I pmd you Tom.

Nice Fish!! Congrats!

Everyone always asks how the fishing has been every time you see them. (I too get this all the time even though I’m in college and I only fish the home area during the weekends and college area lakes during week)

I was a firm believer in fire line years ago. But when I made a switch to 832 2 years ago, I won’t change to anything else now. It has a much smoother feel and makes tying a breeze for me now compared to the fire line.

I also haven’t had any troubles at all. I run 8lb test with the REC guides.

Nice report! Must’ve been a good time. Never have fished up on LOTW during hard water season. Have in summer but not winter. Something I will have to take the time to do when I get the opportunity to do it.

I would go with a 32″ power noodle. As far as the length, it depends on whether you are fishing all the time inside a portable or not. 32 is probably your best option to go with. I have fished with the 32″ in an Otter Lodge and like it very well.

Typically feed it more line and wait for the bobber to take under the ice and then feel for it. When you feel it set the hook, not too hard though as it sometimes is easy to rip it out of the mouth. I also agree with Vickie that you have to act as a drag when it is a bigger fish.

If I were you I would give one of the TUCR guys a call if you are looking into one of those. They will definitely hook you up with a rod that best suits the conditions you are going to be in. By this I mean they will find you the rod that suits the fish you are targeting and also the types of spoons/jigs used. You won’t be disappointed!

Our (west central MN) we got patches with water on the ice. Just grabbed permanent off lake tonight and found a small 2 inch in diameter hole in the ice right next to the house with no end to it. Good thing we went to check. Good luck up there!

If you caught one on a rattle, I would try some more options that make noise. Maybe try going into it and present it a little differently, i.e. maybe not raise it up and make them chase it but rather leave it at one level when they are approaching. And possibly take the bait and let it fall into the bottom to stir it up in order to draw them in for a closer look. Lastly red spikes may also work well if you haven’t tried them. Different presentations may be the key.

Perfect day to get out. But biting slowed down and need it to get colder to get the slush and water to freeze over. Looking like it may get slightly cooler this next week. No dramatic changes though.

Setting it up right in the living room!! Nice!

Nice job fellas!! Looks like an awesome idea so that you don’t have to bring a grill with to take up more room.

For sure Otter Box is a worthy investment. With durability and space, you can’t go wrong.

Personally I use the TUCR rods with them guides and will say they are nice in the way that if you get some ice on the guides you can just bend it and it will remove the majority if not all the build up. But with that said I’ve only had ice build up maybe once or twice on those guides in really frigid temps.

Very nice!! Always a good time to get into them when they are the size of a plate or larger.

Nice job on keeping it steady considering the conditions you were put up against. Must have been tough!