I think they assume you have a computer because you need to be able to download the updates.

Nice machine and all, but I will stick with my Vex.

Like Fishwater, I have a 32″ Power Noodle with outside guides, but mine has a 5″ handle on it. I run a fly reel on it as well. I have said it before and will say it again, this is the first rod out of the tube every time I hit the ice. It is absolutely perfect. If I was unfortunate enough to break it, I would immediately call the shop and order another one. My next rod will likely be another 32″ Power Noodle just cause I love them so much. With several customs flanking the ship, the Power Noodle is still far and away my favorite.

Had the beast out on the slick wet ice tonight. Darn near had to stake it down with my spud bar. Fully loaded it still pulled with no effort. Granted this wasn’t in snow, but even in my snow testing it was a dream to pull. Now I may have to get some more LEDs for headlights when walking. The compartment light works but a headlight might be more fun. Just another switch and some more wire.

Oh let there be light…

Compartment light and UV LED

Compartment Light mounted to the bucket flange, twisted for a multi-directional light fill.

Fishing light, I think StrikeMaster would like this one.

Pretty well lights up my whole garage. And wont be blocked by my legs when I sit down to fish.

Chartreuse and a Chartreuse/Green core ring worm in front of the UV lights. Glow jigs and plastics, meet your match.

The compartment light and UV LED are on one switch, and the fishing light is on a separate switch. Preserve battery life when I only need one on. To say I am happy with how it turned out is a major understatement. Pulling on ice is nothing at all. Snow is a little work, but nothing like a fish house. I still need to get it to a scale to see what the total pulling weight would be, but I would venture to guess 55-60 lbs fully loaded. Not bad at all. Had it over to show a few guys at Thorne Bros yesterday and one of the customers asked how easy it was to pull on the compacted snow in the parking lot. I told him to try it out, he declined so my 5 year old decided to pull it around the lot and show it off. If he can do it without struggle, anyone can.

Luke, the buddy heater set-up was configured so I can easily transport it in the fish trap when it is still hot. I have a fish trap scout and a guide. The Glide-Lite fits just perfect in the scout with the buddy hanging over the fishing side of the tub. The tent folds up towards the tow rope. This way the hot surfaces of the heater stay well clear of the tent material. I can also take it with on those really cold days when I want a bump of heat for the fingers. Most of the time though, I can handle going without heat. I will have to shoot a couple more photos maybe of the whole system together. One set of lights (18″) will be mounted in a circle behind the heater. When I fish I will either kneel or sit on the bucket facing backwards. With the lights mounted in a circle, my legs wont block the light. All things I have been thinking about with the design process. My UV LEDs will be set up so I just drop the jig in the trough and charge em up quick. They should be here on Thursday I hope. The big debut will be this weekend at the UPL event on Peltier. I might be out Thursday night for a little test recon mission, or simply put, fishing.

Not the same. I have inspected both very closely.

I am going to be looking at a couple different types of gloves. Specifically the Frabil FXE Task Gloves and Ice Armor gloves. I have been using the Ice Armor gloves for years now and generally get a new pair each year, but I need to see what other options are available. Any others you guys might recommend?

Also going to be looking for some more jigs. Thinking some of the Lindy Toads and for sure the Northland Mud Bugs.

Lastly, I want to see if any of the retailers have a good deal on some LED lights that I can rig up on my Glide-Lite as well as in the Trap Scout and Guide. Most of this year I will not use a house at all, but on the occasions when little man wants to join me, we will be in the house. And he loves to play with the lights. Need something good to keep him occupied.

Anyone have any recommendations for an auger mount? I am looking at ways to keep my Strikemaster hung on the top of my Glide-Lite.

A few things to buy, hopefully I can get out without going too wild. I will have little man with me to carry all the stuff. I better bring a dufflebag for the jigs.

Yes, you most certainly want a brace in there. It wouldn’t be long the way it sits before a weld cracks.

Fin,

Matt records and posts them all on the website. Easy to go through the archives.

Tom

I have several Thorne Rods and can attest to the quality of product they put out. For Power Noodles, I have a 24″ inside, and a 32″ outside with the recoil guides. Since I fish outside most of the time, the 32″ gets used the most. I can say with 100% certainty, that if I am fishing panfish, the Power Noodle is the first rod out of the bag every time. It is simply the best panfish rod I have ever used.

This is a photo I shot out in my garage with my 32″ Power Noodle with the handle clamped in a vice (with a pad for protection). The action on these rods is unreal.

In the high res version you can just barely make out the 2 lb line running through the guides down to the weight on the floor.

I run them on my panfish rods to the point of exclusivity. From 6″ under the ice to 30-40′. One thing that is noticeable in deep water with fly reels is that your fish don’t get the bends. Reeling them in slower make the pressure transition easier on the fish. It may be slower, but I see that as a benefit.