There are a lot of ways you can go here, but here are a few things I do. First I use dacron braid,.like black spot line so a fish run doesn’t give me line cuts to the hands. Then just a barrel swivel in between the leader. Usually I go with a quick strike rig. The old in line style. I don’t care for the inverted V style ones. If I am not getting bites I will go to a single hook on a leader. I don’t know that the blade helps or hurts, but in most cases you need to have one.

Like I said, there are many ways to do it but that’s what I do for chasing big pike.

Thanks guys. To answer some questions, I was in about 70ft. I was using a older Contour camera. It has a waterproof housing, so I had it below the waterline about a inch so I could still turn it on. I had it rigged to my otter seat with ready rod. It was a jimmy rig, but it worked I guess it worked.

I had cut 3 holes and chiseled the points out. Most of what you see floating is ice chips that came back in the hole. Although I did see it spit something out too. It’s stomach still had more in it when I cleaned it.

Most of the time I fish the top 20ft of water unless I mark something lower. So yes, I set up the Otter to sight fish in 70 ft. haha That Cabin Thermal had me sweating in -14 degree weather and it got dark enough to see perfectly. That trout went 30″ and went 8.6 on the scale. I didn’t get any good stills since it was a solo run.

I know this is getting long but someone mentioned speed. I’ve found by watching that you almost need to slow down the baits that move all over. Trout are fast, but have a hard time catching the bait as you saw. It’s a fine line between keeping their interest and letting them catch it.

I can’t seem to load the pic from my phone, but I caught another nice one about 4 today. He had to have the green glow! I’ll upload the pic tonight when I get home.

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My grandma has been on 3rd Crow Wing since the 70s and my uncle has been on Potato for 5-7 years. Is there some good winter lakes in the area?

Both of their lakes have good size eyes, but we rarely find good numbers.

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Those lakes are a bit out of my area. There are almost to many lakes in the Backus area to try. It’s hard to get to learn one. It seems a lot of the time if you don’t have a good night, your off to another lake when you might be passing up a gold mine! Speaking of, I need to go load up and go fishing! lol

Nice tip there Jake! Sometimes it’s the little things that make or break a trip! Congrats!

Congrats on a great night! I’m hoping to maybe sneak out tomorrow night. I hope Santa is that good to me! lol

Prime….Best thing would be if you can find someone carrying them to just try them on for size, even if you order them elsewhere. They do tend to run a tad big. You won’t be disappointed with them. I have had mine for over 3 seasons now and haven’t had a problem. As mentioned, the hardest part might be finding them.

Good luck

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Any input on the otter tube holder from anyone?

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I used one for the past 4-5 years and it does work great. I always mounted it with bracket I made to the side of my wheeler and used some hose clamps to hold it in place. It was a pretty crude set up, but it worked. One other mod I did with it was this… the angle never changed when it was mounted, so I drilled a small hole in case there was any water in the tube. I was hoping to buy a sled this year and that’s why I got the digger, but the sled doesn’t look like it’s happening, so I thought I might as well use it! I still have my otter tube also. Here is how I used to have it mounted. The Jiffy has since been replaced with a Solo

I really like Suffix Ice Magic in 3lb clear for crappies and gills. I have used it for a few years now and haven’t had any problems. On my deadstick rod for eyes, I will go to 6lb and then on my jigging rod I use 832 braid. I like the thin diameter and low stretch for my hook sets, plus I don’t worry about it rubbing on the ice if there are big runs. I don’t do a lot of fishing out side the house so I don’t worry about the line freezing up. For my laker rods I use clear Invisiline 100% Flurocarbon by Suffix also. I believe with the eyesight of trout, you need to go clear and the fluorocarbon is one tough line without much stretch for good hooksets.

Actually I was using a fat boy with 2-3 waxies on it! All but 2 crappies came on this.

Today I went and checked the ice before I headed out. I took the wheeler where I had wanted to go the past 2 days, but didn’t know if it was ok. The lake had totally changed. There was slush and standing water in spots around a crack I had seen before the snow. There were spots where you could see water coming up. What did I do? I went fishing anyway!

It was worth it though. As soon as I got set up the gills were biting. Nothing huge, but fun. There were a few small crappies mixed in. As it got closer to dark the crappies replaced the gills. I ended up keeping 5 for a meal and let everything else go. It was a lot of fun, with steady action most of the night. Now to thaw out my gear properly! lol

I went with the Digger auger carrier and have been impressed so far. You don’t need to take your gloves off to get it out of the holder. One simple latch and your off drillin’! They are on the Northern Bright Lights site, that’s where I got mine.

Nice job Fancaster! I plan on breaking out the Otter this weekend for the 1st run of the season! I hope I have as good of luck!

I have had the SM suit for the last 3 year’s and love it. It is plenty warm. Plus you can zip up a extra zipper to keep your neck area warm. I haven’t been cold wearing it yet. I usually just have a sweatshirt under the jacket. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a suit.

Thanks for the input!

I have used Blakemores Reel Magic in the past and it works good. Pretty easy to find too, most Wally Worlds carry it.

Great show as always! I need to get up there

I’m seeing this topic a bit late I know, but the only spoon I used last year was a 5/8oz Trout-n- Pout spoon in green glow. It caught everything from perch to nice eyes and yes even a pout or two.

What I was told is that the Snap Rap was designed more for open water casting. I believe the circle when used for ice fishing purposes, will be a tighter action than a jigging rap. I can’t wait to find them in stores so I can do some testing myself.

I bought a couple pair of Fish Gillz this spring and really like them. They are very comfy to wear plus they aren’t as spendy as some of the ones listed. I know they have a few to pick from. Just another option to consider.

Congrats Joel! Great Smallie BTW!

Another vote here for the Otter Box. They take the abuse and keep your rods protected. Nuff said! lol

Ice flies can be very fun and effective as others have stated. I first started tying them in hopes of sight fishing Loopers and Coho on Lake Superior, but use them for a number of different species. I think you will have fun with them!