Just got back from there. First day bright pink spoon worked well but got nothing but sauger. Switched to a Northland Glo Shot spoon in gold and caught some nice walleye.
One of the best days of walleye fishing I’ve had came with a gold glow shot with red glow sticks.
And yet guys swear to god that they catch just as many fish with the generator running as they do without. You will never be able to convince me of that.
A guy I’ve fished with for years swears by running his gas auger when fishing gets slow.
Whether it was a coincidence, or what have you, I’ve seen it appear to work. It’s also just running for a short period time then turned off. Not a constant hum like a generator.
I think it’s fair to theorize that the vibrations actually draw fish into the area to investigate. Especially in a big basin lake (which I typically fish) where you’re just intercepting roaming schools.
Who knows, just don’t think it can be written off as bad in every situation.
The part of the minnow you’re using makes no difference to the fish. I do use tails occasionally, and haven’t really noticed a difference in getting bit. For example, if my Engel is on the other side of the shack and I have a pile of tails laying by my whole, or there’s a school below me and I want to get down ASAP, I’ll just grab a tail. I don’t toss them down the hole.
Heads stay on the hook better/longer, there’s more bone and hard stuff for the hook to grab and they don’t disintegrate as fast.
The eye ball is also something fish may notice more than you think. You see bait companies using that image in baits now (I believe I just saw a Northland spoon with an image of like 8 eye balls on it – there’s a jig shaped like one big eye ball as well).
I’m not a fan of a whole minnow unless it’s a dead stick or tip up, hooked through the vent or dorsal. The action of the spoon is more important than the meat that’s underneath it. I’m often using smaller presentations (1/8 oz type spoons and UL rippin raps for walleyes). A while minor is just too big to get the right action in those lures. Also, when you’re getting a reactionary bite, I want that hook in their mouth immediately. Obviously, you don’t let them run with a jigging lure to make sure they get hooked up. I don’t want to run into fish coming away with nothing but a whole minnow and no hook.
At the end of the day, I’m sure it matters very little. Those are just my preferences.
<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>James Holst wrote:</div>
Shipping on a container went from China went from under $10,000 to $35k+.His hope is that if shipping costs ever go back down he’ll be able to lower his prices back to where they were.
This sucks. Sounds like we can expect everything from China to be jumping up and I have been seeing it. Munchy, it would make more sense to start making them here if we could get people here to work.
Companies didn’t outsource to China because of a labor shortage. I saw middle America gutted and left for dead for a slightly higher profit margin long before the “labor shortage” that popped up a year ago because of awful socialist programs.
Don’t turn this into an argument against the people of America. Like it’s somehow our fault. This most certainly ain’t that. At least, not where I’m from (maybe in your big city). Throw a dart and hit any town in rural Minnesota and you’ll have a line out the door applying for a job at the iFish Pro factory. Small town Minnesota is starved for good factory work.
It would’ve made sense if they didn’t allow short-term greed to cloud their judgement on the long-term viability of having means of production on the opposite side of the globe. You’ve got to be an idiot to think that’s sustainable (especially with leftists doing everything in their power to choke out fossil fuels for the last 20+ years – not arguing whether right or wrong).
Then there’s ethics. If the product is viable at a cost that can only be accomplished with slave labor at a Uyghur concentration camp – The product sucks. If you still choose to make your living that way – you’re evil (not you, specifically, the corporation). You’re effectively taking a job and sending it overseas, taking American dollars and sending them overseas, then giving people a shitty product, made God-knows how from God-knows what. They’re Scrooge on steroid, but all year long.
Let these companies go under. Don’t care whether they mean well and they’re good people when they’re not exploiting slave labor. They sold out their country and their soul. Screw em.
Sure stinks that shipping right now is such a mangled mess
Let’s Go Brandon!
I saw Otter is having a shipping issue resulting in limited production.
I’m not shedding a tear for these outsourcing sell-out companies. Boycott and go buy American made.
70 bucks for a glorified rod holder because their arrangement with a communist sweat shop went sideways? Good luck with that.
My go to jigging lures, if I had to pick 2: any version of the PK spoon (PK spoon/PK rattle spoon/PK predator spoon) and UL Rippin rap.
My go to deadstick if I had to pick 2 Pink Gamagatsu Octopus hook or VMC waxy jig under a venom float set as close to neutral buoyancy as possible. I use this 99 out of 100 times.
