2003 Articles

A Brief History of the Great Boarder War - Chap. 3 by Jay C. Lorenz

Of the entire world's conflicts, perhaps the most misunderstood is the ongoing battle that we know too well as The Great Border War. In an effort to promote world peace, and because I am apparently short of entertainment, I have conducted considerable research into this chasm and as an amateur historian I feel compelled to offer up the benefit of my findings for all. Some of you may wonder "why should I care about the analysis of an AMATEUR?" and I appreciate this question. I was once a professional, with a thriving history shop in Tupelo, Mississippi. Unfortunately, the recession of 1981, coupled with a regrettable scandal over the correct spelling of Czechoslovakia, left me destitute ... more

Early Ice Panfish by Bob Jensen

It's happening earlier this year than it has in the past several years. Ice is forming earlier this year than it has in recent autumns. Mother Nature could be playing a trick on us, or she really could be kicking off the ice-fishing season early this year. If we are going to get an early start on ice-fishing, we need to keep a few things in mind if we are going to be successful. We are assuming that all the blades are sharp on the auger, there is new line on the reels, and our tackle inventory has been updated. We need all these issues to be in place before we step on the ice. We also need to be sure that the ice conditions are safe for fishing. If someone is driving a truck on the ice... more

Ice Fishing: 101 by Rick Inzero

Here's a few tips I picked up and answers to questions I had after resuming ice fishing after being idle at it for 15 years... just to provide a reference, I usually fish for perch, walleye, northern pike, and pickerel through the ice here in New York State. We are allowed 5 tip-ups and 2 hand lines per person in most waters. How to locate the fish? Fish near other ice fishermen!! Chances are they are die-hards or locals who go out frequently, and know where the fish hang out. If you drive by a lake on a Saturday about 2-3 hours after sunrise, everybody should be set up, and you should get a good idea where the fish are. I've found trying to park the car in a legal spot to be a bigger... more

Which hand do you use? by Rick Madeja

Now before you think that I have gone mad or that you have entered the wrong web site please read on! I am right handed! In fact if I even tried to write my name with my left hand there is no telling what it would say, that is why I use only left hand crank reels, if this makes no sense to you please let me explain! Almost thirty years ago when I was first learning to use level wind bait casting reels my father told me that if I could get accustomed to using left hand crank reels I would become a more efficient fisherman! I really did not understand what he meant at the time! I only knew that my Mitchell 308 spinning reel had the handle on the left hand side so it just felt natural for... more

A Brief History of the Great Border War - Chap. 2 by Jay C. Lorenz

Of the entire world's conflicts, perhaps the most misunderstood is the ongoing battle that we know too well as The Great Border War. In an effort to promote world peace, and because I am apparently short of entertainment, I have conducted considerable research into this chasm and as an amateur historian I feel compelled to offer up the benefit of my findings for all. Some of you may wonder "why should I care about the analysis of an AMATEUR?" and I appreciate this question. I was once a professional, with a thriving history shop in Tupelo, Mississippi. Unfortunately, the recession of 1981, coupled with a regrettable scandal over the correct spelling of Czechoslovakia, left me destitute ... more

Crankbaits In The Fall by Bob Jensen

In the fall, crankbaits are one of my favorite lures for catching fish. Most species of fish eat crankbaits, and often times the larger fish will respond very favorably to these hard-bodied lures. The key is selecting the right crankbait, then putting it where the fish live. Here are some ideas for doing that. First you've gotta' find the fish. This time of year you can find the different species of fish, in most bodies of water, relating to remaining green weed growth or rocks. On the various bodies of water you will find walleyes, pike, muskies, and smallmouth bass on rocks, and you will find those same species and largemouth bass on weedlines. Usually the deeper weedlines will be best.... more

Erie not just a "Great Lake" but great fishing! by Rick Madeja

If you open any magazine dedicated to fishing you are sure to find an article about the great walleye fishing that Lake Erie has to offer! This lake is one of the greatest ecological success stories of all time! Quoting the Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, "By the late 1960's Lake Erie had been declared ecologically dead!" It is amazing that this lake could be turned around after many decades of abuse. The water fires on and around Lake Erie are legendary! The water was so polluted that it would actually catch fire! Even though the fire of 1969 made big news, there was several fires form the mid 1940.s until the late 1960.s. Now Lake Erie is one of the pre... more

