After 9 years of serious ice fishing................

[bee]

Great points! We must be related the only difference would be my 3 hp Jiffy legend (weighs about 40lbs) that I've owned for about 15 years, can't bring myself to part with it.

As soon as you get up to date with the new light augers you will smile forever. No mess no fuss no stinky just smiles.

[Lawrence Luoma]

Interesting post. One thing I love about ice fishing is everyone has an opinion on gear and styles of fishing. I've have ice fished for 34 years and competitive ice fished the last six years. Even my very own opinions have changed throughout the years. Here is my response to your list in comparison. Again, I'm not saying anything you posted is wrong, you found your way to make fishing fun and that is what counts. Heck, I bet my list will change by this time next year, also!!

1. The only reason I use a shelter is to sight fish or fish in a blizzard. With the snow suits today specially the Clam Edge Suit, you really are fishing with your shelter on.

2. There is no reason to drill bigger than a 6 inch hole. Had no problems pulling 8-9 pounds walleyes through last couple of years.

3. You need multiple poles. You need a rod, reel and line to match the jig you are presenting. Line diameter is very important.

4. I agree Trilene Micro Ice is still the best line our there. Now they even offer in Solar color for tightlining. Still wish they would come out with yellow.

5. Nothing today still shows real time like a Vexilar flasher because of patented matching sonar technology. Maximizing sonar transducer crystals is the reason it's still the number one unit. Plus nothing reports faster and truer the bottom content.

6. I don't use tip-ups much anymore but when I do I grab a couple of cheep o's.

7. Rattle wheels are for when your sleeping.

8. #1 sonar problem is a bad battery. Always have a spare.

9. A pee bottle is well worth the investment for the portable when it's zero below out. (Agree)

10. I don't fish with a heater. With today's clothing and staying mobile I'll warm up when a get home.

11. Cameras are good for scouting and for kids entertainment.

12. People still use minnows? I haven't fishing with a minnow in 15 years.

13. Plastics fish awesome for panfish. I always have a bait puck full of waxies.

14. Don't have a response as I don't really take my Scout off of the snowmobile.

15. LED strips are a lot less of a problem then a coleman lantern when in the flip over. (Agree)

16. I truly believe is fishing is an outside sport. Get out of the stone age and get truly portable. As Genz says "Stay mobile and stay on biters!!"

[Eckie]

You know, it's hard to swallow. Agronomist was simply sharing his observations, and things "he" has learned over "his" years of fishing, and immediately people start jumping in and arguing why he is wrong, and what "they" know is better. Never did he imply that his way is the best, or better than anyone else'. He was only sharing his experience. That's what this site is about.

Why can't someone on this forum just share their thoughts and observations without being publicly eviscerated?

It's really sad, and after many, many years on this site, I've just about had my fill of it.

What really stands out for me in this? It's obvious by the quality of content that the majority of you folks that consistently pick a fight with someone, for whatever reasons(?), likely don't even know what the word eviscerated means.

Fishing Minnesota isn't here as a vehicle to prove who is the smartest, or the best at anything. It's a family friendly outdoors HSOforum for sharing tips, information, ideas, and experiences. Period.

Remember the old saying, "If you don't have something good to say, then don't say it"? Might consider applying that next time you feel like glorifying yourself over the web.

WELL SAID, CANOPY!!! Lately, it seems every thread on here has someone bashing someone else's post. And, the majority of the time, it's because they didn't take the time to actually stop and read that post first.

Thanks Agronomist -- nice post, very informative and helpful, especially for those just starting out that may have many questions.

[blackdog1101]

I truly believe is fishing is an outside sport. Get out of the stone age and get truly portable. As Genz says "Stay mobile and stay on biters!!"

I totally agree. My only addition to this thread would be "Stay light." Carry less stuff and be more mobile. I prefer to fish in the open, and really only use my porty when it's windy or really cold. Otherwise I just have a sled, auger, flasher, a bucket to sit on, a couple rods, and my box of jigs and plastics in my pocket.

[JackPineGuy]

well of course an 8 inch hole is all u need. 10 inch holes are just ridiculous and dangerous. i often opt for a 6 inch hole...

[hunt fish repeat]

I don't believe I ever jumped on anyone or claimed that I know better about anything. Obviously some of you took my post the wrong way, when someone starts a post with "after 9 years of serious ice fishing" it is implied that he thinks he has a lot of knowledge or is some type of "quasi" expert (I've been ice fishing for over 40 and admit that I don't know anymore than anyone else)if all he was saying is what works for him then why post it.

