Just got back from marina other than pretty good snow wasnt too bad... then out of no where started blowing like crazy! had to be 30 MPH.

 Crappie were on fire, was there about an hour to 1 1/2 hrs. caught probably 6 nice fat crappies several real close to 9 ( didnt measure all C&R) hitting 8-10 Feet on 1/8 oz. jiggin rap.

 Sucks had to leave but as heavy as it was snowing and wind blowing directly into hill figured I'd better get before I got stuck down there.

 BEWARE around the dock ice varies from 1 in or so to maybe 2 1/2 - 3 in.!!!

I picked up some Hard Rock Tungsten jigs and while I love how they feel and have caught some fish with them I do have a couple observations ( Just my opinions)

1) the hooks on the Hard Rock jigs are junk, although sharp they are way too light, bend easily even had the head fall off one!

2) Ice fishermen are being ripped off buying tungsten jigs! There is no question the effectiveness & advantages of them however the prices are ridiculous you get one jig for something like 2-4 bucks but if you look they sell tungsten worm weights 5-6 packs for 6-8 bucks! I cant believe paint and hooks justifies such a drastic difference in price?

 
It just seems to me icefishermen are being gouged anyone else feel the same way?

Worst is when you get caught red handed at the door taking a package from UPS.  What is that and how much did it cost?  Always go to the $4.99 card or $6.59 to mix her up.

LOL been there done that! I've gone as far as having some packages shipped to my Grandma's house with strict instruction not to tell on me !! I LOVE MY GRANDMA 

That's the problem with Clam shanties. The design sucks and lets too much cold air in where the front poles are attached to the sled. It also wouldn't kill them to make the skirts 2"-3" wider.Most of you guys know I've been selling ice gear and shanties the past 10 years. Clam is the only shanty I will not sell out of my baitshop. I've had alot of unhappy customers and have spent too many hours repairing Clam's cheap China made junk............Mark

Ive heard complaints also but maybe that has changed because all the parts I got look like quality parts.... I dunno.

Sounds like you've put a few together maybe you could help does the front pole rest on the ground?

Thanks for all the responses, I got it all put together tonight just have to put the cover on. I've got it on and clamped ready to finish but Im not sure if the pole rests on the ground as per instructions or off the ground slightly just seems loose when adjusted with pole on ground but everything looks pretty even all around. Is that normal? Just want to do it right the first time ya know what I mean.

I'll keep the hairdryer thing in mind think I'll soak it in hot water. They say it works both ways.

Love to see some of the pics of your set up sounds pretty sweet. Only a matter of time before someone tricks a shanty out with amps & 12" subs !

I was at marina from about 12-2pm when I drove down I seen 3-4 people and a shanty on the water. They wasnt but 10 -15 ft off the rocks near the rockpile so wasnt too much danger ( did have a rope out) but still I wouldn't want to take a cold bath either!! Ice was making that eerie echoing cracking sound,the one that makes you pucker up!

Caught some gill and crappie but only had 2 keepers lot of small fish bite slowed down so headed home to watch the big game.... Who Dey!

Sounds good I'll keep an eye out for it like to check it out. Thanks