I have 2 widow makers. A 24 inch UL and a 37 inch hole hopper with the flat tip in light action. Love them. I was a little skeptical with the ul 24 but not now. Limited on crappie and caught 3 6 to 7 pound pike and two 3 pound bass at the same time. The rod really impressed me with it’s strength. Bites were easy to see and backbone enough to set and fight some big fish. Also it was -2 F weather and all day. My guides had very little ice build up even though the ice did build up on the line. So the diamond coating does help. All told, a very good rod. Buy one and enjoy.

I also like the drop kick. I like to use a small fast clip on the line which always centers the jig horizontal and allows for good movement. Theses things hook the fish very well.

I have a pair of vortex 1200s. Ice fished yesterday in teens temps and just light socks. Feet nice and toasty. Love the ice cleats that come with them and the quick and easy on and off. I was looking for boots and didn,t want a big bulky boot, when a friend showed me his polar vortex 600s. He has used them for 4 years fishing ice derbys. He said he has stood in water all day long and fished in below zero weather and never got cold or wet feet. He highly recommended them to me. So far I agree with him. I like these.

Agree. I have them and love em.

I have both heads in 4 1/2 inch. The red nils is some more aggressive than the black but both are great. I have used my nils auger for 4 years now and with just a 19.2 volt craftsman 1/2 inch drill. I jig mostly perch, bluegill and crappie and do a lot of holes. Take care of the head and use the blade guard and these will last a long time with no need for down pressure. I did invest in a four amp lithium battery and it lasts a long time!!! My shoulder loves me now.

I ended up with the predator bibs and a hard water jacket. The climate was too bulky. I can say the hard water jacket is almost too warm and I often times unzip the jacket. I like the set up but with so many pockets, I tend to lose stuff (probably age). No more freezing on the ice!