It was him that claimed one rod can be used for everything then a couple responses later talked about all the different rods he uses.

The intent of my post was simply that no system, shelter, rod, auger etc... works for everyone in every situation, yes you can pull a trophy fish out of a 6" hole but if your out fishing for trophys and you have two augers with one is a 6" and one is a 10" which one would you use.

[spear foot 1]

I pulled my 45" 25 lb northern through an 8" hole. Looked like the hole was giving birth when it came out, but you can get mighty big fish up an 8" hole.

[schweady]

Thanks for sharing, Agronomist. Over the years, I have come to realize very much the same truths as those 15 myself. The shopping baskets from the grocery stores, however, that got me to thinking of not-so-nice ways of procuring such an item...

[simple1]

Esox Magnum,

Where are the 13rods made? I looked on the HSOforum but was unable to locate that info. I would imagine not in the USA as the price is really good.

Thanks

Simple1

[Esox_Magnum]

No clue, not afraid of China rods, have sold all my American made muskie rods in favor of Chinese ones...

[mww24]

I like this post. gets people opinion. this ice season my whole goal is to fish simple. I sold a few rods to carry less. Now I'll only be carrying 4 to 6 rods depending if I'm solo or with my kid. I still have a decent size ice tackle box but Bought two small pocket sized jig boxes that we'll fill each time based on the lake and species were going for. My whole goal is to be able to move fast and keep more organized and take some of the lets try the kitchen sink approach. I also bought different rod bags and the clam rod slicks to help with rod organization and tangled rods. Last year I remembered not changing presentations because I was to lazy to untangle a giant mess. No more of that.

I know some people pick fights, and some try to make themselves look like the next t.v. pro. I dont think anyone did this in this thread. People were just stating opinions and observations. No one has to agree with one another but the fact that it's being talked about and different views are being given makes it informative.

[Agronomist_at_IA]

I don't believe I ever jumped on anyone or claimed that I know better about anything. Obviously some of you took my post the wrong way, when someone starts a post with "after 9 years of serious ice fishing" it is implied that he thinks he has a lot of knowledge or is some type of "quasi" expert (I've been ice fishing for over 40 and admit that I don't know anymore than anyone else)if all he was saying is what works for him then why post it.

It was him that claimed one rod can be used for everything then a couple responses later talked about all the different rods he uses.

The intent of my post was simply that no system, shelter, rod, auger etc... works for everyone in every situation, yes you can pull a trophy fish out of a 6" hole but if your out fishing for trophys and you have two augers with one is a 6" and one is a 10" which one would you use.

Man your kinda just a grumpy person. I stated my experiance. And yes you can use one rod for everything. It doesn't mean you have to. I have a brother and cousin that both only use one rod the thing is so stiff its like a tree branch, but they catch everything with it, and do just has well as everyone else I fish with. If anyone here is acting like a "quasi" expert it would be you. I'm just sharing my experiance with others. It doesn't mean that it is the right thing for everyone, just sharing my experiance and what I learned works best for me over 9 years.

[leech~~]

What's wrong with you people? We need jobs, buy-buy-buy rods, augers, flashers, houses, the more the marrier! And made in the USA as much as possible!

[Will]

"Grumpy" person is right!

"Quasi expert" was definatley meant to offend.

Will

Wood jiggle stick with nail in end

12lb bulk, kinked mono

Hand spud

Tarp wind block

Red child's sled

1987 Ford Bronco

[OnAFly]

You perfectly described one of my first times ice fishing.

In my years I've learned you can quickly over do it in ice fishing. My best season ever I was fishing with a $30 combo rod and my flasher. I punched holes with an old auger and just had the time to find my spots on spots. More toys won't catch you nearly as many fish as putting time in and systematically working a spot will . Still new toys are fun, so I buy them too, from time to time.

[Ballyhoo]

I have honestly seen an old timer fishing with a birch stick that was somewhat crooked. He had a couple of little nails in it to hold the line and held the line in his fingers to set the hook. He caught a lot of walleyes in his day.

I have also pulled a 60" sturgeon through an 8" hole and released it and caught it on a med action Berkley rod. I have seen several 29" + walleyes come through a 7" hole.

I think it is great that Agronomist shared his info. Even though I buy a new rod just about every year, I still end up using the same ones for walleye and crappie, that is about all I fish. It is just so much fun to buy a new rod.