Tips for Hunting Pressured Ducks by Gilbert Arndt

It was late October, and a period of unseasonably warm weather had kept the "local" flocks around longer than usual, and prevented migrating ducks from filtering in.I had located a small backwater area that had not received much pressure since the opener, and luckily we were the only hunters there this warm,sunny, October morning. My client, and friend, Bill, a veteran duck hunter originally from Canada, had his lab Mollie along, giving my dog a well deserved rest.Hunting was slow,when I caught the attention of a small flock of 20 or so Mallards.My Mallard Hen talk got them headed our direction,but these "educated" birds had heard this before, and I knew it would take something different to ... more

A Brief History of the Great Border War - Chap. 1 by Jay C. Lorenz

Of the entire world's conflicts, perhaps the most misunderstood is the ongoing battle that we know too well as The Great Border War. In an effort to promote world peace, and because I am apparently short of entertainment, I have conducted considerable research into this chasm and as an amateur historian I feel compelled to offer up the benefit of my findings for all. Some of you may wonder "why should I care about the analysis of an AMATEUR?" and I appreciate this question. I was once a professional, with a thriving history shop in Tupelo, Mississippi. Unfortunately, the recession of 1981, coupled with a regrettable scandal over the correct spelling of Czechoslovakia, left me destitute ... more

Fall Muskie Madness by Steve Huber

I HATE fall. I really do, there's sooo many things that I want to be doing, so many that I just can't get to them all. The really bad part about it is that some of them, I can't avoid (like storm windows and leaf raking). There's bow hunting for deer, grouse hunting, duck hunting, rifle hunting for deer, the walleyes are schooling up, the smallmouth bass are just begging to fight and worst of all, the muskies are taunting me. There's just not enough time to do it all and that's why I say…I HATE FALL! For those of you that do have the time for all of the above, in addition to raking leaves, putting up the storm windows, getting everything ready for winter, I envy you. But if you're li... more

Panfish In The Fall by Bob Jensen

Panfish are fun, there's no other way to look at it. When a good panfish bite is discovered, it's possible to catch lots of fish. Panfish are also great on the table. Whether we're talking about bluegills, crappies, yellow bass, or perch, there is no question that if a meal of fish is the goal, you won't go wrong with panfish. Autumn can be a very good time to find panfish action. They can be found in several very different types of areas depending on the type of lake being fished, so however you like to fish, you can probably find some panfish willing to respond to that technique. Following are some ideas that will help you catch panfish in the next few weeks. My favorite way to... more

Suckers For Fall Muskies by Dennis Radloff

Fall is here folks, and there's no better time of year than now to be on the water chasing muskies around. While throwing your traditional jerk baits at these marvelous predators is very effective during this time of the year, it's also the prime time of the season to be rigging some live bait. Muskies are on the move, coming shallow again seeking anything they can sink their teeth into responding to natures call for a long winters nap. No I'm not saying they will go into a deep sleep once the lakes freeze over, but they will slow down with the colder water, explaining the feeding binge they will indulge themselves in over the next 2 months. Before I get into discussing the how and why... more

Getting Ready For Fall Fishing by Bob Jensen

Although it still feels like the middle of summer, the signs that autumn will soon be here are unmistakable. The corn is starting to turn to gold, the young geese that were incapable of flight just a few weeks ago are now flying everywhere, and football seasons are starting. Those events all mean one thing: Fish will soon be entering their fall patterns. The time for big fish throughout the Midwest is quickly approaching; here is how you can take advantage of the great fishing available during the fall months. As in any other season, you must be able to find the fish. In the fall, the fish can be in a variety of locations. In some lakes they will be on wind-swept points, along weedlines,... more

No Worms In This Boat! by Robert Stitt

The following is a look back at Bob's (Twister) experience at this last years annual Lake Link Kids Fishing contest at Country Corners Bait and Tackle. If you were not able to make it in 2003 we hope to see you in 2004! I was the first to arrive Friday afternoon and George and Renee greeted me warmly. As we were standing around talking a little Brian and Nancy (Broz and Punkinseed) pulled in and Nancy jumped out of the car and about squeezed my insides out (Twister, its great to see you!). I said I didn't think she would have even remembered me after four years and her reply was "See this hat" pointing to her head. "I liked yours so much I had to get one just like it for myself and a... more

