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I am ready for icefishing too, but I agree with Joel about fall fishing. That is one big perch in your avatar, is that common in your Alberta area?

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We get bigger ones, but we do have to do some searching. Each year it gets a bit tougher to fish away from the crowds for big perch, but my buddies and I usually get into some real quality fish. We put in a ton of work to find them too!

I didn’t order these, I am with Northland as a pro staffer and asked about Tungsten Jigs, so they sent me a few samples to take a peek at. I figured you guys would be just as excited to see them as I was as Tungsten is getting more and more popular.

Chris K

I have a Portable Buddy, and I am going to get a larger Big Buddy. I also have a sunflower style, and I love it for really cold days, but you have to be extremely careful with them. The small tanks are a pain in the rear as they depleat so fast (as fast as three hours on really cold days), so I got the hose attachment for my Portable Buddy to go to the propane tank outside. I find on the really cold days, 9000 BTU just is not enough, and would like the 18000 of the Big Buddy, and the fan that it has.

Chris K

I can’t wait for first ice. I hope to make it to Minnesota for my first time in the winter for some crappies and bluegills this year.

Chris K

I purchased a Strikemaster Solo, and I love the power and performance of this auger. It purrs like a cat, and cuts like a hot knife through butter. One essential thing that I think everyone should have as an auger case. I purchased a thick nylon fabric/plastic lined Strikemaster case when I got my auger and it protects it in the back of the truck, in the tent or sled while snowmobiling across a lake or in the bush getting there.

I am almost going on a year of use and countless holes, and when I buy something it gets used hard. This auger has been flawless so far.

Chris K

Thanks for all the positive comments! I really appreciate it!

This was my first year going for lakers, and it’s not a tough job to do battle with these fish if you are prepared. Where I live it is barbless as well for them, so you have to make sure there is always good pressure on the rod, and stinger hooks are a must for extra gripping power. Having a good quality flasher is essential because these fish and baitfish can show up anywhere in the bottom two thirds of the water column. When fish make an appearance, reeling up to them and showing them your bait usually results in strikes. I use braided line with a mono leader and that makes a big difference in durability and ability for fighting big fish under the ice. Longer rods with a good butt section and a softer tip for feel and good action when jigging make a huge difference over shorter rods. With the braid especially, you need the rod to absorb the shock of big long runs and quick powerful surges. The toughest part by far is when they are just under the ice, and their heads won’t come up the hole. That is where most fish will have a chance to get unbuckled.

Keep organized, have everything you need in your pockets so nothing is in the way, and enjoy the fight!

Chris K