Ice Fishing For Me So Far – Shoulda Been Here Yesterday…
- Went solo to a walleye lake and the perch didn’t stop even after dark
- Fished in 4 ftw (look closely you can see bottom) and was awaiting the evening run of walleyes (which really didn’t happen this evening). Lots of small to medium-sized perch all evening.
How Thick is the Ice on Lake Audubon – Hearing around 12 inches+ now BUT still plenty of sketchy areas out in the middle.
Twin Cities Peeps – Anyone Looking for ice house rentals on Lake Minnetonka? Set the Hook Guide Service offers a fleet of nice ice houses for rent on the lake. One of their ice houses were used in the making of the video below (Ice House #7 – Currently for Rent!)
iFish Pro 2.0 Tip-Up – $59.99/ea
- Cool concept so you can use your own rods for reeling in fish.
- Only complaints are the arm holder, really, for being too light or cheap (some mentioned the flag…easy fix on that however).
VYPER Aerated Tip Up by Frabill – Why Did I Not Know About This???
- $95 retail
- Aerators to keep holes open, lighted flag, and fits up to 10 inch holes.
- Some were complaining about the aerator being a little “cheap”. However, you can find solid rechargeable bait aerators on the market.
Lowrance Eagle Eye 9” – Basically a “Poor Man’s Livescope” or really, an affordable way to enter the forward facing fishing style. Either way, for a 9-inch Lowrance screen, a forward or down FFS transducer, and no big black box…for $999 ain’t that bad really. You would want to look into a decent shuttle, which run around the $200-350 range, depending on what you want. And of course, a battery. I recommend Lithium for this, but to each their own.
2nd Half
When Did Ice Fishing Get So Damn Expensive???
I love the simplicity of ice fishing. I’m one of the rare one’s that prefers a minimal setup for running and gunning. If I’m going to potentially move often, I use the smallest sized Otter flip-over (bench seat – fits 2 but really a BIG on-man ice house). I can tear down, pack and move in literally a few minutes. Setup is almost the same. I use a K-Drill mounted to LARGE DeWalt hand drill. And, I don’t use FFS personally in the wintertime (I have it on the boat). I like to use online lake maps and dial in spots. I don’t feel I need FFS for that, and there’s something about staring at a Vexilar that is peaceful to me. To each their own. I love the walk to and from spots, believe it or not. I don’t mind the exercise as I get older, too. Everything about ice fishing is good for the soul…
When I DON’T plan to run-and-gun but sit on structure for awhile, we usually use the large Otter Ice Hub. Again, I’m an Otter guy myself, but that’s by choice. I like the ease of setup, the size of the bag the house fits in (most are WAY TOO SMALL…don’t get me started on that), and the durability and size overall. I rarely fish more than 4 in mine, but 3-4 is totally doable and still roomy.
Spear Fishing – Who’s All In?
Now that walleyes are legal to spear in North Dakota, it opens up the opportunities back in a lot of the bays of lakes. Don’t know anyone personally that does it, yet, but I imagine more will start taking advantage of spear fishing for walleyes.
Facebook Fiddle Faddle – Anonymously Famous
Qwack is Wack – Believe it or not….we’re still getting fresh mallards down
Headlines
#1 – Why Does the Media Websites Force You to Pay for Their Opinion? ( Charging you to read an article )
I find it annoying when looking for articles on topics, only to end up on websites that want to charge you to either pay for the 1-article for a fee, or subscribe. Either way, when I see that I’m out. There are enough advertisements on these websites, already, in my opinion.
#2 Georgia Boys Out Drinking and Shining Deer Leads to DUI Arrest and More
Don’t drink and spot deer, essentially, is the moral of the story.
#3 SI’s Top 5 Picks for Ice Fishing Stocking Stuffers
A couple aren’t bad, but most I wouldn’t agree with (in terms of product chosen). The ice cleats is a GREAT idea, but DO NOT purchase the one’s mentioned. You will be disappointed. Overall, it’s interesting that Sports Illustrated is entering the ice fishing scene.
Would you ever consider fishing tarpon with a charter in Florida?
Chris recently launched a website for a client, and it makes a guy wonder how long I can look at these fish and NOT go after them. It’s coming in my near future, when my kids are out of high school for sure! This operation fishes around the Fort Myers/Cape Coral area of Florida. They offer a variety of fishing options, including Night Fishing for Tarpon (bucket list).
Ideal Way to Make a Prime Rib?
Apparently, soaking the prime rib in milk and Cajun butter is amazing. Yes, you read that right. Jason describes in detail how it’s done.
One Meal/Dish That Brings You Back to Your Childhood Instantly
- Cheese Buttons / Chicken & Dumplings (Jason)
- Brown Cabbage BAD – “Saucy Cucumbers” GOOD (Chris)
At What Point in Your Life, Do You Stop Caring About Fashion?
Sweatpants life baby! Wouldn’t have it any other way…
Shelter Dogs – If you don’t want a hunting dog…PLEASE consider. (Hustad’s softy moment here)
Happy Holidays Ya’ll
