Automatic Fisherman reviews wanted!!!!

[mnhunter2]

Seen a show with an automatic fisherman anybody tried these rigs and how well will they work in the wind and snow?

[smg04]

i think they are illeagle to use in minnesota, check the wis/south dakota forums

[huntingislife]

I saw that show today too. I don't know why you would want to use one. It takes half of the fun out of fishing.

[GatorBait]

I was at Scheels in WI the other day, and while I spent about 30mins checking out my shack, I saw 8 of those things go off the shelf. I persoanlly will never own one but they do look interesting as I like to catch fish manually which improve my personal skill level. I honestly think I could outfish this mechanism, as it relies on the fish running with the bait. Sorry but that doesn't happen all the time.

TightLines,

GatorBait

[Bill Dance]

I tried to set one up the other day and it was a real pain. I would work but like it was said before the fish would have to run, so it works like a tip up. I was concerned about the legality of it to so i called up the mn co and had him come and look at it and he said "i wouldn't get caught with it, it looks illegal to me" that is the case for minnesota i guess....

[2liner]

Saw them at the ice show last year I believe. My FIRST impression was that it may be a safer alternative to a tipup (less gut hook for those who don't use circle hook?). But still not legal here. I know the guy was trying hard to get it approved.

[Barbelboy]

I've got two. I love 'em. They work great in wind and snow. As for cold they're just like any other tip up. Periodically you have to clear the hole. With a little practice they are very easy to set up. You can adjust the slack in the line to let the fish take it, but i've never had a fished hooked anywhere but the mouth. As for legal, if they aren't then why is a downrigger? I know I crank my down riggers down so that the hook is set when the rod releases. Mechanical? Wouldn't trolling with a motor be a mechanical way of setting the hook? Tell ya what, i'll bring one over to the local warden's house tonight. (he lives across the street) and i'll ask him and get back to you.

[korn_fish]

no need to take it to the warden, this years MN regulations clearly call out the new law that any automatic spring operated mechanism to set the hook is illegal.

[SingleShot]

Though I live in Wis, it would be curious about any loop holes in the law. There is no spring activated mechanism other than the rod tip being preloaded. Anyway I have one and it sets-up easy. It's nice addition to my beaverdams, I hope this type of law doesn't make here though.

JK

[Barbelboy]

Well the warden I talked to last night said he wouldn't cite anybody for using one, but I left it with him and we was going to bring it to a meeting with some other wardens to see what they think.

[bmeier]

In checking with the DNR in St Paul on this issue the guy who makes these asked if they were legal and he was sent a letter saying that they are against the law for use in MN.

[Barbelboy]

Thanks. It figures. Welcome to MN, the state where nothing is allowed. Back to tip ups!