Color depends on the lake. If I had to pick 2, I’d go with some sort of UV/glow pink or gold. One of those two will work anywhere.
I use other things occasionally (rattlin flyer, buckshot, tumbler/tingler glow shot), but I could fish walleyes anywhere, every day with one box of those 4 things and feel great about it.
The most underrated, underused walleye lure out there is the sebile vibrato. I’ve seen some people use it, but not many, and I’ve seen it absolutely slay on LOW.
I like the 24v so far.
Dragging 4-5 pounds around isn’t a big deal. Neither is carrying an extra battery. I’d rather carry the extra battery as a backup. If you carry a backup for everything else, why wouldn’t you for the most important piece of equipment you have (good luck ice fishing with no hole). That makes no sense. People carry extra rods, reels, flasher batteries, propane tanks, etc. Whether you have the 24v or the 40v, get a spare battery and bring it. The 24v batteries are smaller, I hardly notice it on the inside pocket of my Striker jacket.
In terms of power, I haven’t run into ice I couldn’t get through. The auger isn’t designed to go hole hopping on 36” of ice on Winnipeg in February. The 40v isn’t either. The chances of running into something in between, where the 24v can’t get it done, but the 40v can, are extremely slim.
The chances of running into battery capacity being an issue are slim. How many people are actually out drilling more than 70 holes (that’s the absolute minimum you’ll get a 24v on 18-20”)?
We’re talking $250 difference between the 24v and 40v with lite flite. That’s pretty significant.
It comes down to personal presence and fishing style. But, I can assure you after using the 24v pretty extensively, StrikeMaster isn’t putting out an auger that doesn’t drill holes.
The most excited I’ve ever been fishing didn’t involve a fish.
I was probably around 5 and my dad always brought me along. On this occasion, I dropped a GI Joe down the hole and was devastated. Instead of diligently fishing like usual, he spent what seemed like hours trying to fish that toy off the bottom. This was back in the old school. No sonar unit, no camera, dark water with no visibility. He eventually got it and we celebrated like he just caught a trophy.
Another great one just happened this year. Watched my brother catch a 32.5” walleye. Couldn’t happen to a better guy.
I run a Helix, and I like the 2D sonar display better than the circle graph. I like being able to see the feedback over a period of time (depending on the speed you’re set at) vs only real time.
Instead of cutting limits and seasons, how about increase stocking? Every lake in the state could be another Red in short order.
-J.
Well, the DNR accepts donations. Feel free to take care of funding that for everyone. I’d rather take home a couple less fish than pay an astronomical dollar amount for a license, or some other fee/tax.
I don’t think it’s about fear as you say. I agree with the argument that advanced electronics are taking some of the sport out of it. The primary historical challenge with fishing is getting yourself where the fish are. That is what separates great fisherman from your average joe.
Maybe I’m a purist to a detriment. But, if we’re using military aircraft caliber imaging systems to hammer endless 14” lab hatched walleyes every time out, what the heck are we even doing anymore? It’s just a slightly more advanced version of the kids trout pond at the Cabelas store.
People cheat those in-person tournaments like crazy.
This year will probably the most straight-up the Extravaganza has ever been.
I’m sure it would work. There are aggressive bites where nearly anything will work.
There are also times where you need a specific size, color, etc to trigger a bite.
I always want the diversity of offering, including live bait. I still fish rippin raps all the time without any meat. But, if I run into a really tough bite, I want some live bait.
I guess I don’t find a scoop of minnows to be that much of a hinderance. The benefits outweigh the $3 and carrying the Engel.
Also, I can keep minnows alive for quite a long time in my cooler with aerator. There are many tricks. I’ve fished multiple days on a scoop of fatheads.
I also cut heads off of dead ones and throw them in a bait puck of the freezer in my garage beer fridge, as mentioned above. Don’t always need a live minnow, but you’ll catch more fish if you have a second dead stick with some live meat on it (I have in my experience, anyway).
To each their own, but if you’re going through the trouble of everything else why wouldn’t you want to maximize your odds?
Yep, as mentioned they’re always a little generous with the number of people they say can fit.
I have the Otter Cabin hub. It says 2-3 people. 2 is very tight, especially if you’re fishing 2 holes each. Works pretty well for me and my 5 year old. It’s perfect for one guy though.
Go bigger. Can never have too much space. Really sucks when you don’t have enough.
I’d go with the spin cast as mentioned with acheap ice buster slip bobber. You can get set up for under $15 bucks per kid.
