Latest & Greatest

[MNice]

Just wondering if I'm the last of a breed. I see many, many posts on new augers, sonars, you name it. I tend to stick with what I have until it's not functional, my otter is the old style tub, homemade hitch, my FL8 SLT vex must be about 10 years old, strikemaster lazer still has metal handles, 4 wheeler is a 1990, 01 pickup has 210,000 miles...

All of the equipment works very well, however I know mine does not get used as much as some, and I am a nut about maintenance. I am very lucky to be able to afford new stuff if I wish, but I am very content with what I have, and actually I am proud of my "vintage" equipment that is still is great shape.

Anybody else in the same boat?? (mines a '99 )

[reinhard1]

same here. although my truck is a 200l. just donated my pontiac GTP [1997 with 265,000 miles]. 2002 wheeler with low miles, fl8 [forgot how old it is], 10 year old Jiffy auger, 2 man Eskimo portable, too many lures, and havent bought a new rod in a few years. only new stuff i have is the line on my old reels. no reason for me to get anything new if it works. oh ya, i have an old Clam Jr. with a few mouse holes thats still good to go. good luck.

[noodlerod]

+1

[Pleasant]

+2 although I did build a new insulated permanent this year, is sure nice and warm and cozy

[Fowlmouth]

Kind of like the old saying, if it's not broke don't fix it!

[Wanderer]

I tend to pick up a new upgrade here and there - about annually for whatever season we're talking about but most my "newer" items are 200_ something also. Much of what I'm using is still 199_ and some older than that. If it doesn't work, I fix it. If I can't fix it then I'll replace it.

The upgrades come when my current equipment doesn't satisfy my needs any longer due to changes in chosen adventures.

[CAMAN]

The upgrades come when my current equipment doesn't satisfy my needs any longer due to changes in chosen adventures.

^^^This^^^

[hovermn]

I ride both sides of the fence on this one. I like the advancements, but appreciate and use a lot of older gear. My auger is 10 yrs old, still cuts like a dream. Waterproof (used to be anyway)pants with fleece liners are from 1996. Still use some 14 yr old tip ups, and would probably be using my Hondex FL8 (pre vexilar) if it wasn't stolen a few years ago.

I started ice fishing in Ely with a chisel, jiggle stick, tip up and an extra pair of gloves stuffed in my arm pits. I appreciate what I have now, but never forget where I came from

[SpecialK]

If I hadn't just started ice fishing again I wouldn't have bought a lot of the new stuff I have. That being said, I buy used when I can find a deal.

[leech~~]

Well I still use my late uncle's vintage ice scoop from about the 60's that is made out of "real" metal! Does that count?

[harvey lee]

I agree that the old stuff still works.

I guess I am on the other side.

I like the newer options on the flashers, Gps and some of the newer rods.

I also like the newer fishing suits as they are warmer than some of the older gear.

So, if I can make a day or a trip of fishing or hunting better, why not?

Kind of like cell phones, computers, or anything else that makes life easier or for that matter, more enjoyable.

Why not?

[Esox_Magnum]

I have lots of stuff I have had for years like my scoops, shack, tip up ( 25+ years) but also have upgraded many other things like flashers, auger and combos...Most things I buy new are things I buy to hopefully last the next 20 years other than electronics and shacks, but keep those to for several years to befor upgrading...

[Northlander]

I have a lot of older gear but I also love having new gear. My bigger purchases like houses, auger, flasher usually get used for a few years then I sell them and get a new model. Something about having the best I can get.

[dougger222]

All three of my trucks/suv are 99/00 with 210-310K miles. They all work fine have been paid for for years.

However as far as ice fishing equipment like to run with the newest and greatest.

Atv is a 06 with under 300 miles on it, gets used only to ice fish.

[river rat316]

1991 truck, 1991 wheeler, metal handled auger that you would have to pry from my cold dead hands to get it from me (it does have an upgraded swedish lazer blade on it though) I always joke that all this stuff would have been kick but when I was a senior in high school, but now that I am 36.... not so much. But also consider it this way, when I am out on my wheeler, with everything including the truck, I have less that $2200 into the whole setup, and absolutely no payments or credit card debt on anything, and this makes me happier than new gear!

[hamms-scooter]

I like having trouble free equiment and features that make sense for my style of fishing. So if i need to buy new to keep it that way i do. My vex is from 06 my auger is from 05 and my fish houses are from 07 and 08 along with my h20c.Pretty new gear still and in perfect condition. However I will be making an upgrade in the flasher department and picking up a couple jason mitchell rods.

[minnbowhunter]

Still running my Zercom LCF-40 and have no plans to replace it. I don't need different colors to tell me it's a fish. 4Wheeler is a 95 and runs like a top. Heck, my wheelhouse is 12 years old this season. Truck is an 02 with 200,000 miles and uses no oil, still runs like it's new. I do like to upgrade, bought a new handheld GPS last year, and love it. But, I know my gear inside and out and take care of what I have. Just because something is new does'nt mean it won't break.

[OnAFly]

I'm on both sides. I won't get a new flasher until my current one dies, I won't get a new auger until my current one dies, won't get a new truck until my current one dies. The big stuff I stick with because I'm a bit of a cheapskate. The only reason I got a new GPS was because my H2Oc died.

On the other side, I'll buy rods, lures, bags, lines, and other less expensive things. I think most of my purchases are based around trying to do a specific task like sight fishing, or outdoor vs shelter fishing.

I just don't think any flasher or auger can significantly improve my odds of catching fish.

[Hardyboy]

When i got into the "sport" i did not have a ton of money(still dont but im older an a little wiser) so i was not able to get "top of the line". Slowly through the years ive built on what i have and replaced as needed and splurged here and there on something nice. Ive always tried to follow what a wise man once told me (father) and that is that you will never be disappointed with quality. If you get a quality item and maintain it that item might just be something you get to pass down someday. Top of the line does not always mean quality but you do get what you pay for. All that said i do like my toys and it is enjoyable getting something new and cool that i have a need for.