My Fishing Trips by Matt Weber

In the year 2002, I had the best fishing season of my life! On my first fishing trip, I went with my dad and grandpa Weber. We went trolling for walleye around Sunset Point near Oshkosh, Wisconsin. We used No.5 rapalas in different colors. We caught a lot of walleye and one perch. We only kept enough for supper that night. I really had a lot of fun catching fish with my dad and grandpa. Even if the fish were not biting, I would still have had fun. My next fishing trip was at the Otter Street Kid's Fisheree. I went with my whole family - my mom and dad and my brother Mitch. We got there early and we picked out a spot where we thought there was fish. It was so cool because they gave you fre... more

Proper Netting Means More Fish by Bob Jensen

The big one finally hits. This is the musky, walleye, bass, or pike that you've been looking for for a long time. Your hookset was strong. The drag on your reel is set perfectly, the line is fresh and strong, and you know your knot is tied tightly. You're keeping pressure on the fish and, with just a little luck, it will soon be yours. It will be yours IF your fishing partner does a good net job. However, so many big and medium sized fish are lost at the net due to poor netting practices that it's never a sure deal that your fish-of-a-lifetime will come into the boat even if you play it perfectly and the equipment holds up. Following are some ideas for successfully netting the fish on the en... more

Walleye Feeding Frenzies! by Captain Marty Papke

Summertime and walleyes go hand in hand with hot conditions and warming waters. Walleyes like all game fish don't like to expend too much energy cruising for food or chasing it down. They would rather hold in areas with high concentrations of food sources and then gorge themselves when the opportunity arises. The ends of large flats, main lake points and offshore humps are always good binge feeding areas, but just about any area where large quantities of bait fish school up can be a potential hot spot. Large basin areas like our waters of Little Bay de Noc hold schools of different baitfish like alewives, emerald and spottail shiners along with perch and sucker minnows. This open wate... more

When Far and Fine meet Big & Mighty! by Todd Berg

When the surface temperatures on a Midwest lake reach the mid to high 60's, I know it's time to break out the long sticks and hit 'em where they live. Many times, one of the best and most consistently overlooked presentation options on pressured waters is to take the "far and fine" approach (a phrase applied to fly-fishing for trout many years ago) and gently lay minnow, crayfish, leech and bug patterns directly in front of a bass, bluegill or pike's nose with a fly rod. While it's very true that there are just as many equipment options and selections in fly-fishing as there are in spin or bait cast tackle, there's some simple rules that will make life easier on you and your wallet wh... more

"Thee way" to more Walleyes with Three-Ways by Fishing The Wild Side

Written By Doug Newhoff When it comes to their bellies, walleyes aren't all that much different than human beings. Some days, they will go to great lengths to please their palates by roaming expansive flats or cruising miles of shoreline in search of a few crayfish or shiners. Some days, they prefer not to spend a lot of energy in search of dinner and simply rest on the bottom and wait for dinner to be come to them. Even then, there are days when they just can't make up their minds what they want. Fuzz-E-Grubs or Fire-Ball jigs? Gum-Drop Floaters or plain hooks? Minnows or leeches? Rapalas or Frenzies? When we wrestle with such a dilemma, we simply head to the neighborhood smor... more

Expert Jigging Methods by Fishing The Wild Side

Written By Doug Newhoff Many fish ago, long before Oly Evinrude was a sparkplug in his father's eye or Lauri Rapala put an edge on his first carving knife, the idea of the leadhead jig was conceived. It solved many problems for our angling forefathers. It could be made to look like many of the creatures gamefish favor. It provided weighting that allowed it to be lowered to great depths or cast from afar. It could be tipped with live bait to give it a realistic look and scent. Few lures have ever been tweaked, modified, re-invented or discussed more than the jig. Manufacturers have produced round heads, wedge heads, flat heads, banana heads and stand-up heads, to name a few. They've g... more

Jewels of the Dog Days by Lawrence Van Veghel

The "Dog Days of Summer" often make it seem like the fish left Wisconsin's waters. Actually, July can be a fantastic fishing month. It's also good for other outdoor activities, such as swimming, diving, hiking, skiing, picnicking, birding, and much more. I get another year older, but I can't stop that. I guess I'll just go fishing. For my outings, I refer to the same collection of reports I use when writing articles for you. This helps reduce our unproductive outings. Is fishing slowing down for you? Try the Fox River Valley waters. There's quite a variety of fish to choose from. Trout, walleyes, muskie, northern pike, bass, panfish, and the rest of the Wisconsin species we see... more