[ozzie]

my theory on hole size is that it sure is possible to pull a big fish from a small hole but it is easier to pull a big fish through a big hole...turning the head to come up a 10" hole is tough sometimes let alone a 6". I thought of going smaller but a buddy put it this way "If you get that fish of a lifetime on and to the hole and now have to get the head up the hole would you want bigger or smaller?" Funny thing is I have ran into this problem and the big pike sat under the hole and just wouldn't turn it's head even for the 10" hole...sucks when big fish won't turn and you only have 4lb test and 2.5 ft of ice.

[not_nuf_time]

I for one am glad to see this post. It let me see what others are doing. Being I've been looking for ways to downsize weight for drags (till drivable ice). Don't know why I didn't think of it but the cooker heater with bottles rather than twenty pound tank. Simply genius

[laportian]

Lots of good stuff. I value your post Agro. I really think the Mr Heater with the one pounders is brilliant. They cost like 40 bucks and throw crazy heat. I was wishing to upgrade to the big buddie this year but this might be a better option, for me. Thats what it all boils down to right? What works for you. I fish within my means. Meaning I never have the newest or best this or that. What I have works for me. I still tie the same jig or spoon on the end of my $40 combo as the guys with the $120 combo.

I also got a kick out the comment about trying to be like the tv pros. My take on that is to just slow down and fish. I mean really fish. Feel what you are doing. All this running and gunning business and trying to keep up with the jones' has me amused though. Guys can get quite elitest and snobbish around here too.

I've got a cousin that I fish on Red with a few times each winter and the guy has-a spool of 8 pound Stren, a little(small enough to fit in his coat pocket)box of jigs and spoons, and a fold up metal chair. He hand lines and for his other hole he uses an empty pop bottle as a bobber. The dude flat out catches me everytime 3 to 1! He fishes within his means.

[Ol_Bullhead]

where do you purchase your shopping baskets

[Agronomist_at_IA]

where do you purchase your shopping baskets

My sister in law is a manager at Hy Vee and my Brother in law manages a shopko. I seem to have the inside track on them

[Agronomist_at_IA]

Lots of good stuff. I value your post Agro. I really think the Mr Heater with the one pounders is brilliant. They cost like 40 bucks and throw crazy heat. I was wishing to upgrade to the big buddie this year but this might be a better option, for me. Thats what it all boils down to right? What works for you. I fish within my means. Meaning I never have the newest or best this or that. What I have works for me. I still tie the same jig or spoon on the end of my $40 combo as the guys with the $120 combo.

I also got a kick out the comment about trying to be like the tv pros. My take on that is to just slow down and fish. I mean really fish. Feel what you are doing. All this running and gunning business and trying to keep up with the jones' has me amused though. Guys can get quite elitest and snobbish around here too.

I've got a cousin that I fish on Red with a few times each winter and the guy has-a spool of 8 pound Stren, a little(small enough to fit in his coat pocket)box of jigs and spoons, and a fold up metal chair. He hand lines and for his other hole he uses an empty pop bottle as a bobber. The dude flat out catches me everytime 3 to 1! He fishes within his means.

I had a big buddy. It didn't heat worth a hoot, and it took up a lot of room in the sled. It would always blow out, was a pain to light, just a lot of little dump that sucked in a portable. In a wheel house they'd work great but in a portable I found it to be a pain in the rear. So I bought a Mr heater cooker and tried it. When we got home I gave away my MR Buddy for free so I'd never have to mess with the dang thing again.

One other trick is when you get a heater cooker I took and had some light tin plates tac welded onto the stand on the bottom and back of the stand. It helps slow melting of ice if you put it on the ice & also helps if you want to set it on top of a bucket or something.

[simple1]

I think the statement "I gave it away for free" says A LOT about your opinion of the Big Buddy. Maybe I will get the cooker. And Essox. I have nothing against products made overseas. I just try to purchase products made here if quality is comparable and price is at least in the ball park. That's just my personal issue I try to live buy. And let me tell you, sometimes it's hard to find a product you need that's made here.

Simple1

[mainbutter]

Excellent list, definitely stuff I will keep in mind as I get more into the sport!

[JackPineGuy]

No clue, not afraid of China rods, have sold all my American made muskie rods in favor of Chinese ones...

i dont give any u.s currency ta china. the republican big business owners are already doing that