Ohhhh baby it's right around the corner!
Ice Fishing
New Products 2021/22
The Ice Angels have been around for years.
Drilling a partial hole in the ice is never a good idea. Unless you finish the hole when you’re done or fill it with water or slush, you’re leaving a dangerous situation for someone to get hurt. A snow covered partial hole is a good way for someone to step in and either injure an ankle or cause a fall.
Not a fan of screwing in ice anchors to secure my pop-up. Found this alternative at the end of last season, called an ice angel. Tried it on a pond near by, without attaching it to an ice tent, just to see how well it grips in the hole. Works by drilling a hole part way through the ice with your auger, drop the ice angel in the hole and pull up on the rope, and the wings spread open and dig into the inside of the hole. I think they are going to work good, and it's quick. I sharpened the tips of the wings with a file, so they dig in a little better, and also did a quick mod. I saw on an amazon review by adding a spring at the bottom of the wings, to create a bit of tension, so they don't let go. Don't know how long they have been on the market, but I have never seen them before.
Looks like Jiffy has a new electric drill setup this year again- the new ROGUE. They also have just the auger and bag you can get (Jiffy Torch). The auger can be used on their electric auger and possibly the gas ones too? In the video I read it says it can be put in reverse to work with other drills, so I'm assuming it will work with both electric and gas. 139.99 for the 6" drill only, 169.99 with the carry bag and 10 bucks more for the 8 inch size.
That's why I don't buy much new stuff. The competition with my buddies is so tight, I can't afford to get off my game.
I have to replace a Thorne Bros rod but I don't remember if it's a Panfish Sweetheart or a Sweet Thing so I am going to Blaine to buy probably 3 that I like.
I get 1-2 new rods a year, and new reels to go with those of course. New line yearly. At least 60 new jigs that I'll end up giving to friends or not using. Two orders of plastics yearly. New flasher every 2-3 years. The only thing I have no interest in upgrading regularly is my shack because I rarely use it. Haven't upgraded my auger in 4 years, so that's on this years agenda.
I like new, I'm an outfitters best friend :) My wife tries to understand it, but you can't explain the obsession.
It definitely doesn't make me a better fisherman having new things, probably worse actually.