No Stress Boat Loading (and Unloading) by Bob Jensen

I just got back from the lake. It's a Sunday afternoon and we wanted to take the boat for a ride. No fishing this time, just a nice cruise around the lake. The weather was beautiful and lots of other folks had decided that boating and fishing were good things to be doing on this day. The lines at the boat ramps were long, but things were going nicely, at first anyway. Everyone was getting the boats, jet-skis, and pontoons in and out quickly and safely. Then, all of the sudden, here it came, a van and a new boat that was freshly waxed and washed. It raced by the line of vehicles waiting to launch just as another rig was pulling away from the ramp. It backed into the ramp area, the doors ... more

Applying the K.I.S.S. Program to BASS by Scott Bonnema

Its roots are in business. The acronym "K.I.S.S." stands for "keep it simple, stupid." It was intended as a rallying call for corporations to maintain simplicity in the face of futurism. Why? Because consumers demanded both modernism and ease of use. The same premise likewise applies to fishing. Each season brings a host of new gadgets and doohickeys. Some are complex, others elementary. Some work - based on my experience - and others are merely eye-candy on the shelf. But ultimately, anglers demand products that are both cutting-edge and "user friendly." The net result of acquiring every newfangled device is the creation of a "Gear Godzilla." The beast grows, too, with the passing of... more

Pond Fishin' by Bill Schultz

What is it about a pond that intrigues me so much? Maybe it's the same thing that excites me about exploring that small river, not knowing exactly what I'm going to catch or how I'm going to accomplish that goal. Also, like many of you, I've dreamed of having my own pond, stocked with big bass and bluegills -- my own little "fish factory." I've been lucky. Over the past decade I've had access to a pond six miles from my home that's loaded with nice-sized bass and big bluegills. Many days after work I just don't feel like hauling the boat to a lake, or even driving to a river, but I still want to scratch my fishing itch. So I head to the pond. Finding Ponds and Gaining Access P... more

The Best Fishing Of The Year? by Bob Jensen

Early summer is perhaps the best time of the year for fishing. Autumn is probably better for trophies, but big fish are also available in early summer. Numbers of small to medium sized fish are also very good. Combine lots of fish with nice warm weather and you have the makings for a great day on the water. Here's how you can take advantage of early summer fishing. There are a couple of reasons why the fishing can be so good early in the summer. First, the water is warming, and as the water warms, the fish's metabolism picks up a little. This increase in metabolism makes the fish bite better. Also, the fish have completed the spawn and the recovery period that follows the spawning ritu... more

Walleyes in Precarious and Particular Places by Bruce Mosher

Walleyes and whales could never coexist. Well, first there's that saltwater to freshwater issue, and then the fact that whales breathe air through a blowhole and walleyes take oxygen aquatically, through gills. Granted, both species spend time in wide open spaces - whales sucking plankton through their baleen and walleyes sucking flesh through their choppers - but their timecards differ considerably. Whales are always at sea. Walleyes are only sometimes at sea; structure is equally as important to the crowned kings of freshwater fishes. Walleyes are as committed to formations such as reefs and timber as they are to the basin. And in the spring, walleyes can be particularly attached to st... more

Bassing from Above by Scott Bonnema

Glassing and stalking prey from over top can be acutely effective. Picture a redtail hawk, a barred owl at night, pitched atop a highline and transfixed on a rodent below. With shoulders squared and wings ready to unfold, the prodigious raptor stoops and dives. There's no struggle but only a rustle in the brush as the avian predator clutches and mounts with a meal. In a way, ice anglers do it too. From above, through a single aperture, they stalk, battle, and gather prey. Hovering over your quarry certainly has its advantages. Regrettably, though, few openwater anglers attack from directly above. Bass anglers, specifically, might be the least prone to fish straight up and down. The... more

