Hard Water Fan wrote:

I am looking for recommendations on a new head lamp for ice fishing. Bonus points if it doesn’t have that stupid strobe light setting.

13 years and counting in the Army and I’ve used just about everything. Black Diamond is by far the most reliable imo. I’ve had the same Storm 450 for 4 years now and it’s been solid.
You can get by with anything, Petzl, Princeton Tec, Energizer, but they will eventually fail from water leaks, leading to corrosion.
I like the brighter headlamps (400+) for walking back to the truck or whatever, and the Black Diamond you can tone down the brightness, which is nice for rigging tackle, conserves battery too.

Joe Jarl wrote:

Dec. 1st

I second this.

Joe Jarl wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>gator800r wrote:</div>
I agree. I have live scope also and love having it in the shack or house but prefer my vex for hole hopping. Live scope shuttles suck for hopping around in my opinion.

X2. A live system plus a flasher is a great combo when hole hopping.

I’ve noticed shallow water walleye on a few lakes I fish will spook from the live. I’m not sure if it’s the signal, or the ducer, but they’ll come onto the screen and jet the other way. When that happens, I drop my FLX20 on em.

I have a 2000 and 3000 carbon X, they’re sinfully paired on some really nice custom rods I have lol. I’ve probably caught 100+ fish on both, the 2000 has a weird whine thing going on now, but the 3000 is so far bulletproof.

I agree with Bearcat89.. everything is made in China. Like legit every single reel under $300 is made in China.

Bearcat89 wrote:

The reviews on Piscifun look a bit sketch… have you seen the new ARK ice rods? Very similar look, and priced right. Scheels has them on their site, but I have not seen them in store yet. The catalyst is $49.99 and the Core series is $30.

I have not even looked in to them at all. I just seen the thing on here for a memoment. I won’t be buying myself anything just stuff for my nephews and kid.
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Same, I’ve got a younger brother in his early 20’s wanting to get into ice fishing, so I’ve been shopping around a bit.

Bearcat89 wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>3rdtryguy wrote:</div>
That Piscifun rod looks interesting.

I agree. And the price is right to just give it a try

The reviews on Piscifun look a bit sketch… have you seen the new ARK ice rods? Very similar look, and priced right. Scheels has them on their site, but I have not seen them in store yet. The catalyst is $49.99 and the Core series is $30.

I was catching crappies in Oconto Co, WI on November 28th last year… looking out my office window right now and I don’t think it’s happening till January lol.

Dan Baker wrote:

Take him to the Ice Show in St Paul. Walk around with him until he finds the rod he really wants. Drag him away from the booth. Say you’re going to the bathroom, and then go back and order the exact rod.

I second this.

I personally think a decent noodle rod can get just about anything done. There are a few light power rods out there that are decent “all-arounders” as well.

Thorne Bros Panfish Sweetheart has been super versatile for me but it’s a bit heavy for really small tungsten. I have a JR’s Custom Tackle noodle that was excellent for everything, very similar action to the JM Meatstick.

As for reels, a 500-size spinning reel is good for anything. I have a bunch of Okuma C-10’s, but honestly the Shimano Sienna is better for almost half the price. The size 20 Pflueger President is great too. I have a baitfeeder on my deadstick rod but I hardly use the ‘baitfeed’ feature.

Home Depot did a crazy Black Friday sale last year on the Dewalt 998 Drill. I think I got it for like $200, it had a 6-volt battery, and it came with a free 9-volt as well ($250ish value for just the battery).

I have a smaller Dewalt that does okay but the 998 shreds. I have it paired with the Eskimo pistol bit; it was slicing through 18 inches on Devils last year like nothing.

Late to the convo, here’s what I’ve got rigged up for first ice:

TB 20” Sweetpea w/ indicator and schooley – 3mm wonderbread jig and blue wedgee

TB powernoodle w/ spooler elite – Gold Northland fat fry with black wedgee or smallest gold kastmaster

TB Panfish Sweetheart (my favorite walleye rod) – 1/16 oz jig and plastic (shhhhhhh)

TB Perch Sweetheart – 1/8 wonderbread rattle spoon

TB Walleye Sweetheart – Rippin Rap

TB Deadstick – ol’ split shot to a #6 octopus