Tuned up custom rods and Thorne Bros are both great companies that put extraordinary work into their rods. I guess the only point I’d bring to this table is comparing rods between the two when it comes to just straight up walleye rods. TUCR has the precision and precision power rods that are classified as walleye and light pike rods. Just like the new kid on the block “13 fishing” I just think the rods action is a little light for an all around walleye stick. If you don’t have the opportunity to play with one, both models will work great, it just depends on how much give or how stiff you prefer your play in your rods.

*Dead stick! If you’ve never fished with a dead stick (float or sensitive tip rod) give it a try. Seems to do well for our group in the middle of the season. Welcome to Minnesota and good luck on your season!

Saw the same episode, and I love the one-two punch method of active jigging and smaller artificial lure (small jig, plain hook with sinker, etc) but using a full minnow. I purchased two sizes of those okuma reels for a dead stick and a iFish pro. Check on okuma’s website to get the right size though. The nice part about the reels is that it has a separate drag system on the bottom of the reel specifically for your bait when it’s switched on. Have a good season!

Also starting to get restless! As far as the annual trip goes, I agree with the others. Early ice red lake (with a little homework) is well worth the drive. LOW lodges are just an awesome experience on their own for vacation sakes.

As far as shelters: Thermal, thermal, thermal. Even some thermal is better than none. The suitcase freeze ups really can be a nightmare. The main thing to look at with sled-style shelters is weight, and height (did I mention thermal?) I love my nanook thermal. I typically hand tow out to a spot until I can use the truck to get out, and use the snowmobile for the in-between, so in any case, it’s a great shelter to even move around on your own.

I’m not a big guy by any means, and the nanook is fairly light in comparison to some other shelters, but it depends on you want to transport everything out, and the nanook has plenty of space but a relatively shallow sled. Another double-edged factor to it is the height. I’m 5’10, and can’t fully stand up in mine, but I prefer it for being in these NoDak winds so I don’t turn into a sail and have to have a foot race with my shelter.

Full thermal is something that is hard to go back from. Definitely worth the extra cost and warms up incredibly fast (really great for beginning ice anglers). Best of luck this season, and best of luck for the big trip!