Early Season Panfish by Bob Jensen

In some Midwest states fishing seasons are in effect in the spring. Some states protect walleyes, bass, and pike at this time of year. However, for those who are anxious to wet a line, panfish are the perfect target. Many lakes and ponds have excellent numbers of panfish. Best of all, panfish can be very easy to catch soon after the ice goes out. Here's how you can take advantage of those panfish for the next few weeks. Panfish will be most active in warm water, so it pays to search out the warmest areas in the body of water being fished. Begin looking in bays or canals. These areas generally warm up faster than the main body of water. If you are limited to the main body of water, begi... more

Give yourself an edge with Conditioned Crawlers by Todd Berg

You've used them for years and you know the routine: Go to the bait shop, get 2 or 3 dozen Night crawlers pre-packaged in a Styrofoam cup, drive to the lake, impale them on a hook and cast 'em out under a bobber. Sometimes they work- sometimes they don't. Just another bait selection, right? If this scenario sounds too familiar to you, it's time to exercise your options and get serious about your worms. That's right- I said get serious about your worms. In a very short period of time, you can be out-fishing your partner, your dad, your kid or that guy down the street with the new bass boat, with a new secret-weapon in your fishing arsenal. Live bait is still one of the most widely used p... more

Guides: What You and They Expect by Bill Schultz

During the past few years I've had the opportunity to fish with a number of guides, and most have provided a very informative and enjoyable experience. I look for a guide who has a good reputation for knowing the body of water we're fishing. I want to learn where to fish, what lures and techniques to use and how to use them. Even if we hit a tough day and don't catch many fish, if I've learned where to fish in the future, what to use and how to use it, the day has still been worthwhile. The guide should be friendly, a good communicator and able to teach the client. Having good equipment is also important. Many clients count on using the guide's equipment because it's more convenient t... more

Challenges Facing Door County Smallmouths by Bill Schultz

I've had the good fortune of fishing the waters of Door County many times for smallmouth bass since my first fishing trip there in May of 1995. Like most who fish this wonderful resource, I try to be a good steward of the fishery and am careful with the smallies I catch, and always release. In recent years I've seen some things that have me concerned: an invasion of round gobies, an ever-increasing population of fish-eating cormorants, more anglers who seem to be keeping their limit, and a growing number of "My assessment of the smallies in the waters of Door County, is that since the mid-'90s the fish mortality has been low, and is much lower than in the '60s and '7... more

Simple Pleasures in Bass Tactics by Fishing The Wild Side

With Doug Newhoff It's been said that necessity is the mother of invention. If this is true, then simplicity must be the father! Bass anglers are taking note. Give a bucketmouth fanatic a baitfish-colored, noisy crankbait with holographic eyes and neutral buoyancy, and that angler will chuck and wind only for as long as the lure is producing. Give the same angler a bobber, some split shot, hooks and jigs, and suddenly the possibilities are endless. In a sport that's been turned upside-down and inside-out in the ongoing search for new baits, techniques and "The beauty of bassin' is that by applying the basics you can have ... more

Spring River Walleyes by Bob Jensen

A friend just called to tell me the walleyes were going big-time on a nearby river. For the next few weeks, rivers across the Midwest will be the scenes of some superior walleye action. Of course rivers provide excellent walleye action all year, but in late winter and through the spring, action can be intense. Here's how you can catch walleyes in rivers for the next few weeks. Just as with any time of year, the most important factor regarding walleye action is finding the fish. It is important to keep moving until the fish are found. Work an area thoroughly if you feel it should hold fish, but don't spend a lot of time in any particular area unless you are getting bit. The deeper hole... more

Spring Time "Boards and Brown Trout" Action! by Captain Marty Papke

Sunny skies greeted us this morning and calm seas were being watched as the last of the coffee was dispersed to "Bordering the Wisconsin and Michigan waters is a tremendous fishery; in fact it's been said this region could be one of the most aggressive Brown Trout fisheries in the state." our anxious group. Springtime sounds were all around, Blackbirds, some geese in the tiny marsh said good morning and we all stepped into the boat awaiting an exciting day on the water. Lake Michigan hosts a tremendous population of fish species all up and down the coast line from Chicago all the way to our home water's of Little Bay de Noc in the Upper Peninsula. Springtim... more