You will inevitably see tangles a spinning reel, and hand lining is tough for young kids to get right. Slip bobbers are the best for young kids to actually get hooked up.
The idea mentioned above (walking to you) is a very good idea and effective, but I’ve found getting to fight with a rod really gets kids excited.
Just my experience with my now 5 year old. Not sure what age range you’re looking at.
Kids love tip ups as well if they’re old enough to get them hang of hand-lining. They can mess around a little and don’t have to stare down the hole and get bored.
Southwest Minnesota State University typically hold a tournament on Lake Sarah. It sounds like they’re doing a similar structure as jaycees this year for any that are interested (hasn’t been announced yet, but that’s what I’ve heard).
I’m going to do both. I may actually have a shot at a prize. I’ve never caught a prize winning fish in all the years of fishing the Extravaganza, the SMSU, Ice Castle Classic, and numerous others.
I’m due.
I’ll never fish walleyes without some meat. Always have a minnow head on a spoon and a dead stick with a live minnow. I probably catch just as many, if not more walleyes on the dead stick/venom bobber. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had my day saved on tough bites when they won’t hit anything I’m jigging and they pull a venom on neutral buoyancy down just a couple of inches before spitting it.
I also frequent a lake with large aggressive crappies, and I’ll use spoons with minnow heads there as well.
I do use Rippin Raps frequently, but I still always have my Engel with minnows in it.
Rattle baits are my go-to in similar situations (not the same bodies of water you’re talking about). Rippin raps, buckshot spoons, rattlin flyers are a few of my favorites. Preferably something I can charge with a UV light.
My all-time favorite for walleye on the reservoir I fish is the PK predator. It’s a PK spoon with a blade on it that provides some flash and noise. I have that on with a minnow head at some point almost every time. PK spoons are walleye slayers and very underrated.
<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>SW Eyes wrote:</div>
I’ve heard rumors of guys fishing on a couple lakes in southwestern Minnesota. Haven’t seen it myself and haven’t been out.Praying it’s true…I’m getting the itch bad.
I would head north. Its gonna be almost 60 degrees there this week. Get your golf clubs back out.
The reported highs im seeing are 52 to 53 tomorrow/Wednesday – but Wednesday’s low is in the 20s. It’s been getting cold at night – high in mid-low 40s today low in the 20s tonight. Highs in the 30s, lows in the teens later this week. It’s going to be below freezing for a good 13-14 hours per day at worst. It’ll be 32 shorty after 7 pm tonight and won’t be back above to 9 am tomorrow. Half of the sunlight hours will hover in the high 30 range, which isn’t going to shed anything. We’re making ice. Slowly, but it’s coming.
As long as it keeps getting down below freezing at night and we already have at least 2-3 inches (unconfirmed), we’ll be fine. The lake I frequent is typically iced early.
I’m not planning on testing it before the end of the week, but we’ll be good to go in short order.
I’d rather eat a fluorescent bulb than play golf. Thankfully I have a second deer tag to keep me busy.
I’ve heard rumors of guys fishing on a couple lakes in southwestern Minnesota. Haven’t seen it myself and haven’t been out.
Praying it’s true…I’m getting the itch bad.
I tried out the Vexilar cam a few times last year and really liked it. I believe it’s cheaper as well. Haven’t heard many others that have used it, so can’t vouch too much, just a heads up that’s it’s out there.
Mentioned above, I have the Predator and love it, but no experience with any other suits.
Personal preference thing. Probably best to get into a store and try them on.
Honestly, I don’t wear the jacket much. It’s got to be pretty darn cold and windy.
I almost always use snaps.
As mentioned, you get better action. Some spoon/lure makers recommend them, or even include them in the package.
I can see the merits of no snap when using small finesse panfish jigs. But, in a scenario when you have 1-2 larger trebles hanging off the bait, I’m not sure why you’d be concerned about the fish noticing the snap.
I don’t carry enough spare rods with me to cover numerous variations in baits, size, color, etc. If I’m marking fish and they’re not biting, I’m constantly switching.
Runnings is way better than Fleet Farm in my opinion. Not even close.
Can’t speak for every Runnings store, but there’s a few that I frequent that are phenomenal. Whether it’s open water fishing, ice fishing, hunting, firearms, I always give them my business first. You can find awesome deals there if you go at the right time that you’ll never get at a Fleet Farm, Cabelas, etc (go to one of those small town stores right after ice season is over).
