11-22-2013, 03:55 PM
FFlover, I have a Mr Heater, and it's freaking the bomb, and last year for Christmas I was able to get a much smaller propane tank so I didn't have to lug the one off the gas grill around, and the little one lasts a surprising long time. I also have a quickfish 3, so I am toasty all the time, which allows me to take my very young kids. They stay warm, and if I have snacks they are happy to watch fish on the screen and play in the tent. I do appreciate the invite, and perhaps I may take you up on the offer when I'm in Utah for a week, in west jordan, later in December. I won't be able to haul all my ice fishing gear to Utah because of the kids christmas stuff and lack of space in the van, but I may be able to bring some rods, my marcum camera and some clothes to get out. After that much time at my parents I will need to get out.
I should have clarified that the time in which I want to keep my holes from freezing, they are for the second rod on the jawjacker, or fishing at night for burbot. With six rods, only one will be in the shelter at the Gorge.
Randal801, that link just gave me a giant fluorescent light bulb over my noggin. Moments of inspiration don't come nearly as frequent as moments of perspiration, so I am enjoying this one. Two ideas, both with coat hanger wire or equivalent, and aluminum cans open on one side.
First, cut the most of the top off the aluminum can, or even cut them in half. Attach a one foot section of wire to the watertight portion, and sharpen the far end of the wire. use the sharp end as an anchor in the ice, while it keeps the aluminum can floating in the ice. (coffee cans or any can would work as I think of the concept more). Now, with the aluminum can floating in the water in the hole, and the wire keeping it anchored and upright, place either a long lasting briquette in there and light it. The can will keep anything from dropping into the water, so there is no pollution, and you can add another briquette if the first one is almost burned out after a couple hours to keep it going. That would prevent the water in the hole freezing. You could also put a disposable hand warmer in the can, as long as it will remain dry, and that would work as well.
Other option, if you trust your ability to close a ziplock bag with numb fingers, just throw a disposable hand warmer in a ziplock, close it and toss it in the hole. It will float, and should supply enough heat to prevent the hole from freezing. The only drawback here is if the oxygen in the bag is the limiting reagent in the chemical reaction providing the heat. I could see that possible cutting the heat production from those little disposable guys down and making it a short lived fix. But, I wouldn't have to carry briquettes and lighter fluid, and less chance of any chemicals in the water.
experimenting is in order this winter.
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I should have clarified that the time in which I want to keep my holes from freezing, they are for the second rod on the jawjacker, or fishing at night for burbot. With six rods, only one will be in the shelter at the Gorge.
Randal801, that link just gave me a giant fluorescent light bulb over my noggin. Moments of inspiration don't come nearly as frequent as moments of perspiration, so I am enjoying this one. Two ideas, both with coat hanger wire or equivalent, and aluminum cans open on one side.
First, cut the most of the top off the aluminum can, or even cut them in half. Attach a one foot section of wire to the watertight portion, and sharpen the far end of the wire. use the sharp end as an anchor in the ice, while it keeps the aluminum can floating in the ice. (coffee cans or any can would work as I think of the concept more). Now, with the aluminum can floating in the water in the hole, and the wire keeping it anchored and upright, place either a long lasting briquette in there and light it. The can will keep anything from dropping into the water, so there is no pollution, and you can add another briquette if the first one is almost burned out after a couple hours to keep it going. That would prevent the water in the hole freezing. You could also put a disposable hand warmer in the can, as long as it will remain dry, and that would work as well.
Other option, if you trust your ability to close a ziplock bag with numb fingers, just throw a disposable hand warmer in a ziplock, close it and toss it in the hole. It will float, and should supply enough heat to prevent the hole from freezing. The only drawback here is if the oxygen in the bag is the limiting reagent in the chemical reaction providing the heat. I could see that possible cutting the heat production from those little disposable guys down and making it a short lived fix. But, I wouldn't have to carry briquettes and lighter fluid, and less chance of any chemicals in the water.
experimenting is in order this winter.
[signature]