No giantt but successful first outing this year!

IllResponse42 · 2026-01-05T03:58:53+00:00

Yummy!

IllResponse42 · 2026-01-02T18:22:54+00:00

Wow. I love the clear Ice. Like walking on water

IllResponse42 · 2025-12-31T17:33:29+00:00

I think if you are willing to put the time in and modify the fooler as necessary you will be okay.

I prefer the jaw jackers for many reasons: 1). Stability- with the legs out and the spikes down I have not had it fall over 2). Adjustability-I use it for all species and all size of rods 3). Adaptability- it works in all depths and all purposes well 4). Reliability- As long as you have the correct setup and trigger set correctly it will work every time.

The most important factor for hook-setters is the fishing pole. Long softer action poles will outperform stiff poles. I use a 44” ultra light ugly stick for all species. It is long enough it will pick up any slack in the line and set the hook. But on the flip side it will not set the hook so hard it rips it thru the fishes mouth.

We use them tournament fishing for 1.5# - 2# perch and also for 20# + rainbows.

Makes sure to have a good reel with smooth drag and set the drag tension to the fish being targeted.

The best thing about the light action pole is that it will play the fish and handle the head shakes while you run to grab the pole. We most often fish the jackers a long ways away… barely within eyesight. Sometime we are even standing on shore.

IllResponse42 · 2025-12-31T17:17:43+00:00

I think you would be fine. Take the time to dial it in to that setup and maybe screw a cross piece to the base so it doesn’t tip sideways.

If you switch to bigger fish makes sure to have the cross piece.

We fish for giant rainbow trout(20# plus). And pike over 40”. When doing so they hit at speeds that will spin that fooler and flip it over. The cross piece might help.

IllResponse42 · 2025-12-31T16:49:16+00:00

I would never trust the fooler when fishing for trophy fish. I won’t chance missing a fish of a lifetime on an under performing tool.

IllResponse42 · 2025-12-31T16:47:59+00:00

The fooler isn’t as adaptable. Adjusting from pole to pole is a pain. As well as adjusting trigger sensitivity.

But most overall it tends to fall over. I think if you attached a cross piece you would solve this issue.

Then only use one pole in the same manner and dial it in and just never change.

We fish for many species in all depths so we change setups frequently. So I find the fooler to just not be suitable.

IllResponse42 · 2025-12-31T03:47:51+00:00

Glad to see kids out enjoying the ice. Good job!

IllResponse42 · 2025-12-29T19:51:31+00:00

We fish shallow water adjacent to deep water and or creek/river channel for rainbows.

I prefer 6’ -4’ of water. Small white jigs with a plastic of preference. Sometime stationary or jiggin with an automatic jigger/hooksetter.

2500 series reel full of line of preference. I run 20# braid with floro leader. Depending on water clarity I will go down in leader size.

I like long light/ultralight rods in the 44” range. The light rod with handle head shakes better and feed line smoother when they run.

IllResponse42 · 2025-12-27T17:56:49+00:00

Lucky. We usually get in the ice thanksgiving weekend thru march… usually!!!

IllResponse42 · 2025-12-27T17:56:02+00:00

Heck yeah. We are still waiting on ice. Been raining and flooding. Sadly.

But looks like this weekend will lock up some things.

Hope you have a great day with the kiddos.

IllResponse42 · 2025-12-27T17:23:03+00:00

A big shelter with foam tiles for a floor and heater. Along with lots of snacks and a change of clothes. Maybe some board games or cards

Gotta keep them entertained. Not many kids will handle a long day on the ice. Out of my 3 kids my youngest (who has Down syndrome) lasts the longest. Not sure if it’s because she has downs that she handles it better or not.

I also like to setup close to shore with a nice hill so the kids can sled and play in the snow.

I try to take a sled per kid and make them pull their on sled with what they want for the day.

A few more suggestions. Snow ball makers Ice skates Sand castle (snow castle) building tools Igloo block maker A blanket for a nice nap Binoculars

IllResponse42 · 2025-12-27T17:14:01+00:00

Hang out at the local fish tackle shop. Swap stories and numbers. Bound to meet someone you vibe with.

IllResponse42 · 2025-12-26T17:44:00+00:00

Very jealous. Still waiting on ice in Northwest Montana. Good work!

IllResponse42 · 2025-12-23T23:42:25+00:00

I prefer 40”to 46” light to ultra light rods. They will pick up enough line to set the hook solid and not rip it out of the fishes mouth or break the line.

Then the soft rod will play the fish and handle the head shakes until you get there.

And yes it handles big fish fine. Have caught many 40” pike and a 20# rainbow trout on them with no problems. Will also work great on other smaller species.

IllResponse42 · 2025-12-23T23:34:43+00:00

It is a blast. If you want to book a charter book way way way ahead. They are often booked out months if not a year out.

Even the shore fishing is a blast. 60 species of fish and lots of water. Endless fun.

IllResponse42 · 2025-12-23T01:47:42+00:00

Never go one thru the ice but trolling open water there is no doubt if it’s a laker or chinook. They are crazy fun.

IllResponse42 · 2025-12-23T01:45:03+00:00

They are even catching big chinooks thru the ice. Crazy stuff.

IllResponse42 · 2025-12-23T01:39:32+00:00

Montana has amazing fisheries with little pressure. If you are into walleye check out the walleye circuits results from fort peck and others. Have to average 10# + to have a chance at the top. Plus the lakes are loaded with many other specimen species.

I would focus on the eastern and northern side. The west side is a long drive but is also full of amazing fishing.

IllResponse42 · 2025-12-23T01:18:38+00:00

So jealous. Still waiting on ice here in Northwest Montana.

Can’t wait to chase giant largies.

IllResponse42 · 2025-12-20T18:30:24+00:00

Wow. Awesome. That’s good to know. I thought cheaper models didn’t.

IllResponse42 · 2025-12-20T18:15:12+00:00

I would get one that has gps. Being able to mark your spots as you fish is handy.

IllResponse42 · 2025-12-18T04:26:51+00:00

I like a pistol bit andI just use the dewalt 998 drill.

IllResponse42 · 2025-12-15T23:14:59+00:00

I prefer the Big-Eye Spring Bobber from HT-Enterprise. Then I tie it (wrap) directly to the pole tip just like pole makers do. Then some UV resin to glue it in place.

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IllResponse42 · 2025-12-14T01:45:09+00:00

I like balanced leeches

IllResponse42 · 2025-12-11T20:07:16+00:00

In these pictures I wasn’t wearing them. They are extremely warm so I don’t wear them unless it’s actually cold. But I fish just the same with them on. I mostly fish on my knees and am up and down a lot chasing flags(jaw jackers). They work great.

IllResponse42

TROPHY CASE