I can go to my local runnings and get anything from local caught bait, to any kind of auger/electronics/portable shack, etc. There isn’t a brand a lure/spoon that I can’t find there.
Based out in rural Minnesota (Marshall). The people who run it out of the corporate office are great people. They employ a ton of people in smaller towns that are otherwise dying off in terms of businesses. There’s really nothing not to like.
I haven’t paid any attention to price differences vs. a fleet farm, but I’d gladly pay the 1-2% more if that’s the case.
It’s the real man mall.
I agree with poutguy. Dollars to donuts you blindfold anyone and they couldn’t tell the difference. Most guys probably even a $30-40 rod off the shelf at fleet farm.
You’re fishing with a tiny rod. The big thing is the reel/drag if you really want to land more fish, IMO.
I gotta say though, Thorne needs to work on their branding. Walleye/Perch Sweetheart vs. Bullwhip, Precision, Commander, etc….that’s the biggest difference.
Can’t speak to Garmin, but I love the Humminbird.
I gotta say, it would be nice having the preloaded maps (if they are any good).
The awesome thing about the Hummingbird for me is the autochart feature. I’ve never bought a Lakemaster because I’ve mapped all the lakes/spots I fish myself, probably to better accuracy. That along with side imaging in the summer have helped really narrow in on “the spot on the spot.”
I also love being able to split screen a flasher/sonar with the GPS mounted on the wheeler or walking with the auger when searching for fish. Not having to flip back and forth between screens, gloves on and off, etc.
Not sure how often I’d use a touch screen ice fishing.
I have no doubt they’re all great units. Those are just some things I like about the bird. Garmin may have the same functions. When it comes to the flasher/sonar function when you’re just planted with a transducer down the hole, the brand doesn’t matter at all anymore in my opinion. Everything from bird, Marcum, Vex, Garmin are all good these days.
I run the regular portable buddy with one heating element in my otter and it keeps it toasty no matter the conditions outside.
I would think the little buddy would be insufficient for extremely cold days, but it would probably work fine most of the time.
Not sure if you already have one, but the regular portable buddy is only $20-30 bucks more than the little buddy. It’s probably worth the extra cash.
It’s hit and miss, but I’ve done well in recent years finding a good sharp inside turn away from the other folks. I often do better in the evening/over night, and head to lakes like Pickerel, Enemy Swim, or some mentioned above during the day for panfish/perch.
Getting right on the right piece of structure on that lake is key. Me and a friend hammered fish, and a couple big ones on a spot like that. Some other guys we knew were 50 yards away on a rock pile and caught next to nothing.
My amateur observations.
Just don’t forget to throw in your planer boards and spinner rigs.
The only trick is getting that ice sheet to maintain a good steady trolling speed.
As far as the bathroom goes, you just have to be quick. Get in and out and crack the window. As mentioned, tie up the bag and get it outside.
I’ve seen worse then the specific ice castle design I think you’re mentioning. But, you can stink up the whole house a little.
Some of the homemade outfitter houses I’ve been in on LOW have nothing more than a curtain dividing the bathroom, and it’s in the back of the house where there is no ventilation. In those situations, everyone would go stand outside and drink a beer while the other took care of business and thoroughly ventilated the house and sprayed some air purifier (add that to your list – ozium is you can find it, is the best).
I was on LOTW last year the 13th-14th and we were on 11-12″ of ice. Resorts were running guys to day shacks in stripped down trackers. Those not through the resorts were running out with wheelers. There was no full size vehicle traffic whatsoever.
This year we are shooting for Red around the same timeframe. The choice this time was solely to try something different. Last year we iced ~25 fish a day per person on LOTW with 90% of them being 12-15″. Out of close to 200 fish in 2 days our big fish was 17″. I highly doubt we will have 100 fish days between 3-4 guys on Red, but we’re hoping to catch a few more quality fish and enjoy the rattle wheel bite at night.
Yep, my trips to LOW were similar during late ice last year. Constant fish all day, but all dinks. It also sounded like we were some of the few people on fish, some guys we ran into weren’t catching anything.
The nice thing about LOW is the bonus whitefish for the smoker, the occasional nice pike in the spring, the pout at night.
It’s fun, especially if you’re bringing kids. But, a guy can only catch so many 13” Sauger before it gets boring.
If you have the wherewithal and knowledge to run around on a snowmobile and hunt down some big fish, that would be the way to go.
