Way to prolong ice build up on guides

Down4ttown · October 15, 2013, 08:35:56 AM

This is really just common sense, but I will share it anyway just cause. Last year, my buddy and I went fishing a lot during the winter. A chance to get outside and experience nature even in the slow months. We had tons of success EXCEPT when the temp was below freezing. The weather did not bother us, but the ice formulating on the eyes sure did. We decided to set out and figure how to remedy the problem without having to dump our rods in the water (which only compounded the issue).

While fishing on the river in a flat bottom and partaking in some Whiskey, the idea came to rub a little on the eyes to lower the freezing point. Sure enough it helps a little. The next time we brought 91% alcohol and rubbed it on the eyes prior to taking the water. We would get a few hours before the eyes would start to freeze up.

The only fallacy in our plan was when the temps got super cold (below 20). We just brought a rag and soaked it the alcohol and would rub down the eyes every twenty minutes. It helps! We did not lose one fish due to the eyelets freezing up nor did we have to replace our line due to fraying caused by the ice.

Not saying this tip is for everyone, but for those of us who just have to get out there, every little tip helps

Mike Cork · October 15, 2013, 10:20:08 AM

That is very interesting! We have about a two week period here every year that this can be an issue, gonna have to try it

Down4ttown · October 15, 2013, 12:49:14 PM

Quote from: Mike Cork on October 15, 2013, 10:20:08 AM
That is very interesting! We have about a two week period here every year that this can be an issue, gonna have to try it

Yea you live in some nice "fish anytime" weather.

Mike Cork · October 15, 2013, 02:34:53 PM

well except for those two weeks... Then the cabin fever is brutal....

merc1997 · October 15, 2013, 02:41:17 PM

i use spray silicone. save the whiskey for snake bites

.

bo

FlatsNBay · October 15, 2013, 07:06:07 PM

West6550, Canesfan and I were wondering how to keep our guides from melting in the Florida sun!

Great tip anyways for the guys up north! I never would have thought of that problem, let alone a solution!

Down4ttown · October 15, 2013, 07:35:36 PM

Quote from: merc1997 on October 15, 2013, 02:41:17 PM
i use spray silicone. save the whiskey for snake bites .

bo

This is why this site is so wonderful. The ideas flow so freely!

Captk88 · October 20, 2013, 06:35:39 PM

What I find very effective to keep your guides from freezing when it is that cold is to just stay home and maybe fry up some bacon with hash browns and a nice cup of coffee (black of course).

merc1997 · October 20, 2013, 08:15:52 PM

Quote from: Captk88 on October 20, 2013, 06:35:39 PM
What I find very effective to keep your guides from freezing when it is that cold is to just stay home and maybe fry up some bacon with hash browns and a nice cup of coffee (black of course).

the food sure sounds good, but i have never caught a bass sitting in the house.

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bo