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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SamSteele · #11 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 · #12 10-05-2023, 09:11 PM

I plan on buying a few dozen herring

Kokaneeranger · #13 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 · #14 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 · #15 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!

58thecat · #16 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 · #17 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 · #18 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

Outbound · #19 10-06-2023, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smoky buck

Pvc pipe and two caps cheap and effective

Thought about that, but to keep the size down I'd have to take the reels off. I'd prefer a soft case too.

I'm eyeballing this one for $30 at Cabela's

https://www.cabelas.ca/product/35328...d-ice-rod-case

ragweed · #20 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 · #21 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.

ragweed · #22 10-06-2023, 09:37 PM

Good points to definitely consider.
I’m currently using a strap system hanging from the roof of my canopy for my full size rods. Doesn’t work well for the ice rods yet.

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58thecat · #23 10-07-2023, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Outbound

Thought about that, but to keep the size down I'd have to take the reels off. I'd prefer a soft case too.

I'm eyeballing this one for $30 at Cabela's

https://www.cabelas.ca/product/35328...d-ice-rod-case

We got one of those, had it for three years now, holds four rods and etc stuff too.
Can’t go wrong and the price is right.

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SamSteele · #24 10-07-2023, 08:37 AM

I have one of those bags, as well as the bigger deluxe bag. I use the bigger deluxe bag occasionally, but switched over to the Flambeau Bunk Box as I got better rods. The nice thing about the bunk box is I can also carry some small tackle boxes inside and feel it protects my better rods and reels better. I use the bags now for my jaw jackers and cheaper rods that I use on them.

SS

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Jims83cj5 · #25 10-07-2023, 07:53 PM

A shuffle package from Arclab, use on the boat, the snow dog and the ice shack

barbless · #26 10-14-2023, 06:14 PM

My ice fishing still consists of going to the ice maker on the fridge, hit the button with the glass and MAGICALLY clink clink clink we have successfully gone ice fishing

We made our own tip ups from a few pieces of wood years ago and drilled our holes by hand power. 8 inch holes. What a workout. Also no tents or shack. We ruffed it big time. Most are spoiled now. Damn wish we had that back then LOL

Wish you all the best of luck this hard water season. Would love a white fish or a burbot.

SNAPFisher · #27 10-14-2023, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by barbless

My ice fishing still consists of going to the ice maker on the fridge, hit the button with the glass and MAGICALLY clink clink clink we have successfully gone ice fishing

We made our own tip ups from a few pieces of wood years ago and drilled our holes by hand power. 8 inch holes. What a workout. Also no tents or shack. We ruffed it big time. Most are spoiled now. Damn wish we had that back then LOL

Wish you all the best of luck this hard water season. Would love a white fish or a burbot.

Yep, dems on the menu! Looking forwards to the change up.