One of the shows this year dedicated to ice fishing is coming from In-Fisherman. New shows are aired on Sundays, but through the week like this morning, you can see last week’s show. If you missed last Sunday’s episode, you can see it this morning on Fox Sports Detroit (FSD) @ 8:30.
Archive for the ‘Television Coverage’ Category
Television: In-Fisherman Ice Guide
Saturday, November 7th, 2009Cool Idea from In-Fisherman
Monday, October 26th, 2009While watching In-Fisherman’s Ice Guide on Sunday, there was a very handy tid-bit shared on how to increase your hooking percentage for walleye. It can also be applied to perch and crappie as well when fishing with spoons.
What they did was add a curly-Q type fast snap, that they termed as a fast attach snap. What this allowed them to do was take off the treble hook and slide the shank up through the minnow head, and then quickly attach the treble back to the lure.
The reasoning behind this is simple, but made a lot of sense. The predators are attracted by the flash of the spoon, but still go for the piece of meat dangling on the treble hook. They swipe at the bait, and in some instances simply take the meat and run off. By running the hook shank up through the minnow head, they have no choice but to take the hook as well.
This should increase your hook sets, and put a lot more fish on the ice. So simple, and yet this is the first time I have ever heard of it being done. I googled, and could not find these snaps. Looked at the In-Fisherman website…nadda.
Alternatives could be using a small duolock snap, which would be easy to put on your split ring that comes with your spoon. Perhaps a No-Knot Fast Snap, if you can get to slide through the split ring. Think I will try the duolock option for now, and see what happens this winter!
Bass Fishing on FLW Sunday’s
Saturday, October 24th, 2009Sunday @ 12:30 on VS. they will be airing the California tourney from Cal Delta. They grow them big out there in Ca.
FLW Walleye Tour on VS Today
Sunday, September 20th, 2009On the VS Channel this afternoon will be the tournament from Wisconsin’s Lake Winnebago. Its airs at 12:30 pm and will run for an hour. Get your fix now, because there will not be another walleye tourney until November 15th, which will be the tournament championship. Of which of course I will miss because it is the deer season opener for rifle season…ugh.
Seriously you should be able to pick up some tips for walleye fishing in an inland lake environment, even though it is a rather large lake. Will post a report after the show, unless I have left for some more perch fishing out on Erie. If thats the case, will tape it, and check it out when I get back.
FLW Walleye Tour on VS: August 13th and 16th
Wednesday, August 12th, 2009I knew there was finally going to be a walleye tourney on television this weekend, so I wanted to check to make sure I had my times right. Really glad I did, because either the first part or the first airing will be tomorrow night (Thursday, 8/13) at 4 pm on VS. For the Monroe Charter cable area, that should be channel 59. That will be the Mississippi event.
It will also be on again on Sunday (8/16) at 2 pm for an hour, again VS covers the events this year. If possible I will watch both days, and if there is anything new, will put up a review. Its a different type of event that what the Big Lakes throw at the anglers, so there should be some helpful hints about fishing rivers that can be adapted to fishing up in Detroit or down on the Maumee.
FLW’s Remaining TV schedule for 2009
Wednesday, July 8th, 2009Versus Country TV Schedule Walmart FLW Tour – Kentucky Lake Murray, Ky. 8/2/09 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. ET
Walmart FLW Walleye Tour – Mississippi River Red Wing, Minn. 8/9/09 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. ET
Walmart FLW Tour – Lake Champlain Plattsburgh, N.Y. 8/16/09 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. ET
Walmart BFL All-American – Mississippi River Davenport, Iowa 8/23/09 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. ET
Forrest Wood Cup – Three Rivers Pittsburgh, Pa. 8/30/09 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. ET
Walmart FLW Walleye Tour – Leech Lake Walker, Minn. 9/6/09 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. ET
Walmart FLW Series – Columbia River Umatilla, Ore. 9/13/09 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. ET
Walmart FLW Walleye Tour – Lake Winnebago Oshkosh, Wis. 9/20/09 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. ET
Walmart FLW Series – Lake Dardanelle Russellville, Ark. 9/27/09 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. ET
Walmart FLW Tour – Kentucky Lake Murray, Ky. 10/4/09 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. ET
Walmart FLW Series – Clarks Hill Lake Appling, Ga. 10/11/09 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. ET
National Guard FLW College Fishing Western Regional – Cal Delta Stockton, Calif. 10/18/09 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. ET
Walmart FLW Series – Cal Delta Bethel Island, Calif. 10/25/09 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. ET
Walmart FLW Tour – Lake Champlain Plattsburgh, N.Y. 11/1/09 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. ET
Forrest Wood Cup – Three Rivers Pittsburgh, Pa. 11/8/09 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. ET TBA TBA 11/15/09 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. ET
Walmart FLW Series – Clear Lake Kelseyville, Calif. 11/22/09 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. ET
Walmart FLW Walleye Tour Championship – Missouri River Bismarck, N.D. 11/29/09 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. ET
National Guard FLW College Fishing Central Regional – Kentucky Lake Murray, Ky. 12/6/09 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. ET
Stren Series Championship – Pickwick Lake Florence, Ala. 12/13/09 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. ET
National Guard FLW College Fishing Texas Regional – Red River Natchitoches, La. 12/20/09 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. ET
National Guard FLW College Fishing Southeast Regional – Lake Monroe Orlando, Fla. 12/27/09 12:30 p.
Review of Port Clinton FLW Tourney
Wednesday, May 27th, 2009I went through my notes, checked them twice and must say, not really crazy on how Versus films the action on the water. Really no big secrets revealed through the filming, and not much said that would help the everyday angler improve their skills. That said, there was a bunch of tackle spotted that could help you find the right equipment if you are equipping your boat for walleye.
