Tournament News Powered By Lake Drive Marine
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By Louie Stout
Michigan outdoorsman Bill Ferris
If you want to bone up on your ice fishing skills, D&R Sports Center offers a solution.
After a break during the pandemic, the shop will resume its West Michigan Ice Show Dec. 3-4 at the Kalamazoo store. There is no charge for entry.
USA Ice Team member Chas ThompsonYou’ll get top-notch tips and advice from USA Ice Team members Chas Thompson and Steph Sissell. They will demonstrate the latest use of equipment and gadgets and share their methods and tricks for catching more fish. They will tie together science, creative techniques and a commonsense approach to fishing on hard water.
In addition Michigan outdoorsman Bill Ferris from Iona will share his insight on fishing Michigan waters. He has a passion for targeting bluegills, crappies, perch and walleye and will touch on the equipment he uses and the use of electronics.
USA Ice Team member Steph Sissell“We’ve asked these guys to address the needs for the beginner as well as the expert during their seminars,” said store owner Randy VanDam.
Furthermore, VanDam said there will be factory representatives from St. Croix, Rapala, Okuma, Northland Tackle, Vexilar, Humminbird, Shimano, 13 Fishing, Clam, Stopper Lures, Moonshine Lures and more.
Discounted prices on ice fishing gear and tackle will be offered during show hours, which are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10-3 Sunday.
For more information, visit www.dandrsports.com or call 269-372-2277
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By Louie Stout
Ice fishing fever has spread more than the Omicron Virus as more anglers continue to branch out on area lakes.
“A lot of people are getting out on a lot more different waters which tells me the ice has gotten better,” said Brian Hensley of Clear H2o Tackle in Edwardsburg, Mich. “I’m hearing of 6 inches or less, but that doesn’t mean you can walk just anywhere. You still have to be careful, especially in those areas where others haven’t ventured or lakes that got more snow.”
Snow hadn’t been a problem in lakes around Middlebury, Ind., said Mike Raber of the Tackle Shack.
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By Louie Stout
Ice Fishing in Michiana
Finally…ice.
Area tackle shops reported a lot of ice fishing activity the past day or so, and with more cold and less snow, action should pick up more in the coming days.
However, that doesn’t mean everything is safe. Several lakes still had open-water areas last weekend. Although they may appear froze over, not all sections are as safe as others.
“We’re hearing anywhere from unsafe to 4 to 5 inches of ice,” said Brian Hensley of Clear H2o Tackle in Edwardsburg.
Those opinions were echoed at the Tackle Box in North Webster and D&R Sports Center in Kalamazoo.
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Z-man Report
Jig and softbait for ice fishing
Ice fishing missions frequently greet you with soul-stirring sunrises and profoundly peaceful surroundings – and numb hands. Thankfully, the popularity of the wintery pursuit has bred excellent angling technology—things like valuable fish-finding sonar, plus outerwear and gloves that keep your extremities warm and dry.
But what happens when forced to remove your gloves to perform basic tasks such as constantly replacing baits? Tying knots and rigging baits become exponentially more difficult (and painful) when bare hands lay exposed to the elements. In short, cold hands impair fishing performance. And when you’re watching water freeze in your ice rod guides, “cold” takes on a whole new meaning.
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St. Croix Report
St. Croix’s hyper-performance Croix Custom Ice (CCI) Series
In northern climates, long rods and long casts will soon give way to hardened surfaces and vertical presentations with short sticks as impassioned anglers try to pull a host of fish species through holes in the ice. But simple sticks they’re not. Growing numbers of ice anglers expect to take full advantage of new materials, improved ergonomics, advanced construction methods, and ice-specific componentry to give them the upper hand in their personal hardwater pursuits. More than ever, fishing tools that deliver more success and more enjoyable on-ice experiences are in demand.
Technique-specific custom ice rods like St. Croix’s hyper-performance Croix Custom Ice (CCI) Series have increased the ice-IQ of anglers across the Ice Belt, offering presentation- and species-driven lengths, powers, and actions that simply make better tools for any given task. But even as high-tech options far surpassing the overly whippy, rug-beater ice rods of old abound, anglers demand some middle ground, too.
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MDNR Report
After ice and snow cover melt on Michigan lakes this early spring, it may be more likely for people to discover dead fish or other aquatic animals. While such sights can be startling, the Department of Natural Resources reminds everyone that it is normal, since winter conditions can cause fish and other creatures such as turtles, frogs, toads and crayfish to die.
"Winterkill is the most common type of fish kill," said Gary Whelan, DNR Fisheries Division research manager. "As the season changes, it can be particularly common in shallow lakes, ponds, streams and canals. These kills are localized and typically do not affect the overall health of the fish populations or fishing quality."