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Probably should be in the gear forum, but have any of you been checking out any of the new stuff thats coming out this year?
The new flasher from Vexilar (the top of my wish list) Vex also has a sonar that uses a smart phone or tablet as your screen and controls. They also have come out with a camera that uses a smart phone also, all wireless. Not to mention StrikeMaster has a auger with a 35cc Honda motor, sure to be a big hit! What else is out there, what new toys do you all plan to hit the ice with this year?
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Not planning on buying any new ice gear myself. Haven't been out for a few years either. My son has been begging me to take him out so we may hit one of the lakes just after ice on. If it goes over well then I will look at new gear.
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Regardless of what I tell my wife, it is possible to ice fish with just a hand auger a bucket and a few jigs. But what's the fun in that, all of the toys are half the fun for me.
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New last year: MarCum LX-9. I bought one of the first. I like it! I'm already looking at buying the latest in other ice fishing equipment. I almost bought an ice fishing tent.
I bought Crispi Hunter boots this spring without any ice fishing thoughts and entirely for the Timpanogos trail run competition and to enable me to use my athletic capabilities for rough terrain for the first time without risking ankle sprains. That worked very well because before I avoided a fast pace on rough terrain (and especially running) due to ankle vulnerability though I have fitness from bicycle racing. I'm glad to add this capability to my preparedness with these boots because before it came with unacceptable risk as a sprained ankle can cascade to death in remote wilderness and particularly in future harsh times to come. Though I chose these for superior ankle protection, they also are well insulated and will work great for ice fishing since they are waterproof and breathable. When I ran the muddy slippery mountain trail in the rain, they had excellent traction and didn't slide while transversing steep slopes. Even with all the energy put into the half marathon in the rain and mud, my feet were dry and comfortable at the finish, so with the plus of great insulation, they are now also part of my ice fishing equipment. It's amazing how fatiguing lessor footwear can be for even just standing around, but my feet feel great in these.
Last season, I wore neoprene waders and felt the dampness. This season, I have breathable insulated clothing and expect a big difference in comfort.
Last season, I bought Diawa digital line counter reels. I know they generally aren't for ice fishing, but I have this idea of setting up the fish finder over structure and observing the depth of roaming fish. Then I'll run around to surrounding holes I'll auger and quickly drop my lure down to that exact depth.
Don't forget a wet suit for the early season thin ice competition with the Tye Dye Twins.
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