[Eriebound72]

Thank you all for helping me out on this. I found the rods through Frabill, but I had to buy them in the combo's. So, I will be selling the reels. I would appreciate if someone could give me pointers on lures and types of jigs every1 is using. I have awesome spawn from the browns I catch in New York, but we all know we need a variety for the trout, as they are pickier than you know what. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Tight lines.

[Eric Haataja]

Well said banjo99!

[Needtofishmore]

Erie, you can find the 38" ice hunter online at fleet farm.

[BanjoMinnow99]

Erie,

The medium/heavy rods that used to come with the autofishermen work good for trout. They aren't as nice as the 38" Frabil Icehunters but they do the job in my opinion. I haven't purchased autos this year but I've heard that they don't come with these medium/heavy rods anymore (base only) so I would just try and find something similar or you can use your 38" rods too if you're not jigging with them.

I run straight 6 Ibs. flourocarbon. No leaders. I hate the barrel swivel because it sometimes gets caught in the eyelet right about the time you have a fish circling the hole. I'm sure either way is fine but I just spend the extra money to eliminate the headache. Make sure to fill your entire spool either way. I had a big steelhead almost spool me last winter. It can happen.

Last, I'm not sure if they still sell the icestopper bobbers with icestopper fluid but get both if you can. The icestopper bobber allows your line to run freely through the hole even if it's iced up. The trout oftentimes will feel the tension of the iced up line in the hole and drop the bait. Icestopper prevents this. In my opinion, that's also the reason why you have more drops on tip ups than autos because the trout feel the tension of the line coming off the spool and let go of the bait.

Anyway, my two cents. Good luck.

[Eriebound72]

I purchased 4 Automatic fisherman and am trying to set them up for this year's ice fishing season. I am wondering what most people are running for line on their reels. I use fluorocarbon for leader material, but not sure if people are using straight fluoro or using straight mono with a fluoro leader. Also, this past year I purchased 2 frabill ice hunter 38" 4-8# rods, and can't seem to find them anywhere. Does anyone have any suggestions on the rods to use for the automatic fisherman? I'm trying to set each one of them up for the best chance of catching these beasts. I can't wait to finally get out there and see what it's like to tie one on with a smaller rod and see how they fight. I'm a float fisherman and this is all new to me. Also, I'd like to see if someone would be willing to share with me what your description of a hair jig is. I use jigs down in Erie, PA for the steelhead down there, but these are like a small weighted jighead, with maribou and flash. I tip that with a wax worm and do very well. Is this kind of the same type of jig? Any, an all information would be so much appreciated. Tight lines all, and good luck this ice fishing season. Stay safe too.