If you've been waiting impatiently for frozen lakes and tight lines, don't worry. It won't be long now. The ice-fishing season is almost upon us - and, with it, our annual extensive listing of hut operators.... more »
Ice fishing has come a long way, with anglers becoming more adept at using electronics, finesse baits, and species-specific presentations. Another advancement is a fundamental change in the way anglers hold their ice-fishing spinning rods. Called the underhand hold, this technique provides... more »
A good friend once told me that even if it was legal to fish 10 lines on the ice, he wouldn't sacrifice even one tip-up for a jigging rod for targeting big pike. That's quite a comment from the best pike angler I know. Tip-ups, heavy line, quick-strike rigs, and dead bait are... more »
Much like every other aspect of the fishing industry, ice-fishing rods continue to evolve and improve to help anglers catch more fish. Today, you can find ice rods ranging in size from 16 inches all the way up to 42 inches, to match all species of fish and the techniques used to catch them.... more »
For mid-February in northern Ontario, it was a nice day. The sun was shining, the sky blue, and the wind calm. Conditions were prime for good lake trout fishing. So, a buddy and I unloaded my snow machine from the truck, hooked on a sleigh full of gear, and headed out.... more »
When rigging a tube jig for winter lake trout, consider that it will be fished vertically. Pushing the jig head all the way into the end of the tube during the open-water season is standard, but in winter, insert the jig head only as far into the body as will achieve a horizontal balance in... more »
Most ice anglers have a bittersweet relationship with crappie. When you find an active school, the fishing is outstanding. On other days, locating them can seem impossible. Try these tricks the next time you feel you're being tested by these picky panfish.... more »
"Islay's got a fish," says my 4-year-old daughter Lillian. Islay, two years her senior, is furiously reeling a small jigging outfit. A tiny perch rockets out of the hole, stubbornly gripping the worm in its teeth. On seeing its peril, the wise little fish releases its hold and arcs into a... more »
Over the years, I've learned a lot form my ice-angling companions. These tips are from guys that spend a lot of time on the ice, and sharing their insights has made me a better angler, and hopefully you.... more »
