Auto hookset rod holder?

[captainshane]

I was looking through a fishing mag a few weeks ago and saw a rod holder that showed the rod somewhat bent downward. When a fish would take the bait the line released something and pole would straighten out and set hook. Well I can not find that mag and went to many retailers with no luck!

Has anybody else seen one of these? And if so where are they?

Thanks,

Shane

[Northlander]

They are not legal in MN so I dont remember the name. They do use them a lot in Wisc.

[OnAFly]

I saw a show on brown trout fishing on one of the great lakes in which they were using this set up. It looked very effective (but doesn't everything on TV ). I can understand why Mn doesn't allow these set ups, but they see like they could cut down on gut-hooking pretty well.

[captainshane]

I know that if a spring is used in aid the hook set they are not legal. But if the pole sets the hook it is legal. It looked like a small gauge piece if metal held the rod down.

[lakevet]

The hook set is too fun to miss out on.

lakevet

[Northlander]

I have had this conversation with a few different MN DNR and they say "They are NOT legal"!

I asked how a downrigger is any different and they really had no answer for that.

Personally I have seen them in use and they are slick. As you say way less gut hooks than a regular tip up.

Myself I wouldnt use one. I like the old fasioned hookset by hand but to each his own.

[merkman]

I am not sure if this is the same thing or if the laws or product have changed since 2005 but

Quote:

----- Forwarded Message ----

From: Linda Erickson-Eastwood <>

To: merkman

Cc: Bob Meier <>; Ron Payer <>

Sent: Thu, December 15, 2005 12:29:02 PM

Subject: Re: automatic ice fisherman

Ron Payer asked me to respond to your question. We were sent this product to review last year. We have thoroughly researched the laws to determine if the "automatic fisherman" device is lawful in Minnesota. I am sorry to inform you that this item has been determined not to be legal to use in Minnesota. Minnesota Statutes 97C.325, Subdivision a (4) states that spring devices that impale, hook or capture fish are prohibited methods of taking fish. The information on the package also supports this conclusion.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any additional questions.

>>> merkman <> 12/5/2005 >>>

Are these legal to use while ice fishing on Minnesota lakes?

http://www.automaticicefisherman.com/