What New Ice Fishing Gear Has You Excited for This Season (2023 Edition)

AlbertanGP · #1 10-02-2023, 10:56 AM

For me the answer is nothing. I haven't been following the new releases as closely as I usually do. But a quick look at the websites for Otter, Clam and Ardisam/Eskimo and the emails they send me recently resulted in a big meh. I've been pining for a Clam hub for a few seasons just to try something different. And their new Max Entry door looks good. But their black interiors are a non-starter for me. Eskimo has released a new electric Auger to compete with the StrikeMaster. But the ION Alpha is still the top dog, so I'll stick with what I already have. And Otter just has a bunch of new accessories.

I might pick up a LVS-62 LiveScope transducer to play with in deep water for lakers. But the LVS-34 upgrade last year was a bit of a letdown so I may just stick with it.

So it looks like I can just focus on fishing this season. No Excuses. The wheels are already turning for 200+" Game of Inches-style.

58thecat · #2 10-02-2023, 11:07 AM

LVS-62 LiveScope transducer heard it works very well down to 150fow or so....Guess I will see when you show up here in Cold lake

Walleyedude · #3 10-02-2023, 11:13 AM

I'm in the market for a 3-4 man hub style insulated tent. I REALLY like the look of the new Max Entry door on the Clam units. I'm just not sure it's enough to sway me to spend the extra $$$. I hadn't even considered the pros/cons of a black vs grey interior.

I've still got a lot of research to do...

AlbertanGP · #4 10-02-2023, 01:11 PM

I personally like that the Clam door is integrated into one of the walls rather than a separate wall that just makes the whole setup really flimsy/floppy if that makes sense. I'll also take a square/rectangular floorplan over a pentagon any day. Clams do tend to be more money than the other two up here though.

Regarding the interior color, its a matter of preference. Some people like the black for sight fishing. I don't like sitting hunched over looking down a hole for hours. I prefer to sit back and "sight fish" with LiveScope. The grey interior is way less dreary than black. I can sit all day in a grey interior. With black I have to go outside from time to time.

BDRG · #5 10-03-2023, 05:57 PM

Splurged and picked up the Striker Climate bibs and jacket. Looking forward to trying themout!

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58thecat · #6 10-03-2023, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BDRG

Splurged and picked up the Striker Climate bibs and jacket. Looking forward to trying themout!

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You won’t be disappointed, great choice, I am going to wear mine this hunting season sitting on stand.....that’s how warm they are!

AlbertanGP · #7 10-03-2023, 09:08 PM

Agreed. You'll be more than happy with them. I have the Predator and the Apex. Both great suits. The Predator is coming mapping with me this weekend.

bradvtown · #8 10-04-2023, 08:32 AM

Not new but new to me, I found a Strikemaster Glide Lite sled on Facebook and think it'll be a nice addition. Not being able to buy them in Canada made it a good find.

H380 · #9 10-04-2023, 04:54 PM

Toying with the purchase of a Striker 4 finder ...any reviews

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58thecat · #10 10-04-2023, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by H380

Toying with the purchase of a Striker 4 finder ...any reviews

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I have the portable bundle, great unit for ice fishing etc, if you do buy it do yourself a favour and watch some YouTube videos on this unit prior to hitting the ice.

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pikergolf · #11 10-14-2023, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by H380

Toying with the purchase of a Striker 4 finder ...any reviews

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https://www.gpscentral.ca/product/ga...ource=hs_email

Poppa · #12 10-16-2023, 04:00 PM

We really upgraded our gear last year with the biggest Otter Vortex hub and a SM40v auger... absolute game changers. Also picked up some more Frostbite rods last year (My Drench is EVERYTHING!) along with some of their Diesel reels, which are surprisingly sturdy. I would like to get a floater jacket to go with my Striker Hardwater bibs, but just not sure I'm ready to drop the money yet. That's about all we really need, aside from maybe a sled or side x side, but that's a ways off yet, and will likely wait until we're back in MB full time.

