I have always used gloves.  Why?  Because they feel functional.  🙂  However, they are not as warm as mittens. 🙁  A tip that I learned from Joe Brortz during his Ice Fishing seminar at the Plum Island Surfcasters is that an ice fishing angler should carry gloves and mittens.  Each have their purpose.

There are a variety high-tech mittens on the market.  I purchased a  pair of The Northface Montana Mitts from Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS).

The mittens are waterproof and breathable.  They different amounts of insulation on the palms and on the back-of-hand areas.I have field tested these mittens under a variety of conditions.  They were surprisingly functional and they kept my hands warm!  I give them two thumbs up!  I am now convinced that real ice anglers wear mittens. 😉

The first time that I went ice fishing, a fellow Plum Island Surfcaster told me: “As long as your feet are warm, you’re all set.”  OMG.  This could not be closure to the truth!

I retired my first pair of “ice fishing” boots at the end of last season.  I hope they can recycle the duck tape also. 😉  After much research, I asked Santa for a pair of Cabelas Inferno boots.  And he delivered! 🙂

The boots have a quality construction and some impressive features.  For example, they are 100% waterproof and they have an aggressive snow-gripping outer sole.  And most importantly, 2,000 grams of 3M Thinsulate Ultra!

I tested theses boots during a recent snowplowing and snow shoveling excursion in my Chevy Suburban.

They felt light and comfortable on my feet.  Even after eight hours, they still provided great support.  They kept my feet warm the whole time.  No.  Toasty!  🙂

I give the Cabelas Inferno boots two thumbs up.  Or is that, two toes up?  I cannot wait to get on the ice with them and fish!

I was out chucking during the last blue moon.  Under the bright night, I noticed the various methods anglers employed to transport their chunking gear to and from their hot spots.  One angler dragged his gear in a plastic snow sled that only hand a short cord tided on one end; the thing kept tipping over because it was not balanced.  One angler carried a sand spike, two rods, bait, and only Poseidon knows that else, in his hands, under his arms, and hanging off his back.

When I go chunking, I fish remote locations and I move based on tide emerging structure.  To do so effectively, I travel smart using my “BUV” (“Beach Utility Vehicle”).

To build your own BUV, all you need is:

• 1 milk create
• 2 sand spikes (or 1.5” PVC pipes)
• 2 Wheels
• 1 Aluminum Axle
• A collapsing or removable handle
• Stainless steel screws, nuts, washers, clamps, and bolts, and clamps to secure everything.

This is my BUV.  With a few recycled parts and some creativity, you can build your own BUV and save your back for winching in the COWs! 😉

This past May I fished the Plum Island Invitational Tournament, hosted by the Plum Island Surfcasters.  The tournaments starts at midnight and ends at 9:00 AM.  To properly fish this nine hour tournament, you need to move from hot spot to hot spot as the tide changes.  And you need your rod ready to go at all time.  Hence, you need a rod rack.  I picked up the RodBunk.

I read the RodBunk installation instructions from start to finish.  Then I inserted them into the recycle bin.  I developed my own method for securing the RodBunk straps in my Suburban without drilling any holes.  The method works well and it’s non-intrusive.

For the rear strap, I built a 1” x 3” wooden frame and screwed the metal loops to the frame.  I secured the wooden frame to a 2′ x 4′ piece of plywood for stability.  I secure both straps to the frame when I am not transporting rods.

During the Plum Island Invitational, the RodBunk kept my rigged 10′ surf rod and reel safely above my gear.

The RodBunk continues to keep my rods and reels protected from the elements and thieves.  All  without breaking the bank.