looking to buy depthfinder mold

[upnort16]

I was looking to purchase a mold for making the alligator/crocodile clip style depth finder, mostly used in ice fishing. If anyone has one, knows of one that is no longer wanted, I would sure like to be the new owner of it. Only know of Do-It molds, but any other manufacturer welcome. Thank you.

 

[redman]

Remember back in the day and that was in the 1970's when we were young pups. We would take a bell swivel sinker and go to radio shack and pick up the alligator clips bend the ears of the clip around the round brass on the sinker and solder them. Sold hundreds of them never did have a mold. Did they work You Bet. As I can remember the 3/8 and 1/2 oz. sizes that we used. Cant remember the size of the Alligator clips but they are still available at Radio Shack. Us Old Geezers used what we had on hand to make it work and to make a buck here and there.

Redman

 

[Fatman]

Oh Man!! I remember my Uncle doing that!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for making me feel old buddy!!!!!!!!!!

 

[AtticaFish]

I always thought those were a joke - sort of a gag thing. Do you clip it to your lure/bait then mark your line for the depth?

 

[upnort16]

Redman, I just thought I cold find the actual mold and/or adapt clips or mold to work. Did not think they were extinct. Fatman, sorry to do that to you, but remembering isn't so bad.....Attica, not a joke! A legit tool and some say necessary part of fishing through a hole in the ice. Technically, clip weight to hook, send it to bottom, mark on line with a small bobber and adjust from bottom your depth to fish. pull it all back up, bait up and wait. Used mainly on tip ups. Some have numerous colors, styles clipped to pockets as a status symbol or fashion statement. Personally I use my vexilar. I was thinking if I found the mold, it would be just one more thing I would be able to play with. I'm sure someone somewhere has one, but finding it is slowly becoming a mission, lol

 

[Ron Don]

PM sent

 

[redman]

Doug sorry buddy but I am as old as DIRT. That is why I know all of those old tricks. FWIW I used one of them when I was fishing water 30 feet or deeper. They were a invaluable tool to have. I have taken many a yellow perch and walleye by using that as part of getting the bait down to the right depth.

As a side light to this thread not to high jack it but to add historical data. In the days before electronic depth finders. Fisherman would tie sash weights to knotted cord. The cord was knotted every five feet and you would count the number of knots that slid thur your hand. Multiply by 5 and that is how deep it was in the area that you were fishing.You could set it at a given depth and then when you hit a hump drop anchor and fish. This was used in the northern glacier lakes as I used to find sash weights all the time. When I started to ask questions this was what I was told. Some of the old boys would leave there sash weights over the sides of the boat and would snag rocks near the shore. That is why I found so many near the shore while wader fishing for Walleye. How far we have come in a very short period of time.

Redman

 

[papaperch]

I have always used the weights to set my slip bobber depth. I prefer my bottom hook to be apprx 1 ft above bottom. So I use weight to sink bobber and adjust slip knot until bobber is 1 ft below surface. Once that is done reel back up and remove sinker weight. Now I may adjust slightly depending on day but its where I always start.

Some days its the final key as to finding the precise depth the fish are most active. I have caught every specie of fish that I can think of on slip bobber rigs.

Everyone that I have taught how to use them are still using them today. Another thing we used back in the old days was large " canoe " sinkers. The one with the folding lead ears and groove in the middle. The alligator clip is much faster and more handy by far.

Will have to show AF this system if we ever get out in a boat or on the ice together. Guarantee it will help anyones catch ratio.

 

[eyecrosser]

I still use those large "canoe" sinkers for popping jigs out of brush when ice or dock fishing. They work pretty slick. I have a half dozen or so of those alligator clip weights if anyone interested. I used them all the time til I bought a Vex. Good luck in your search.

 

[Fatman]

upnort - forgot about these guys, scroll down and item 17 is the one you were talking about
http://smacktackle.com/acehandmolds.html

 

[upnort16]

Yes fatman, that is what I was looking for. Many people use the depth finder for ice and open water, including me for slip bobbers, as stated by Papaperch. I don't want to make a living out of depthfinders, but many tackle stores are over 2.00 each. I also make all my ice fishing jigs and lures so why not the depthfinders? I usually take my nephews and when they bring friends, I give them all the stuff they use, just to keep the interest alive. It worked with my own three sons, and seems to work with the next generation as well. I use the fishing lure, jig making as therapy and am always tinkering with some new color, blade or hook. Thank you all for sharing and teaching. I hope to pass on what I know or do as soon as I figure out this new camera. I enjoy this forum because of the open and friendly people. Thanks again and consider the search over thanks to fatman.

 

[Fatman]

Glad to help