JawJacker & Autofisher Man, Zone 15 New Regs

[/QUOTE]What kind of downrigger do you use? I've always had to manually set the hooks while rigging in not good bye fish [/QUOTE]

I don't, but when I troll with steel line, and a laker takes it, it can almost pull the rod outta my hands. A two pounder feels like 20 when it first hits. Wakes you up! That's all I mean, not exactly setting the hook, but feeling the 'strike'.

I just see similarities...from what I know, rigging and jawjackers - you just go grab the rod, the fish is already on....To each their own.

I get it, I don’t use a second line.

@drew I’m not into rigging but one day I may hit the age it’s the only thing to do.

Setting the hook is half the fun!!

Sometimes that hit on the line is only thing that keeps you awake when you are ice fishing on a slow day 🎣

I use the Black Fox Trigger, and the fact of the matter is that when ice fishing with set lines, these devices drastically reduce mortally hooked fish, especially trout. Hook-up ratio with larger mature size trout is excellent, while most small dinks will very often miss the hook on the set, which is a win-win as far as I`m concerned.

Don't think I've ever lost a trout due to hookset, but I don't them run with it. As soon as I feel a bite or tip drops I set hard.
Never been a fan of the ol'school way of open bail letting them run.
Reducing mortality rate is always a good thing.

agreed