Getting ready for Ice fishing

I know it’s early, but I’m starting to get the itch.

I am looking for something other than a bucket to carry my rods, tackle and all of the various trappings I lug out on the ice. I have looked at several, but was hoping that some people had some suggestions for what works for them. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

Hey Flip- Welcome to IDA I am sure you will like it here. Go out and get yourself a rod case for your ice poles. I have one that will hold 3 rods as well as my panfish lures. It rides perfectly in my portable and really protects the rods. Like you I also have the itch, but to be honest, a little bit more nice weather would be O.K. too. Welcome again.

John

second that… I used to break a lot of ice poles, bought a cheap case and it has protected them a whole lot better. A well organized sled is a bonus especially for guys who like to fish at night.

Howdy ho,

I got a old pickle bucket $0
Menards bucket belt $25

Your set!!

It is just a belt that wraps around your bucket that a lot of turd chasers use

those ice rod holders are the ticket, just make sure the part which the rod tips go into is a round hard tube, my first one was a soft sided one and one of my rod tips broke. something like this ice rod holder

do a search for these…
croxton pond ice rod cases.
years ago I helped design these cases.
I think there still being sold.

I have the Stone Legacy Revolution Ice Fishing Case and love it. It will carry my Rods Tip ups and tackle. It makes it nice for traveling being it is easier to find room for than a bucket.
Check out there site

Ready Rig Rod Cases is what I use. Been very happy with them for the past 5+ years.

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those ice rod holders are the ticket, just make sure the part which the rod tips go into is a round hard tube, my first one was a soft sided one and one of my rod tips broke.

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Ditto that. I loved my case otherwise, so I ordered some lightweight plastic tubes that are used to organize golf clubs in a bag and fit them into my rod bag. Works great!

I’ve got a Croxton bag and it sits on the shelf.
What I don’t like that it’s black (hard to seperate rods in shack) and it’s soft rods can be broken.
I did like the fact you can carry a lot of stuff in it.

I went to a cheap hard sided arrow holder that I customized to hold 4 rods.

Ferny

Arrow case!

Here’s a pick. You can see I made some changes…I took the two top pieces of foam off, placed one of those pieces in the center on bottom, acts as a extra support for the rods. I then took the extra piece from the top, moved it over a couple inches and re glued with hot glue, it acts as security from the reels sliding back and forth. I also took a extra piece of foam, yes pink the wife had laying around and glued it on the other end for the reels.

Fit’s 4 combo’s with 2 extra rods. Works well for me.

P.S., I run/gun with the wheeler, tow bar, voyageur. Lot’s of bumpy Mille Lacs miles, no broken rods with this setup compared to several with other setups, really works well.

BIRDDOG

I agree with Bret!! Great bag!

I use a JR tackle bag. I can fit 8 rods safetly and 10 if I pack them tight. They have 3 pockets so I can carry all my tackle, wax worms, and tools. I have another smaller bag that I throw a few select rods in when I go out by myself. The two straps make a nice backpack when I don’t have room anywhere else. The bags are cheaper than some of the other brands too. You won’t see my Thorne Bros. rods riding around in a five gallon bucket ever again.

My personal favorite. I have one, and am getting 2 more this year. Much more comfy than a bucket, and it holds more too.

Ice fishing is near? I hardly got out this season with the boat and don’t know when I’ll be out again.

Thanks for all of the help and the welcome notes. I have looked at the stone legacy one, that seems good. That Croxton Pond case that Rod-Man suggested seems nice. I was going to get a clam chair last year, but I have seating in my shack so that would be a little much for me. I also carry a lot of crap, so I’ll probably go with one of those. Thanks a lot fellas!