Tom. Thanks a bunch! I’ve learned more reading this in five minutes than ever before for early season crappies. I can’t wait to get the boat out and ready and get on the water!

I’m stuck in the metro and may just get my open water panfish gear out and fish from shore on open water on Tonka. Had to cancel a Mille Lacs trip last weekend! Was very frustrated.

Ray,

I have a 7 and haven’t specifically had that problem, but I also only use manual range modes. It’s a little slower but I feel if I have a manual or manual dynamic mode on the machine “locks in” quicker and more accurately. If I encountered a depth either real shallow so I’m not using much of the screen or too deep I can’t find bottom its a quick fix with a couple pushes of a button. I guess it’s not ideal, but my two cents. Good luck!

Very cool video! Thanks for sharing.

Did that muskie ever come back around for another look?

I think there is a Marine Dealer near the Casino that rents fish houses if I remember correctly. Sorry I can’t recall the name. They might be worth a shot, although could be hard so close to the festival. Otherwise some resorts like Horseshoe Bay have a hotel, but that is a little bit of a drive from the Festivities.

It is a fun time if you are just looking to party and people watch. Many interesting things! Be careful locking up all your stuff though. We had a propane tank stolen right off the front of our house a couple years ago with about -30 below wind chill. Luckily we had enough propane in the other tank to get through the night. Lack of respect + Booze is a bad combo.

Nice fish Matte! Those look extremely healthy and “full”. I have gotten lucky a couple times with fish in the shallows, but mostly end up with small northerns (which is ok with me).

You should be able to try a 3 amp fuse as well. I’m not a electricity expert, but I’d think that could help. Otherwise give them a call. Maybe there is a problem in the wiring harness causing a short?

I picked up a pair of Yaktrax chains a few weeks ago. I have been impressed with them. They don’t seem to have that “dig in” factor previous kinds I’ve used have had, but I have consistent grip and haven’t slipped yet on hard slick ice, slush, or watery ice like last weekend. And they were $25 bucks and I’m cheap. I’m happy with them so far.

I’ve had this happen to me as well last year, leaving on overnight with red light still on in the morning. In calling MarCum the person on the phone told me the light may not turn green if battery can’t hold a full charge. It was still charging but with volt meter my battery was only around 12.9 volts after about a day on charger. It still worked just didn’t last as long. I got a new battery this fall and the charger will turn green on that one. Long story short now I have a back up battery that just doesn’t last as long!

I may need to try a tender though. That’s a great idea.

Very interesting. Looks like a great hobby! Are you able to get the needed equipment at a fishing retailer like Cabela’s or do you order from a specialty store?

Very cool. Glad you’ve had success on the water too!

I’m 100% with everyone on the deadsticking plan. In my experience on LOW I have always seemed to catch more on the deadstick after marking fish with electronics while jigging.

Also I can only say good things about Zippel Bay Resort. My dad is older and has a bad back so we would typically rent a day house and use their ice roads. Staff was always great about checking in and giving tips of what they’ve been on. We’ve also switched houses mid-day if they weren’t biting a couple times of they had open ones.

Thanks for sharing! Awesome fish! Going to be hard to beat that fish add the first of a species!

I’m pretty sure the LX-6s has a smaller plastic shuttle that I think fits in a 5 gallon pail. Not 100% about the pail though.

I went with the 7 due to my worsening eyes. The extra screen size was worth it for me, but if moving a lot the 6 is likely more beneficial.

This looks like a very neat and useful app. I hope people are able to keep others up to date on the ice. Especially dangerously thin areas if they are found!

Great that it’s free as well. I’ve already passed the word to four friends that have downloaded it.

Are there any specific brands of snaps or swivels anyone likes above others? I sometimes struggle with my sausage fingers in tying or getting the snaps into the eye of a jig, especially when cold.

I prefer to tie directly to the lure, but I am with JoeMX1825 and am lazy as I like to switch things up quite often so I really like the snaps!!

Might be worth a shot to call them and see if they can send you one, or even order one right on the phone.

Other than that I’m with Aaron Drier’s idea. I’ve gotten away with self fixes on many charging chords before for computer, fishing electronics, phones, etc., and have gotten more use out of them. Good luck!

Being up in NW MN for the holiday I saw a few smaller lakes and ponds off of the highways that looked like they had skim ice, but it was real hit and miss.

I also saw an article in I believe the Brainerd paper with a picture of a guy in a house on local water around there! Please be safe out there everyone! A fish isn’t worth severe injury, hypothermia, or worse!!

Great info guys. The more I can gather on here saves me time of aimlessly walking around at Cabelas, Gander, etc!!When I wander I spend too much!