of a tube or coil when trying to set the hook fast. This rig sits right at hand height, while I sit on my bucket. When I get an "inquiry" I can be the "fastest rod in the west". The reel sits between the two uprights, for balance and easy grabbing.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The basic frames and connectors are all 1/2" schedule 40 PVC. The elbows that hold the 4 rod tubes are 1/2" to 1" step-ups, and the rod tubes are 1" thin walled schedule 20 PVC.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I glued the bases on both of those models, and left the uprights unglued so that I can break them down and lay them flat in the sled for the ride out and back in.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I have tried several different designs on the "quick-grab" and this one works better than anything I have tried. Of course, it is completely customizeable to fit someone's personal preferences, for height, width, etc.[/#0000ff]
[url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?do=post_attachment;postatt_id=14419"][#63626b]PVC ICE ROD HOLDERS.JPG[/#63626b][/url] (143 KB)
[url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?do=post_attachment;postatt_id=14420"][#63626b]4-TUBE ICE ROD HOLDER.JPG[/#63626b][/url] (161 KB)
[url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?do=post_attachment;postatt_id=14421"][#63626b]QUICK-GRAB RODREST.JPG[/#63626b][/url] (147 KB)
[url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?do=post_attachment;postatt_id=14422"][#63626b]4 TUBE DIAGRAM.jpg[/#63626b][/url] (239 KB)
[url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?do=post_attachment;postatt_id=14423"][#63626b]QUICK GRAB DIAGRAM.jpg[/#63626b][/url] (117 KB)


Tripod Quickdraw rodholder
[cool][#0000ff]My middle initials are PVC. Always messin' widdit. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I have been making and using different models of PVC rod holders for ice fishing for a couple of years. Several other BFTers have been using my square base "Quick Draw" models. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Last year I made a prototype tripod model. It has worked better than the square base. More sturdy and holds better in snow because it pokes down into the snow (slush) at three points. The main idea is to balance the rod beside your chair, or by itself as a second pole, in a horizontal position. Because it rests free, you can make a quick grab and hook set without the reel or line tangling on anything else...QUICK DRAW.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I had a request to post pics and assembly info. Here it is. I have added text to the PARTS picture to give dimensions. Of course you can alter them to fit your own personal requirements.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]As shown in the pics, you assemble and glue the 4 main parts. Then, you bungee them together to carry in your sled until you set them up for fishing. At the end of the day, you break them down, bungee them back together and put them back into the sled.[/#0000ff]
[url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?do=post_attachment;postatt_id=32575"][#63626b]PARTS & PIECES.jpg[/#63626b][/url] (205 KB)
[url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?do=post_attachment;postatt_id=32576"][#212126]FOUR BASIC PARTS GLUED.jpg[/#212126][/url] (274 KB)
[url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?do=post_attachment;postatt_id=32577"][#212126]BASE ASSEMBLED.jpg[/#212126][/url] (267 KB)
[url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?do=post_attachment;postatt_id=32578"][#63626b]TRIPOD ASSEMBLED.jpg[/#63626b][/url] (216 KB)
[url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?do=post_attachment;postatt_id=32579"][#63626b]SPINNING.jpg[/#63626b][/url] (106 KB)
[url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?do=post_attachment;postatt_id=32580"][#212126]BAITCAST.jpg[/#212126][/url] (133 KB)
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[bassrods]

Those perch look like Yuba perch...[]
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[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]Probably some of yours. I couldn't catch any to take a picture of.[/#0000ff]
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[addicted2fishin]

Unlike you, I tend to have more and more stuff to drag out on the ice. Not necessarily for the fishing, but for the comfort. My one big problem is finding someone to get my sleds running again.

As for the rod holder, there is the green plastic jigging one they have at Sportsman's. I kind of like it. Has some give for the light bites and is easy to grab the rod off to set the hook. I also like the wire ones as I just pick them up with the rod to set the hook, then I can drop it as I'm actually reeling in. If you want the easiest way to give you free use of your rod while protecting it from falling in, just put a screw in the butt end of the rod that has a long piece of twine tied to it. Leave it long enough that you can move around anywhere. I would say fishing line, but it's harder to see to keep from getting tangled in it. You can then tie the other end to your chair or anything else. It may sound a bit redneck, but it can save your pole and bring in the fish that would have normally dragged your pole under.
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[bassrods]

Couldn't be any fish of mine [angelic] I get PMs that say I don't catch any fish so it can't be mine...[cool][sly]
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[Crimson]

I actually use the wire type holder for the pole right next to me. I am going to use my larger, jigging type holder several feet away.

I have used the "redneck" pole saver of tying twine or small rope to my pole when still fishing for stripers at Powell. Saved it more than once.

Thanks for your info.
Crimson
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[line_dangler]

[font "Times New Roman"][#000000]Very good plans. I will certainly use them. I tell you the baitcaster holder is better than what I have seen so far in tackle stores. Looks like my new baitcasting reels will have some buddies [laugh]. This has pursuaded me to do some more improvements on my sled. This just makes me ask why anyone would smoke narcotics if they could just go fishing? [crazy][/#000000][/font]
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