Best "new" gadget of the hardwater season?

[Zenit]

...as in, "new" you/me, first time you've picked something up, or just plain brand new on the shelves. I'm a gadget guy, can't resist 'em, and I blow at least twice the amount of $$$ on new toys and gadgets during the hardwater season than I do during open water season (and that's sayin' something, as I am primarily a trout bum and fly fishing is another wallet emptying pursuit of the highest order.)

My three favorites this year, and the "new" lure (to me" that I tried out this year and had great luck with:

1. The Ice Well - what a simple idea, and it works just great. Thorne Bros. couldn't keep 'em in stock earlier in the year, and I guess the 9" versions are all sold out for this production year. A cheap gadget that works great, and I think it will work as a creel alternative during the stream season, too.

2. Clam's little blue LED light puck with the magnet on the back. 5 bucks for a light that mounts anywhere and sips AAA juice like a miser, been fishing steadily for two months now and still haven't replaced the batteries. Lights my Thermal X as good as either the Frabill Light Bar or the Clam Fan/Light combos, at a fraction of the price.

3. The Bird and Buck Sports Hunting Seat - I don't know about you guys, but I have two basic load outs - the light load out with a small Otter Wild sled, and the heavy load out with everything packed in the Thermal X. This seat and cooler combo replaced the traditional bucket and padded seat in the light load out this year, 360 swivel and back support, much more comfy for a long day on the ice. I won't go on too much about it, as I see it was mentioned in another thread - suffice to say it was well worth the investment and will get use during spring turkey season, too.

My favorite "new" ice lure this year? On a tip from a friend, I picked up 3-4 of those 1/16th oz. Reef Runner Cicada lures, and they have been great this year for perch, crappies and trout. The one downside is that the double hooks separate quite easily, but other than that, they've been generating hits when fishing is slow and I want to switch from my usual favorites (Genz Bugs & Worms, Bro Mud Bugs and Hexi Flys) but don't want to go big with a #3 Chubby Darter or a Lindy Rattl'n Flyer.

What say the rest of you?

[RiverFish]

I don't have one, but I would think the best "new" gadget would be the propane auger.

I have had the ice well for a few years now, I also love it.

[mixxedbagg]

That is a good idea!

[GotALunker]

for me a number of things come to mind, but probably one of the most useful and certainly not "new" (but new to me) has been the buddy hose that connects right up to my 20# tank. no more fussing w/ the little tanks unless I know I'm going to be going somewhere remote.

[harvey lee]

Venom bobber but it may have come out late last winter.

I use to use one Mixxed but mine seem to freeze into the hole a bit. I have not used mine for probably 4 years but it does keep the fish fresh.

[Ed Carlson]

My new find that I love is the "Lite Cylinder" 10# propane tank and 20# propane tank.

I purchased them last season and just got enough use time with them to confidently say...yup...that's a real winner there. These tanks will outlive me I think.

30 - 40 percent Lighter than Steel propane tanks, won't corrode!

There lightweight, strong, fire resistant, and are the perfect replacement for heavy, clunky metal tanks. Highly regulated and extensively tested and proven safety characteristics let you use these tanks with complete confidence in their ability to perform flawlessly. Meets or exceeds the same fire standards as aluminum or steel tanks.

Features:

* See how much fuel is in the tank!

* 30% to 40% Less weight

* Handy bulk hose storage on top of tank

* No cold steel to stick to your hands in the cold

* Cylinders are equipped with standard UL Listed Type 1 OPD

* Composite cylinders are DOT approved USA/Canada

* Corrosion free

* Durable casing hold up to heat and the cold

* Stackable

* All cylinders pre-purged

I highly recommend them. They are ideal for the sportsman, tailgater, and especially the "Ice Man".

[harvey lee]

Very interesting tanks Ed.

[jmg]

Where are these composite tanks avail. in the metro area and how much do they cost? Do places charge extra to fill the 10# tanks as some folks say is true about 5# tanks? They look like a great solution to keeping the weight down. Thanks for the pictures.

[Ed Carlson]

Best prices so far are on-line that I have seen.

They are filled and handled like any other tank, no extra fee's. You will see a lot more of these in use soon.

[DTro]

I've read several discussions in which the integrity of those tanks are questioned. Maybe they found a way to make them stronger?

[Ed Carlson]

They have been in use for many years in Europe, and here in the USA. They are fully DOT tested and certified. If anything they are safer as they do not explode in a fire. For this reason and for the other key benefits in this system they have became the new standard in marine use in nautical applications. I'm not in the least concerned on there strength and safety.

[slipperybob]

New toy this season for me.

Jigger Totter tip down. It's great being able to put the hook set on a fish without the whole rod holder. Almost as good as plain bucket for a deadstick rod, but now I get to see the rod teeter totter.

[DTro]

Yeah I really haven't done any research just going by some discussions I've read about the tanks.

[JBar]

Those tanks look like a winner to me, You see the liquid propane through the tank when held up to light and not watching the frost line. I see nothing wrong with the construcion of the tank fiberglass wrap has been used to make tanks for quite a while. If it meets UL and Dot they've been tested and pressure rated that meets and or exceeds set standards. Has anyone ever tryed to deny you of filling the tanks as they're not of typical constuction?

[Dry_Fly]

Been using the tanks for two years now they are great. Everytime I fill them up all I hear is I haven't seen these before. One outfit offered me a new steel tank filled in exchange I just laughed a bit. You buy them on-line, best to buy two at a time for the savings they have on two and free shipping, (not cheap).

[Hardyboy]

wow they certainly are not cheap at 90$ for a 20# but i like the concept of visually seeing your propane level and the weight reduction. I hate refilling a tank and getting charged for a full 20# fill when its not completely empty. and they go up to a 33# forklift style tank for 180$ according to their HSOforum

[Dry_Fly]

That is my pet peev getting a tank filled and most places charge you a flat rate no matter how much you get. I found a place that just charges for what you get. I have two 10lb tanks and most times after fishing for a weekend its $6. to $10. for filling them. Upsets my son because he always pays a lot more around the Cities for the same tanks to be filled. Whats nice is you can always see what left in side the tanks so you know whats going on while filling them.

[Ed Carlson]

Has anyone ever tryed to deny you of filling the tanks as they're not of typical constuction?

Never, the guys are all fascinated by them, and always want to know where I got them at. Each time I have got them filled it's been in a different location too. I have yet to have any guy filling them say anything bad about them and they all think there straight up cool. I know of one major truck stop chain that was on the phone and looking into them for sale as quickly as I gave them the web site info. Not sure if they have them in yet. They were pricing pallets of them. You will see more of them soon.

[PlagueWielder]

Been out a few years but new to me. My Commando R2 is seriously awesome. Hardly even need a heater unless its really cold. Also getting into the Venom floats this season.

[crappiegetter]

Those tanks look like a really good deal to loose some of the weight from all the gear a guy could carry. And upon researching the tanks I found out my work sells them online and I may get a discount for them. Just need to talk to them tomorrow and find out and if so you can bet I will have some on order.