2003 Fishing Trips by Robert Piorkowski

The 2003 fishing season has already started, yet I’m way behind on my planning for the year. This past January we made the trek up to Lake Poygan for the Lake-Link ice fishing outing. This was my second time attending the event, and each year its gets better and better. Make plans now to attend next year. As far as the rest of 2003 is concerned, there are many places that need to be fished, and we are just the guys to wet a line. For March, this is the time to plan a steelhead trip on the St Joseph River in Michigan. Initially, we wanted to spend time with a guide to learn techniques, tackle and terrain, I would highly recommend Four Seasons Sportfishing Charters. With informati... more

A Trip to Remember by rick jelak

In today's world of fast food, instant potatoes and point and click technology, why not use this "everything is just a minute away" mentality to enhance your fishing and hunting experiences. We're not talking about jet-powered suv's or 400 hp outboards just one piece of equipment you may already own. Your camcorder! With just a simple push of a button you can preserve your outdoor experiences for years to come. Your video can be as simple as random point and shoot footage or you can write a simple script and create your own outdoor show just like the pros. Before heading for the lake or the woods, take some time to refamilarize yourself with both your camcorder and owners manual. Ta... more

Economizing Scope and Improving Results by Noel Vick

Bill Plantan, an impassioned river buff, often speaks about this guy who owned a big boat – the fast and glass sort – and nearly exclusively launched it on big water. One day, for whatever reason, he bought a canoe, a River Ridge Custom Canoe, and thus began a new chapter in his fishing career. As it turns out, that chapter evolved into a book, because once he learned how to fish moving water, well, that big boat never saw big water again. “He mailed me a letter the other day,” Plantan said enthusiastically. “In it, he talked about a December 1st float on the Upper Mississippi River where he and a partner caught 40 smallies, including a 20 incher.” I... more

Finding Fish by Bob Jensen

I just returned from an ice-fishing trip to northern Minnesota. The action was awesome. Lots of perch, and many were jumbos. Also caught a good number of crappies and some bluegills. It was on this recent trip that I was reminded how important it is to, first, find the fish and second, give them the bait the way they want it. I was also reminded how important it is to pay attention to your sonar unit, also commonly called a depth finder. On this trip we noticed that it was critical to keep the bait about a foot above the fish. We could see the perch just off the bottom on the sonar screen. We started off lowering the bait right to the same level as the fish. Sometimes they would take the ... more

Ice Fishing tips - Two that will prepare you for success! by On Ice Tour Pro Staff

Tip # 1 Be prepared to Ice Fish You can probably apply the old adage "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" to just about anything. When it pertains to ice fishing, it could be worth numerous pounds, of fish that is. One of the most neglected areas of preparation is around the hole itself. Most fish that are lost, including those "trophies of a lifetime", escape back down the hole due to a lack of preparation. Most "Sometimes you may need to downsize your presentation. A well prepared ice-fisherman is a successful ice-fisherman."Photo courtesy of Bill Lindner Photography. fish that are caught come on the "first drop" or the initial offering i... more

Smile, You're Pouting! by On Ice Tour Pro Staff

By CHIP LEER, On-Ice Tour, WALKER, Minn. As fish species go, one will always stand apart in the northland. It challenges anxious anglers with its ability to play hide and seek. Its lean, mean physique gives it the strength to break your heart when it breaks your line with a sudden but determined surge toward the depths of a northern lake. It rewards successful anglers at the dinner table, and it captures the fancy of thousands who flock north each year to celebrate its existence. Okay, so the eelpout isn't often mentioned in the same breath with the precious walleye. In fact, in the eyes of all but a few, it's a lowdown, despicable, loathsome, undesirable, repugnant, "... more

Electron-Tricks by On Ice Tour Pro Staff

Give an angler the best equipment available today, and you've got an angler with the means to catch a lot of fish. Give that same angler the knowledge and creativity to get the most out of those tools in a variety of situations, and you've got an angler who is always the envy of everyone else on the ice. Once upon a time, hard-water structure fishing was a trial-and-error adventure that consisted of lining up shoreline landmarks or attempting to follow obvious shoreline structure out into a lake or reservoir. Today's electronics have changed all that. High-definition sonar, underwater cameras and global positioning units have taken much of the guesswork out of ice fishing, and opened a wh... more