First off, this was totally a trolling tourney for the anglers who made the top ten. Unlike Green Bay where some of the top anglers may do some jigging, these guys were running the big water with boards, linecounters and covering space. Its funny to hear people say Lake Erie is BIG water, but when you consider many of the tourneys take place on inland lakes, Erie is about as big as it gets.
Here are some quick hits, and other points of interest that were actually mentioned, or shown throughout the show that could help folks boat more walleye:
As mentioned already, this was a trolling tourney where inline boards and linecounter reels are important tools in catching walleye. Church and Off-Shore boards were predominately used by all the anglers. All the anglers were using Daiwa Sealine SG 27 LCA reels with one notable exception, the Berkley pro was using Ambassadeur LC reels which falls under the Pure Fishing umbrella. Did not see anyone using the Shimano Tekota reels, which actually surprised me a little bit.
This was an April tourney, and one of the hot spots was on the northwest and northeast corners of Kelley’s Island.
Some of the anglers were tipping their cranks with crawlers on the belly hooks.
Being early in the year, some of the guys firmly believe in running at least one bait high in the water column where some of the fish are feeding. At least one 7 lb fish was caught only five foot below the surface.
To help split the costs, many of the teams room up while on the road. When someone doesn’t make the cut, they help out the other anglers in anyway possible. It might being tying rigs or boat maintenance.
Lots of trolling rods being used, from Daiwa’s to Shimano Talora rods. I noticed that Ted Takasaki who finished second was running the same rods that I use, St. Croix Premier Glass trolling rods. These are medium strength with a moderate action, which I really like for running boards. Plenty of backbone with a soft tip.
Saw a lot of the boats using RAM rod holders.
If you were out early this spring at all, you already know how important it was to find some clean/clear water to fish in. Several mentioned this, with one angler saying it meant being able to see the prop on the main motor when it was in the down position.
There was a mix of baits being used, both minnow shaped cranks and crawler harnesses. The key for the cranks was to run them about 1.5 mph or less. A fast presentation just was not going to call in these fish on a regular basis. Guys who were running the meat rigs were going even slower.
I know it was early in the season, but I have yet to see any of the pro’s running spoons which seems to be a very productive bait down here on Erie.
And the last helpful hint, specially when the water is mirky or clouded. The person who is really in the fish calls out the amount of feet left on the linecounter reel so the netman is prepared to get the fish in the net at the right time. Leaves very little to chance that way.
Hope it helps, good luck using these tips the next time out.
FLW Walleye on VS today at 12:30pm
Sunday, May 24th, 2009If you want to get your FLW walleye fix, today is the time to do it. Locally Versus is aired on channel 59 on your Charter provider. It will be in August if you want to see another walleye tourney on TV, the 9th to be exact, so watch today for the Port Clinton tournament. I will be writing a review after looking for any tips that might have been spilled during the show.
FLW now on Versus
Friday, April 17th, 2009While checking out the standings after the first day in Port Clinton, I noticed that the FLW shows have switched from FOX to Versus (VS). Still on Sundays, but times very from Noon to 1pm.
The FLW Championship Review
Sunday, November 30th, 2008So, if you have been keeping up on all the walleye tours and circuits in the last 5 or 6 years, you will notice that Tommy Skarlis, the 2008 FLW Walleye Champion, had been fishing the now defunct PWT In-Fisherman tour. Look for more anglers from the former Minnesota based tour to come over to the FLW next year.
So what did everyone pick up from the show? Like most of these fishing events they are made for television, lots of good stuff usually is cut out for the sake of building suspense for the final weigh-in.
Most obvious was the Tip of the Day that discussed the proper method to net a fish. Not bad really because it taught folks not to panic while missing an eye on the first attempt. Don’t lunge at a fish that is just out of reach, patience is a virtues here. Get it on the second attempt. Come front in front and under the fish, by leading the fish with the rod over the net and scoop. In addition, they said play the fish to make it easier to net. The term “green” that was used refers to the amount of fight left in the walleye as it comes towards the boat.
Here is my “Did you notice” section of the review. No matter what the species or type of event being televised, there is something on screen that is not discussed during the show. So did you notice that in several of the boats during the final two days, there were coolers? If you noticed, you might have asked yourself why would a tournament pro with a 50 grand boat need a cooler with the aerator systems already onboard? The answer is ice, which serves three purposes for a tourney angler. As you catch fish during the day, the water in your livewell will start to warm up, regardless of the circulation of the pumps. Ice cools the water back down to the lake or river temps, thus not putting fish into shock. Live fish is a must at weigh-in. Ice also adds extra oxygen to the livewell as it melts, always a plus. When added at the appropriate times, ice also maintains the level of a fishes activity. A cold fish, even a coldwater species like walleyes, will reduce the stress level in colder temps.
Finally, what did you notice for types of baits being used during the show. Primarily I saw crankbaits and jig rigs. If you noticed the lengths of the rods being used, most were of the 7 and 1/2 or 8 foot medium light variety. On a soft bite like those witnessed, these softer actions are a key to fishing jigs. Jigs are often overlooked while fishing Erie, but they do have their time and place all season long on the big water.
Jigs can be drifted on the bottom, using the long line technique or trolled slowing with an electric trolling motor. A combination works well, using the wind with or without a drift sock, then heading back with the electric. I still like using short single hook harnesses for this method, but the jigs I use have a little extra flash available like Northland’s Thumper Jig, with its small blade flashing under the jig, and the Whistler Jig with the prop turning between the lead and the bait.
As always, I like using 3-way rigs with jigs for my weight, and a crawler harness dragging above that jig. Trolled or drifted under the right conditions, it can be a deadly combination of two effective baits out on Erie.
Ok, thats what I got out of the hour long program. Plus a little extra for Lake Erie applications. Hope it helps.