Ok, I’ve got to take a little break from all this open water talk and just touch on some of my favorite fishing. Bring on the ice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If you are thinking about trying it for the first time, or just getting that itch, start feeding that hunger. A lot of manufactures are begining to update their websites and will be introducing new product lines in the next month or so. The forums and discussion boards are in full swing. In the Fishing Minnesota forum, ice fisherman are already outnumbering those visiting the open water forum by over two to one. And its really no wonder, the folks up there have seen ice in their ponds already.
I just received a fax yesterday from my Northland Pro Staff rep, and they will be introducing two new lines of ice rod/combos. Each combo will come with a 15 pc fish kit. Rumors are that St. Croix will be introducing a sight rod for their ice rod lineup. Rick over at Little Atom, is going to be introducing a “Micro Nuggie” into his plastics line up at the end of October. When things get a little closer to the season there will be a review of most of the new items available to us iceheads.
In the meantime, if just one ice forum doesn’t quench the thirst, try some of these on for size. The Fishy Spot is the home of Team USA, yes Virginia, there were really is a national ice team. Most of the participants on the site also fish competively on the Trap Attack schedule. Ice Shanty seems to be made up of mostly New Englanders, and those Eastern types with a sprinkling of a lil’ Canadian flavor. They offer a different perspective, and have come up with some good ideas from reading on this site. Outdoors First, has its own ice fishing section, and it seems to be growing in its membership.
Some of these guys on here are like salesman, and you almost have to take everything with a grain of salt. If their website is sponored by particular products, don’t be shocked if they are mentioned an awful lot on the boards. Are they bad products, nope not at all, in fact some of them are the best on the market today. Just don’t get caught up in all the hype.