Called Chuck for some bait today and we got into a lengthy conversation on ice fishing techniques and Berlin Lake.  Chuck is a great guy who will take the time to answer your questions and fill your ice fishing needs.  Support your local bait shops for the information they provide is worth its weight in gold!!!  He will have red and green maggots when the ice has formed for a different presentation.  Thank you Chuck for your time today!!!!

 

Great Question after all these years I said why are you hauling a 90 lb. shanty when you hardly fish in it.  I decided this year to get a lightweight hub popup and most of the time that will only be used on Erie if that ever sets up.  Otherswise inland lakes with back to the wind with the Focus 5 propane heater cooking and good layered clothes.  Made a big change but I think I made the right choice.

My kids are old enough now so we wait and go to the local lakes every week and analize the situation.  Its fun and if we never get ice so be it then we wait until next year but don't fret it will come!!!

I have a strikemaster 10 1/4".  Bought it off craigslist for $100 bucks and got the blades replaced and it runs perfect.

Bringing my two boys to see Jeff's seminar and will not arm them with tomatoes.  See you there!!!!

Buy a Frabill sit-and-fish five gallon bucket and cut about 4 holes in the top of the lid that are about 2 inches in diameter.  You can then load your rods and gear in there without the rods getting all tangled up while hauling out or back on the ice.  When you hit the honey hole snap off the lid take the rods out and snap the lid back on and you have your seat.  Then you can drill holes in the side of the bucket and attach more gear with zip ties to keep everything together in one single spot.  Smaller and lighter is better when hauling gear therefore kids 4 inch scissors work just as well as 8 inch ones.  Finally buy small lure boxes that you can fit in your pockets and line the bottom with foam, hook in your favorite lures so you can see them when you need to adjust the size or weight.  Start with small lures and then work to bigger ones if they are hitting hard.  A dead jigging lure or small action works well on panfish but they will not hit a spinning around lure so make sure your line is straight with little memory.  The new tungsten jigs hold more weight over lead and get down there in a hurry and have better results.  They run about $2-$3 each and are not cheap but the results are great.  If you can only pick one lure go with an ice ant for those are solid producers on panfish. 

I professionally invest money for individuals in IRA retirement accounts and do agricultural management for farms, feedlots, and grain elevators.

Looking for a two man ice shanty for this winter.  Sold my 4 man shanty and looking to downsize.  If you know of anyone looking to move one let me know.
Thanks in advance!
Jim