keeping line from icing up-things I see on rods on fishing shows are?

[Gunflint Guy]

On the morning fishing shows, I see guys ice fishing outside with rods and reels. On the line, set between two of the rod eyes, are things that look like summer slip bobbers. Are they just slip bobbers? Do they do that to strip ice and water off the line before it goes on the reel? What is the deal?

[Bottle Fish]

I am pretty sure you are looking at what is called an automatic fisherman. If you do a search you will find them on a popular video web site. It has something to do with setting the hook I think. I also heard they are illegal in Minnesota.

[Gunflint Guy]

Here is the video showing what I am talking about.

[LoonASea]

That is an automatic fisherman set-up ,,,,they are legal to use in Wi but cant be used here in Mn ,,,that must be John G fishing with Eric H out on lake Mich near Millwaukee

I think it would work for clearing ice off your line but in that case its used as a strike indicator

LAS

[mn_bowhunter]

Gunflint guy, I know what you are talking about. It looks to me like the line goes through it and it puts something on the line to deice. Definately not the automatic fisherman, thats a tip up like contraption. I googled fishing line deicer and came up with a patent, but no products listed. Possibly a homemade deal?

[Ed Carlson]

The float on the line functions as a strike indicator, patterned off a European shore fishing method called a "Bobbin Rig".

This type of rig can be adapted well for many dead-stick situations with the chubby little fat Thill floats set between the first two guides....just watch for the float to rise, or to drop, to detect light bites.

This rig can be good for walleye, panfish or light biting catfish on the ice. Even big pike, but keep it close to you and an eye on it. For larger gamefish a reel like a Okuma Baitfeeder is a wise option to prevent loss of your rig on hard strikes and initial runs.