Here in southeast Wisconsin the ice is slowly getting to be fishable. I was sitting here thinking about when I go out and am checking the ice why not make it easier on me. So I made a ruler on my bar so when I punch through the ice I can hook the edge and see how thick the ice is. I’ll hopefully see how well it works this week. I think it might wear off fairly quick since it is only sharpie but we will see.
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Good idea! Spray a little clear coat on there to keep the marks from wearing off.
Good idea! Spray a little clear coat on there to keep the marks from wearing off.
Good idea! Simple solution that I overlooked. Ill pick up some clear tomorrow and give it a coat.
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I did it on my previous spud bar that I have now since lost. It worked OK, except you don’t get a very accurate measurement since when you break through the ice it creates a tapered edge that is difficult to grab on to.
BTW-If the sharpie eventually wears off use a paint pen.
I did it on my previous spud bar that I have now since lost. It worked OK, except you don’t get a very accurate measurement since when you break through the ice it creates a tapered edge that is difficult to grab on to.
I thought about that and I am mainly looking for a ballpark measurement. If I need an accurate measurement I will drill a hole so I have a sharp edge.
I did something simular but with my long handled ice scoop. We have the cheap plastic ones but if you start at the scoop end and mark from there up you have plenty to get to 12 -14″. Then you have the scoop to catch the ice.
<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>Munchy wrote:</div>
I did it on my previous spud bar that I have now since lost. It worked OK, except you don’t get a very accurate measurement since when you break through the ice it creates a tapered edge that is difficult to grab on to.I thought about that and I am mainly looking for a ballpark measurement. If I need an accurate measurement I will drill a hole so I have a sharp edge.
Yup, ballpark is about all it’s good for.
Still my favorite and most accurate method of measuring ice is using an ice scoop and painting on a ruler starting at the hook end and going down to the scoop side. The hook grabs that ice pretty good.
I almost forgot, be sure you have a hand strap tied to it and wrapped around your wrist. Frozen gloves and cold hands on a steel rod make for a slippery combination, especially when attempting to grip the edge of a chunk of ice.
I did something simular but with my long handled ice scoop. We have the cheap plastic ones but if you start at the scoop end and mark from there up you have plenty to get to 12 -14″. Then you have the scoop to catch the ice.
I have one of these…sounds like what you invented. The Big Dipper, comes complete with measurement markings preloaded. 
And here all along I thought that was for measuring fish. 
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I just got one of those Andy I think it said it was made out of a hockey stick. Awesome looking scoop. And Chris great idea !!
I just got one of those Andy I think it said it was made out of a hockey stick. Awesome looking scoop. And Chris great idea !!
That they are Glen…”The Big DipperTM Hockey Stick Ice Scoop…
What I haven’t been able to determine is if they use the Christian Bros sticks (high end) or the cheap Northland sticks which I’d snap one every game.
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I did this on my frabril cheapo bar 3 years ago and the permanent marker has not worn off at all. When the staircase head cuts through I twist the bar and pull up – provides a very accurate reading. If indeed some ice chipped off the bottom of the hole worst case is I would get a reading thinner than it actually is which is fine.
16″… you’re a lot more ambitious with the spud then I am!
I wanna see the 16″ mark used on that chipper. 
Great idea! Thanks for sharing it!
I wanna see the 16″ mark used on that chipper.
I was thinking the same thing… 
Clear coating will most likely make your lines run. Make sure you test it on a scrap first. I have some bad results with sharpie, clear and curved/not level surfaces. The clear seams to have chemicals that liquify the sharpie.
Good idea. I’m thinking I can use my angle grinder with a thin metal cutoff wheel to grind a notch every inch to make it permanent.
Is it just the picture angle making it look an inch off at the end?
Is it just the picture angle making it look an inch off at the end?
Just another anglers optimism…
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I wait until I stop hearing about people going through the ice, with their spud bars/scoops in hand… 
Is it just the picture angle making it look an inch off at the end?
Metric system
16″… you’re a lot more ambitious with the spud then I am!
Lol yea just went as far as the ruler on my square.
Is it just the picture angle making it look an inch off at the end?
Yea just the angle of the picture. I butted the edge of the ruler right up to the head of the spud bar.
<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>glenn-d wrote:</div>
I just got one of those Andy I think it said it was made out of a hockey stick. Awesome looking scoop. And Chris great idea !!
That they are Glen…”The Big DipperTM Hockey Stick Ice Scoop…
What I haven’t been able to determine is if they use the Christian Bros sticks (high end) or the cheap Northland sticks which I’d snap one every game.
Wait what? Hockey sticks used to be made out of wood?! ???????? lol
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