Automatic Ice Fisherman

[Cousin Kyle]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbMfF5MMeFA&feature=related
 
I am interested in getting one of these.  Any feedback?
 
The website is http://www.automaticicefisherman.com/
 
They are a little bit on the high side for price at $69.99 but I have already invested much more then that into the sport.

[JohnWester]

not legal in Minnesota... but cool none the less.  MN law prevents you from using anything that automatically setups the hook I believe.

[Cousin Kyle]

   Good to know.  Someone should tell Dunham's Sports in Waite Park, Fairmont and Willmar.  They are listed as Dealers on the website.

[Spinach]

Why would they be any different than the Finicky's Fish Factory or the Auto Jiggers that many people make and sell in MN? I've seen these for the last couple of years at Mn shows too.

I would think they are just as legal as the other similar ones. As long as it is attended and you are within 200 feet of the setup, I'm almost positive they are legal.

[thunderpout]

I think John's right, I think theres a reg that says you cant fish using a set up that sets the hook, like those old spring reels ya mounted to yer dock, but ya Spin, in wouldnt matter if ya have to be attending your line any hoo... we need a dnr reg. link....      -thunderpout

[Spinach]

I could be wrong.... Not 100% positive here.

I thought once the fish took the bait, the bobber slides to the top, then the arm breaks away and some little doo-hicky keeps the rod in the holder and the fish on the line.

The auto jiggers do the same thing buy moving up and down repeatedly, one could say that it also sets the hook if the DNR got technical.

I checked the regs and did not see anything stating this.

Anyone else know or have some input?

[repoman]

that is pretty cool , ill have to check into them

[thunderpout]

Guys, A guy I used to work with and I built some heated "tip-up" boxes a few years before the fish factories came out. We call em Hot Boxes... I use one all the time.  they work great but dont jig the line for ya... I get people all the time standing out by em on the ice tryin to figure out what the hell it is...ill have to show ya one some time...   -thunderpout

[Cousin Kyle]

I am going to shoot them an email and find out whats up.

[Cousin Kyle]

I emailed Automatic Fisherman last night.  Here is the response I received!


Hi Kyle no the Automatic Fisherman is not legal in Minnesota. It does work very well for everything but the DNR does not want this product used in your state. They have a rule saying something about spring devices are illegal methods of taking fish. The fishing rod on our unit is I guess the spring. I have met with the Commissioner and the Col of the DNR and I asked them what about a Down Rigger they are legal in Minn right. They said yes, and I said when you take a fishing rod and bend the rod over and reel up the slack line you now make the Down Rigger a spring device just like ours is. They said looks like we'll have to make Down riggers illegal too then I knew I wasn't going to change there minds.

But if enough Residents from Minn came together and wanted to change the rule it could be done you just have to go to there hearings and speak your peace about this 30 year old rule. So I hope for your sake and mine that everyone that would like to use this product and myself go to the DNR hearings and try to get this changed it can be done but you guys need to get your opinions out in the face of the congressional members. So I hope this clears things up and let me know If you need anything thanks Kerry Automatic Fisherman, LLC 9206395555
 

[Spinach]

Very cool Kyle, strait from the horses mouth.

Thanks for clearing it up. 

[repoman]

well that stinks 
rules are rules

[Cousin Kyle]

Alright.  I got a few more updates.  The primary reason I am interested in this is because the permanent I am working on very slowly is not going to get the drop kit I was considering.  So it will sit a foot above the ice.  So my hope is to use the Auto Fisherman so I do not have to stare down a dark hole or use a rattle reel.  The front piece on the Auto Fisherman (Down-rigger) is removable so it will work like a rod holder if removed.  Then the bobber pulls down allowing slack and if a fish is biting the bobber is a foot above the hole and you can set your hook instead of the down-rigger and reel in your fish.  Aparently they have caught some hogs and the Auto Fisherman does not tip over (I was told they were fishing for Sturgeon with it to test its ability to not fall over)   So the good news is this will work for what I needed it for and it is legal without the front attachment.

If anyone is interested in speaking to your Senator the Chair of Game and Fish, or Chair of house DNR, etc. for any reason or getting rid of this law (special note C states the commissioner may by rule allow the use of a non-motorized device with a recoil mechanism to take fish through the ice).  I have acquired and attached the information for your review.  Feel free to call or email the contacts below.

COL Michael Hamm he is the chief conservation officer/ division director and director of enforcement. 651-259-6157

Senator John Marty  - 651-296-5645 Bob Meier 651-259-5024

Chair of game and fish Tom Sacksaw - 651-296-4136

Chair house DNR natural resource committee - 651-296-2146
 
If enough people are interested I will put together a formal petition.  Thanks for reading.

[Super Star!]

put one togather.... but good luck gettin one of them to listen to what you have to say...

[Cousin Kyle]

It takes the masses.  Its all about taking the right steps and respectfully being more intelligent.