Seems logical to me. I’m gonna try this next time out!

I have the Impacts and really like them. They are a bit bulky, but my bibs just fit over them.

I prefer to let others take the first step. So I’ll only go where others have gone first.

Troy Hoernemann wrote:

Thanks for your reply.i have one of those and like it just hard for me to get my line out out of the cover but I do like it wish wen I bought mine I would have got the package deal.Insted only got one and after shipping it would have only cost me 7$ more would have got two

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>skfishing16 wrote:</div>
Finicky Foolers with their insulated covers are a far better option!

I widened the gap on my FF hole covers by pulling that center plug out and wrapping a couple layers of black electrical tape around the shaft of the plug and placing the plug back in the center hole. The line stays in the slot and when a flag pops I just slide the cover off.

Finicky Foolers with their insulated covers are a far better option!

We’ve had good fishing at Zipple Bay in the past. Shacks were nice and they will move you to get you on fish. The Igloo Bar is also worth checking out!

eyeguy507 wrote:

Chevy vs. Ford vs Dodge but who really gives a $hit. We all have reasons for buying what we buy. I guarantee 90% of the people that frequent this site bought the ifish pros because they are well advertised here. I like mine, it catches fish and since I never enjoyed fighting fish hand over hand, it works for me. Personally I like the “wooosh” the flag makes when triggered.

Agree the ifish pros are well advertised which is probably a big reason that they are sold out most places. As others have pointed out if you are looking for an alternative to the ifishpro in its absence the Finicky Fooler is a great choice. I have been using them for the past few seasons and I believe this is the best choice of a tip-up in it’s category. The fact that you don’t have to attach anything to the line is what originally swayed my decision to go with the Finicky Fooler, but the sensitivity and compactness convinced me to purchase more. The hole covers are also very effective and a must have. I’m sure the ifishpro is fine, but if they are not available the Finicky Fooler is the best alternative.

I have been wearing Baffin Impacts for about 7 years and have been very pleased with the durability and warmth.

I prefer to not be the first one to test conditions with my UTV. I’ll follow someone else if they have driven out.

Finicky Fooler hole covers work awesome. I’ve fished in -10 to 0 temps. without having to skim a hole all day. And you can’t beat the tip-up. Simple to use, ultra sensitive and very compact.

Big Arbor Vitae has a good population. Ice should be good in the bay off HWY 70. Talk to the guys at Kurt’s Island Sports. They should have more suggestions.

Been running the Finicky Foolers three seasons. Great device for all species and the hole covers work awesome as well.

Smaller lakes around Minocqua have 4 – 6 inches. Could get messy mid-week with 5 to 10 inches of snow in the forecast.

I’ve got a few 13 wicked combos. Great combos for the price.

I’ve have had the foolers for 3 seasons now and have been very happy. The hole covers work great also. Was out during that cold snap last week and temp. around -3 and didn’t have to skim a hole. Recently purchased the hook set conversion kit and converted one to a hooksetter to try on trout. Have not got to use it yet, but have been playing around with it at home and it seems to work pretty well.

Baffin, warmest boots I’ve ever owned.

Check out Finicky Foolers, much better system IMO you can get the Tip-up and hole cover for about the same as the Ifishpro. Not sure what retailers have them, but a buddy of mine just ordered off there website.

Been to LOTW a number of times. Caught a few eelpout after dark and I believe only 2 walleye over 4 trips. Twice we had eelpout take out the majority of our lines. Not worth leaving lines in over night just to wake up to a tangled mess at 3AM. There is a pretty good night bite in the Igloo Bar at Zipple Bay however.

Mac and cheese with hotdogs. Gotta keep the kids happy!

mikek wrote:

that’s not even fishing. Might as well net!

I would agree. Never liked the idea of the hook being set by the device. Hoping to debunk the thought that it is necessary for trout by testing a hooksetting device against an open bail device for various trout species.

For pike a steel leader is your best bet. I’ve tried many braids with limited success. Never been bit off with a steel leader.

______________ wrote:

I think MN is the ONLY state where they are illegal.

Look at the rat trap style too, like the Ak Salmon Bear. They can be less rod specific on the setup.

I looked at those as well. Pretty cool. I’m thinking I may try converting one of my foolers for now and see how it works and I can still use it with the open bail for most situations which is how I typically fish with them.

I’ve had a strikemaster with Honda 4 stroke about 6 years now. Have had no issues and gas is much cheaper than those propane tanks.

I’ve been having great success with hooking the minnow on a plain 1/8 ounce jig.

It may firm up after this cold snap. Unfortunately the snow is going to insulate it and hamper more ice production. I would only go where others have gone.

I’ve been to Arnesons and Zipple Bay. Did well both places. Zipple has well marked roads and the Igloo Bar is worth checking out.

I usually wear my bibs with jeans underneath on the walk out. I dress down on top depending how cold it is. If it’s in the thirties and no wind I may walk out with only a t-Shirt then layer up once I arrive at my spot.

Great Fishery, I’ve only fished it open water. Would love to get up there to ice some of those jumbo perch.

I’ve been using the Finicky Fooler tip-up and hole cover. IMO it is a much simpler system without many of the issues mentioned on this thread. There is no hardware to attach to the line and the tension can be adjusted from ultra light to enough to hold a 6″ sucker. The hole covers have been keeping my holes ice free.

I’ve had Baffins for years and really like them. No laces and very warm.