Hot Cure for the Curious Crappie Fever by On Ice Tour Pro Staff

We outdoors types are fond of big things. We like big trucks and boats. Our boots are big and many of us hunt for big animals. When it comes to fishing, well, bigger is also usually better: Musky, pike and largemouth? They're all pretty big, or can be. Which is why it's so interesting that winter crappie fishing is such a phenomenon. Big they're not. Crappie average ten inches and usually weigh less than a pound. A 14-inch crappie is usually considered a monster. Crappie is a goofy name. What's up with that? They do, however, eat very well. In fact, I'd put them ahead of perch, bluegill and (gasp) walleye. So perhaps it's ultimately our big appetites that have really won somany o... more

Multitasking Walleyes & Perch by Calvin Christopher

It's politically correct and nearly clichéd, the term "multitasking". In the hustle and bustle work-world it means engaging two jobs at once, say tooling widgets and managing idiots in chorus – or at home, changing a diaper while disciplining other offspring. On the ice, multitasking suggests catching one species while, well, catching another. And the best example involves walleyes and perch. Genetically linked, the two species favor similar environments. Seldom are these mutual habitations small either. It's rare to find a pintsized lake that supports jumbo perch, let alone colonies of respectable perch and walleyes. So I fish big lakes, like Minnesota's Lake Mille Lacs where walleyes... more

Tip-Ups For More Fish by Bob Jensen

Just as there are a lot of ways to catch fish in the open water season, there are numerous ways to catch them through the ice. In open water or through the ice, many anglers like to get as many lines in the water as permitted, as this increases the chances for getting bit. In open water, many anglers will put a bobber rod or dead rod out while they throw a jig or crankbait from an anchored position. Putting a tip-up out while jigging through the ice is kind of like putting a bobber rod out in open water. The only difference is, instead of waiting for the bobber to go down, you're waiting for the flag to go up. Employing a tip-up is both effective and fun. Here's how you can take advantag... more

Fish Fast, Fish Comfortable then Fish FRABILL (and Walleye's)! by Captain Marty Papke

Ice fishing season is upon us and though there are days when fishing outside on the frozen surface of any of our Midwestern lakes maybe comfortable there are the days when it's nice to be content in a portable ice shelter that does these things. As a guide, Charter Captain and "teacher" of fishing it's my job to get my clients on fish fast and enjoy their day. Frabill's, does just that making the trip always a great one and hears why? Fishing on ice is much like open water fishing where mobility is key to catching fish. When time means the difference in catching fish coming upon a new spot within minutes we can be set up and be fishing! This product mention tells the ice-angle... more

Kidding Around With Perch by On Ice Tour Pro Staff

Catching Perch through the ice can sometimes be like taking candy from a baby. Cut a dozen holes, drop an underwater camera down, find a school of perch, drop a minnow or a lure down, watch the lines come together on the Vexilar, feel the bite, reel 'em in - one after the other. Suckerrrrrrs (unintelligent perch, that is). At other times, you do everything the same as above just to watch the perch swim away like it didn't even notice your presentation. It's kind of like the way a 5-year-old ignores both the vegetables on his or her plate, as well as the parent's instructions to eat those veggies. Who's the sucker now? The ardent angler doesn't have to be the stooge. All it takes... more

Panfish Through The Ice by Bob Jensen

There is a growing number of anglers who look forward to ice- fishing as much as some anglers look forward to the opening day of walleye season. I can understand why that is, although I have a hard time explaining the appeal of ice-fishing. Sure it's fun to be out there with friends, but lots of folks go ice-fishing by themselves. Some anglers go ice-fishing for a couple of hours on the weekend, others are out there every night after work and all day on the weekends. To some ice-fishing is a hobby, to others it is a necessity. The reasons to go ice-fishing are numerous: The one common bond among ice-anglers is that they want to catch a fish. In many bodies of water throughout the Midw... more

The Preservation of Life by John Peterson

The popular rock band U2 dared to write and perform a song titled, "Even Better than the Real Thing." Obviously, Bono - the quartet's eclectic front-man - intended the ditty for some drop-dead gorgeous maiden; certainly not ice fishing paraphernalia. But unlike rock and roll, in the icy world of bait buckets and jiggle sticks, nothing's better than the real thing.* Now don't bother skimming to the bottom of the story looking for an asterisk and explanation, because we'll clear the matter straight away. To explicate, nothing's better than live bait, so long as it's presented properly. Unadulterated, live bait, be it minnows or maggots, needs no assistance to tempt fish. We're the o... more