Crazy4MooseHunting · #13 10-16-2023, 10:22 PM

Ordered a 32 amped outdoors battery from riverside outdoors. Now need to decide between either an arc labs or summit shuttle for my Garmin 106. Anyone know where’s the best deal on a lvs 34-if and gls 10? Too bad Garmin doesn’t sell them in a bundle

-JR- · #14 10-16-2023, 10:25 PM

Getting older now ...so i invested in a better chair to watch ice fishing on TV
Lol

StringTheory · #15 10-26-2023, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crazy4MooseHunting

Ordered a 32 amped outdoors battery from riverside outdoors. Now need to decide between either an arc labs or summit shuttle for my Garmin 106. Anyone know where’s the best deal on a lvs 34-if and gls 10? Too bad Garmin doesn’t sell them in a bundle

You might want to check out this bundle from Tackle Depot! $1k off of a lithium lvs 34 bundle

https://www.tackledepot.ca/products/...hing-bundle-li

BcK · #16 10-17-2023, 12:32 PM

looking to buy a big ice tent for my growing boys, any suggestions?

AlbertanGP · #17 10-17-2023, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BcK

looking to buy a big ice tent for my growing boys, any suggestions?

How big?

Frank_NK28 · #18 11-05-2023, 03:02 AM

Absolutely nothing. I have all I need or require currently. Just need some safe ice.

SamSteele · #19 10-05-2023, 08:42 PM

I like the looks of the new Strikemaster 10” lite flight. I may look at grabbing one for my 40V to give me a lighter 10” option.

SS

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Smoky buck · #20 10-05-2023, 09:11 PM

I plan on buying a few dozen herring

58thecat · #21 10-06-2023, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smoky buck

I plan on buying a few dozen herring

Lightly salted with franks red hot sauce makes for a great on ice snack.

This got me thinking I too better stock up.

Outbound · #22 10-06-2023, 09:50 AM

I'll probably pick up another rod and I'd like to find a budget friendly ice rod case. Other than that, I'm mainly just looking out for sales on the Ion batteries. I figure it can't hurt to have a spare.

Smoky buck · #23 10-06-2023, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Outbound

I'll probably pick up another rod and I'd like to find a budget friendly ice rod case. Other than that, I'm mainly just looking out for sales on the Ion batteries. I figure it can't hurt to have a spare.

Pvc pipe and two caps cheap and effective

Kokaneeranger · #24 10-05-2023, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SamSteele

I like the looks of the new Strikemaster 10” lite flight. I may look at grabbing one for my 40V to give me a lighter 10” option.

SS

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Where are you finding the 10" Lite Flight?

SamSteele · #25 10-06-2023, 04:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kokaneeranger

Where are you finding the 10" Lite Flight?

Strikemaster has posted them on their social media feeds.

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SNAPFisher · #26 10-06-2023, 06:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SamSteele

Strikemaster has posted them on their social media feeds.

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Yep! That has me excited. Thanks for the post Sam!

ragweed · #27 10-06-2023, 05:33 PM

What about cutting a notch in the pipe and cap to fit the reel stem?

That’s what I’m thinking about doing for a better system in my truck.

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Outbound · #28 10-06-2023, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ragweed

What about cutting a notch in the pipe and cap to fit the reel stem?

That’s what I’m thinking about doing for a better system in my truck.

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Seems bulky and awkward. I'd need 4 pieces of pipe atached together, plus a way to carry them I'd have to strap them all together.

I doubt I'm buying PVC pipe, caps and glue for cheaper than that Cabela's bag. Even if I could, there's the time required to put it all together. I'd rather spend the money on a purpose built bag and send my time fishing.

musak4ears · #29 01-05-2024, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Outbound

Seems bulky and awkward. I'd need 4 pieces of pipe atached together, plus a way to carry them I'd have to strap them all together.

I doubt I'm buying PVC pipe, caps and glue for cheaper than that Cabela's bag. Even if I could, there's the time required to put it all together. I'd rather spend the money on a purpose built bag and send my time fishing.

I bought a old hard sided gun case and cut out the foam on each end for the reels to sit in. Can fit 6-28" +/- rods in it. See rifle cases on Kijiji for $20 if you have longer rods.

Outbound · #30 01-05-2024, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by musak4ears

I bought a old hard sided gun case and cut out the foam on each end for the reels to sit in. Can fit 6-28" +/- rods in it. See rifle cases on Kijiji for $20 if you have longer rods.

That's a good idea. I ended up buying the Cabela's rod case. It holds 4 rods and reels no problem and I could probably get 6 in there without reels on them.