It’s unrealistic for anglers to assume they will beat every system that passes before them. For years I’ve witnessed firsthand systems sparking or dousing a bite. When it comes to the “Fire and Ice” northwoods Black Crappie I’ve come to this particular conclusion; Crappies are both the easiest and the hardest fish to catch. They continue to be a here today gone tomorrow species. There are times as fisherman we simply need to be able to tip a fishing cap to the fish while living to fight another day. I understand the contradicts the immediate gratification society we live in. Nothing could depict this theory as well as our recent two day trip with Justin Schneider from Woods and Waters insurance.
Justin and I have conversed online for a couple years and finally were able to coordinate schedules for a couple days of chasing Borderland slabs. Day one greeted our crew with a cold front, sideways snow and Canadian driven wind. The fish strangely enough had all dropped down into the mud 
. Predictable…….Unfortunately yes. Though we were able to convince a few biters for the most part these fish snubbed even the most delicate presentations from a dedicated team of anglers. Late in the day together we all came to the conclusion those fish would be too negative for us to spend any further engergies convincing. Such is life in in the real world. Rather we’d lick our wounds and lace them up again tomorrow. Redemption was mentioned with a swagger as we packed up our Otter’s and blasted across the new powder snow and through the pine studded islands.
Day 2 found yesterday’s snow reduced to mere flurries and that deadly low pressure intrusion giving way to high blue skies. As I popped up our Otter Resort I looked to Justin and said we are going to get CRAPPIE REDEMPTION BUD!! Those once finicky Crappies buried into the mud clearly marked with my LX7 now were a beautiful sight boldly positioned high in the water column. It was evident early that this would be the tale of 2 different “Daze”. Such is life as a fishing guide; you can quickly rise from Zero to a Hero or vise versa. Still the lesson passed on is even as a fishing guide there are times you realize that you need to be satisfied that our beloved sport of Ice angling is what it is. I’ve said it a hundred times “We can’t shoot them” THOSE FISH need to WANT to feed for glory.
We all are able to downsize and alter presentations to a certain extent. From that point on the fish need to cleat up and play ball.
I’m happy we played ball with a serious school of Crappies with this willing team.
Justin and crew were so pleasure to share the ice with. For those of you who haven’t met Justin from Woods and Water insurance I can promise you he’s simply a fishing finatic. It is nice mediums such as In Depth Outdoors are able to bring fellow anglers together in many facets of business. Justin and I talked “In Depth” how enjoyable it is for guys like ourselves to connect on the water or ice.
Lastly I’d like to discuss a key to our day 2 success and frankly a key to our yearly success with big crappies. Diamond jig produced by Custom Jigs and Spins 
. A couple years ago I told Bob that I would be forever grateful if he produced a size 8. I can honestly say that this was probably NOT produced upon my request, but nonetheless the results of the increased size has meant big things for our efficiency. Much is made of this particular ice jig for all species of panfish. I personally consider the Diamond jig the #1 deliver system on the market for both plastics and meat fisherman. The depth anglers target panfish will help determine the sizing of the jig needed. Here in “Borderland” we fish panfish in multiple depths anywhere from 20 feet to 40+ f.o.w.. I often find myself opting for theincreased size 8. I can easily fire through slush and will get on top of a few more fish everday with the increased drop speed. Our customers frequently inquire with our guide service on “WHICH JIGS” my answer is almost always JUST DIAMOND JIGS GUYS!! The reason is those diamond jigs will be used as our chosen delivery system for many plastic tails, euros, waxies, minnow heads and so on.
Again yesterday in the Crappie bonanza our entire team laced up these micro sized jigs that fish heavy through the slush and stood up to lots of barb driving sets. At times all 4 of us fished these jigs differently with plastics, meat or certain combinations.
Great day on the ice with fellow “Ice Heads”.
Final note is that I need 2 Marcum LX7’s. Giving a 7 to a customer to use means you will NOT be using it. Again I like to hear our customers response to this new technology. AGAIN this groups response; WOW, SMOOTH, QUIET, UNREAL. Seems positive. 
Don’t try it unless you want to own it.
Different fish locations in the water column and empty pails were full to the brim.
