March Madness

The weather this week couldn't be any more different from a year ago.  Last march break we were in T-shirts on the ice while this year it's been 20 below.  As I type this the snow continues to fall outside, adding to the foot we've already got in the last 24-hours.  

It sure doesn't seem like spring is just around the corner.  If it wasn't for the longer days, the fish would think it's still mid-winter.

Big fish continue to find their way onto the ice.  With dedication, patience and effort come rewards. 

My wife Kelly joined me recently, and of course she caught the big one.  Kelly can jig walleye with the best of them, whether it's through the ice or in the boat.  Check out this big, beautiful, dark walleye.    

Another one that couldn't resist the Lindy Rattlin' Flyer Spoon

My pursuit of big winter lake trout continues.  For me, these fish are the best substitute for muskie fishing.  The drag peeling, rod bending runs of a wintertime laker fill the adrenaline void created by the closed muskie season.  In other words, they're the biggest bang for your buck on the ice.  

I've been fortunate to catch some really nice lakers lately.   

I also wanted to share a product that has made a huge improvement to my ice fishing program.  

The Digger Auger Carrier by Digger Anchor makes carrying your auger so easy and convenient.  It makes me so much more portable and efficient on the ice now that I don't have to load and unload my auger from the sleigh every time I move.  

Even though we've still got a few weeks of ice fishing left here in Northwestern Ontario, spring really is just around the corner.  Check out the current issue (April 2013) of Ontario OUT OF DOORS for an article I wrote about using strutter decoys as a part of your spring turkey hunting strategy.  

Also, click HERE for an on-line article I did for Ontario OUT OF DOORS called 'The ABC's of Backtrolling'.  

Before open water and turkey hunting, however, the year's best ice fishing is still to come.  Stay tuned for one more ice report.