I have a work sharp as well, but I’d be worried about using it. The edge geometry is so crucial, I wouldn’t think it would sharpen with the same geometry. I think a deburr and polish is the only way to go without some kind of setup that’s the same as the factory.
I use the Beaver Dam line, and I prefer 20lb and have some with 30lb. I tried 50lb once but it takes up so much space on the reel and had memory so I saw no benefit and I ditched it. I usually find a spool for $3.99. I stay away from the vinyl coated stuff though, it has so much memory that it causes way more issues than it solves. Probably fine on a rattle reel but not helpful for tip ups.
I have the 7.5qt as well as the 13qt. The 7.5qt is nice for setting in my jet sled Jr. and walking out. It covers most day trip needs, but I much prefer the 13qt for weekend fishing, especially if there is any minnows larger than a fathead. As for the Aerators, I keep telling myself that I’d upgrade to the lithium, but the originals won’t quit. Ive used the same batteries for 2 seasons, but I am the type to turn on for 15 minutes then leave it off for a 3-5 hours, and I was rotating between my two those seasons. If I could only have one, I’d do the 13qt just to cover everything, but the 7.5 packs in the sled better.
I have both, but have used jointed 90% of the time. I think the jointed can be finessed a little better, but I feel like I have caught more fish without bait on the regular pinhead. I really can’t be certain everybody experiences the same thing as I spend too much time with the jointed pinhead, but that’s my $0.02.
If had one that would not run with any load applied, but would idle fine. The governor spring was stretched out and needed to be replaced. I’m thinking if you are having trouble idling but if you just got it someone may have adjusted the carb trying to fix it. Not sure if it will help you but something to look at.
I can’t comment on the Otter, but the 2600 was designed to fit under the tonneau of a short bed box. If you have a low pro Tonneau that fits inside of the box rails, it might be tight. If it’s mounted on top of the rails, you are for sure good. The Eskimo also has the most comfortable seats I’ve ever sat in for a full day.
I’m convinced people just want to get hurt on the ice as both days with dozens of people out there, I was the only one with cleats.
I think a lot of people also leave the cleats off to avoid spooking fish.
I’ve always set the buddy heater in the sled behind the “passenger” seat. Easy to reach and helps with the ice melt.
The problem with the LaCrosse Alphaburly’s is the weight. They are SO much heavier than the comparable EVA boots. That’s why I stopped using them after my last pair tore.
I have always found that Pike don’t mind gaudy setups, and I actually make my own steel leaders that have added flash/colors/weights. I generally never go larger than a #6 treble, but I know many people use larger. I have used flourocarbon a time or two, but I didn’t see a difference between steel on the days I tried it. I think it’s one of those things that only makes a difference in special situations and is otherwise one of those things that simply makes sense in theory. 50lb braid is not too heavy, what I have found that does make a difference is the line diameter. I do not prefer 50lb beaver dam tip up line over 20lb or 30lb, but regular braid should be fine.
Sounds like you’re set to give it a try! I’m sure you’ll find your own little preferences along the way.
Norfin Yukons. It’s EVA rubber (like crocs) that has insulative properties on its own. It’s also 100% waterproof and lighter than any other waterproof boot. I bought the Klondike’s, but the rubber sole is starting to peel away now on my 5th season or so. The built in cleats on the klondike broke off after my 2nd season or so, and I always preferred microspikes anyways.
I’m not sure about easier for everybody, but it has perks. If you try to keep your ducer perfectly level, this allows you to pull it up above the bottom of the ice a hair to help with the line tangling after hookset. It also give a little adjustment to the placement when hopping hole to hole. I’m not one to remove all the slush from around the hole after drilling, so when I set my flasher down and its sitting on an angle I can adjust the ducer in and out. I’ve done both the float and the holder, I’d say they each have ups and downs.
Outdoor Authority just built a 14’x40′ 10 person sleeper skid shack this year. That’s the biggest I’m aware of. They operate off the north shore these days.
Far and away the best gloves I have tried are the Striker Combat gloves. These are the warmest I own for the ATV ride out, are 100% waterproof on the beginning of year 3, and have a crazy amount of dexterity for the warmth. I use them regularly fishing and don’t own any gloves that are easier to fish with. The only setback is the hefty price tag, and it’s completely worth it in my opinion.
The stealth gloves are neoprene, which is inherently waterproof. The leaks will occur at the seams of they are compromised. I have owned another brand of neoprene gloves, they were 100% waterproof until I pulled the seams apart taking the gloves off by the fingertips.
January 13, 2024 at 9:22 pm#2247403
Carter Johnson wrote:
Im even more impressed with the E40. Fished this morning drilled 50-60 holes throughout the day. 0 issues with the auger at all. Did not keep the batteries warm at all and still ran great. Still showing full charge on the battery I used which is great!
Eskimo/Ardisam really hit a home run with that auger. Haven’t used it but heard the rave reviews. Kind of kicking myself for not picking it up in favor of the Ion Alpha, which I have yet to use due to ice thickness, or lack thereof. Unless you turn the lake into Swiss cheese on every outing, I think the E40 will work for the majority of anglers.
Why would you want the E40 over the Alpha you aready own? The Alpha is the superior machine. 
Vantablack has recoil guides and an upgraded grip. Twilight has reel seat and “standard” eyelets.
If you like a sight indicator rod, the Drench from Frostbite is my favorite rod for that size spoon. It’s a fiberglass rod that loads up a ton and eats up headshakes. I think of all my rods it is the most fun to reel fish in since it handles the weight of the channel cats I fish for, and still really loads up on a 16″ Walleye.
My favorite rod in my fleet for a “feel bite” is my 13 Fishing 32″ Widowmaker Medium power. The medium is my go to for rippin rap style baits, so maybe a ML would be better for spoons, but I cant be 100% sure. For a rod with a reel seat, it is really sensitive for feeling a nibble.
The Striker Combat glove has been the best glove I have found. Extremely warm, still able to fish with it/remove hooks, and one of the best I’ve had for keeping my hands warm on long ATV rides out.
I love the vexilar glow cup. No bottom so I can glow larger baits as well. Two screws and it swivels in and out, and can be popped off/swapped with the other accessories (rod holder, can holder) if you’d like.
Best to store them horizontally as well in the off season.
I love mine. The spool looks to be the same, and they are much cheaper than the boards for whatever reason. I usually can find them for $30. The biggest complaint I can come up with is the 2 piece flag can be a little bit of a pain as you have to slide the flag portion into the connector, but it is longer than the originals so it can be seen in deeper snow. I would get more of these before buying new rails.
Do <em class=”ido-tag-em”>pike prefer ketchup or mustard?
Depends where they are located. Ketchup in the north, but near Chicago it’s mustard only.
I have made 3 orders in the last couple years, each time I haven’t had issues but the order does take 2-3 weeks. Last order was about 2 months ago, no issues.
I have ran a few different brands that attach to the flag and light up when the flag goes vertical, but I like the Lighthouse Enterprises brand because you can see if your spindle is spinning or not as you walk up to it. It just has a set screw that locks the light onto the top of the “T-Bar” and a magnet attaches to the flag. Price wise it’s right there with the other lights as well, and the only downside is that you would not be able to use it with an Ifish Pro.
I think everyone will have a favorite brand, but I don’t think there is anything that is warmer than the Striker Climate Suit. The length is adjustable by folding the bottom up and snapping it into place, and mine have never come undone. It also has removable insulation for warmer days.
I do not own, nor have I tried the Eskimo float suits, but I am impressed with their price point. Hopefully someone can comment on their impressions there but if I were to buy one today that is where I would look just to save a couple hundred dollars.
