Got that gear ready?

[Rebel SS]

Ice fishing gear, that is. Some things to be checking right now, from my list...

Got that new line wound on? At the very least, strip off 20' or so, those ice edges can put nice nicks in line making it *SNAP* when you've got that big one on.

Clean and lube those reels. I like using liquid oil (like hotsauce, etc.) on my ice reels as compared to a grease type lube for the soft-water ones. Won't thicken and slow down the reel. Check that bail and lube the bail roller on it if it's a spinning reel. Also lube that mainshaft and clean any goo off the drag washers. Lube that handle shaft, too, and main bearings.

Check that rod handle/shaft for any cracks or bent guides and fix/epoxy them now.

Sharpen your jig hooks and and touch up any ones losing paint with lure paint.

Make sure your flasher battery is charged and up to snuff. Now's the time to do it.
Also check that transducer and cable for any issues/cracks/broken epoxy coating..

Make sure your heater is working properly and has no leaks. I like blowing out the ceramic heat element with an air hose and then cleaning the gas tubes/igniter with rubbing alcohol and a Q-tip,], or if bad, a light touch-up with fine emery cloth.

Check your boots/gloves/suit for any tears, broken zippers, etc and fix now. Same goes for your pop-up porty. Lube up the zippers. I like Chapstick and carry a tube just for that.

Put a new plug in your ice auger, (Check that gap! Don't trust "factory gapped") mix up some non-oxy fuel with a good synthetic oil to the proper ratio, and test run it. Check the tank for any fuel leaks. (Been lots of issues with some tanks cracking at fuel outlet and mounting tabs over the years) Sharpen/hone those blades with a stone like you would a good knife, because they're basically the same thing. If they're dinged up good, replace. Check yer flighting for any broken spot welds or bent areas. Sharpen that ice tip to a nice point, and square the edges with a file. I like to then spray blades/flighting with silicone so slush flies off when ya hit WOT when pulling it up out of hole. And remember when drilling: Do not push down on the auger! No need to!  And....don't leave it standing up in a hole, that's tough on the flighting. Hate seeing that!

With that all done, you should be all set to get those fish!   

[LPS]

Very nice Rebs.  I will do my best to accomplish as much of this as I can. 

[HD]

Great information! 

[deadeye]

Thanks for the info Rebs, I will get right on it.  Well, at least now I know what I should do BEFORE I head out for the first time.   

[Rebel SS]

    *BUMP*  It's that time to get ready, guys!!! Fire up that auger!

[HD]

    *BUMP*  It's that time to get ready, guys!!! Fire up that auger!

Thanks for the bump....I did fire up the Lazer yesterday to make sure she'll run....I do need to put some new line on the reals though....

[LPS]

The battery is charged on the Jiffy 9".  LOL  Still seems weird to not start a motor.  Unreal nice..  Other gear is ready to go.  New line may be a good idea here too.  At least on a couple of reels. 

[Rebel SS]

If I was still in it, I'd grab an Eskimo Shark propane.................

[Rebel SS]

Boy, they just keep rampin' it up...Icefishing has the most gadgets and new "Gotta have"  things I've ever seen in sporting goods, and the suckers bite. Should see the new flashers and augers they're gonna debut.....
I better hang on to my old Black Betty...  

My old wood and plastic Schooley does the same thing.   

https://www.scheels.com/p/13-fishing-archangel-ice-spinning-rod/81254303294.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-__f8qzT5QIVQx6tBh0sVw2kEAQYASABEgKuVPD_BwE


https://www.scheels.com/p/13-fishing-black-betty-freefall-ice-reel/81254303301.html#q=black%2Bbetty&lang=en_US&start=7

[glenn57]

nope.............not even close to being ready. gotta get threw deer hunting first. besides how long can it take to see if da spear is sharp!!!!!!!!!!!!

actually i usually use the friday after turkey day to do all that. check the lines when its  crappy day outside. i got me a jiffy....they ALWAYS start!!!!!!!

[Rebel SS]

I'll admit I love hearing those old white lightning's with the poppa-poppa-pop  Tecumsehs on 'em... 

[LPS]

I went from one of those little black 49CC augers.  7 1/2".  Then got a 9" Jiffy Legend when they came out in the late 80's I guess.  They were out of 10" at the new Fleet Farm in Maplewood and I wanted to walk out the door with a new bigger auger so I went with a 9".  Still runs great.  I am so happy they were out of 10's.  This 9 is perfect for me.  SO I got a 9" Jiggy electric one and it is so cool I smile when I drill a hole.  No noise, no stink, it is kind of strange to me yet. 

I always have wondered about those Black Betty's Rebs.  Are they nice?  Is it a 1 to 1 ratio or can you buy different ones?  I didn't realize they were that spendy neither. 

[HD]

I like my Black Betty's... but that's me...

[Rebel SS]

Ya, they are, Barry. i like 'em too, HD.  Depends on what you want them for...13 fishing makes them, (The Black Betty,) and they make the Descent model, that retails for $35. Others are Eagle Claw, Clam, and Frabill. Haven't seen a Shimano one. I also have a Frabill that I really like. I use them for real ultra-lights with tiny drop  bugs for 'gills and straight up/down short jigging on a light noodle rod, or a quick tip graphite. Otherwise, for other fish, I prefer my Pflueger President spinning reels on a St. Croix rod for jig and retrieve. All depends what ya like and what you are after, and how you go after them. I try to stay away from all Clam stuff, though. Just not great quality. Let's face it, they'll all do fine catching fish... 

[glenn57]

Still ain't gonna get you wannabes to catch fish.

[Rebel SS]

Ahh, go pack yer pickles where they fit.

[glenn57]