Most anglers and boaters are often bombarded with the latest and greatest in technology to improve the way we fish and target the species we fish for. This can be quite overwhelming and can often lead to confusion of what is best for the way we fish. Every type of fishing has its own specialized techniques, gear, and presentations that make it unique. These can be overwhelming to those that are just starting out and can often lead to the angler making snap decisions and purchases that they often regret. Over the years I have gone through fad after fad in the fishing world and have also utilized equipment from a large variety of suppliers. One thing that I have found is that many of these companies are producing equipment to catch the fisherman and not always to catch the fish. This ... [ Read More ]
New Stuff That Actually Works!
New Stuff That Actually Works! Each and every year, new products make the scene. It doesn't matter what the field, as the latest and supposedly greatest innovations continue to make their presence known, mostly through aggressive ad campaigns. Some of these products are here one day and gone the next, failing to impress the avid outdoor enthusiast. However, when it comes to the ice fishing industry, I usually have a front row seat and make my own evaluations. Here are a few from this year that made the grade. Northland Tackle "UV Buck-Shot Spoon"- It's the famed "Buck-Shot Rattle Spoon" with a little extra attractant and that's the highly visible, UV enhanced, optical-brightened finish that calls fish in from a wide radius. This might sound like a lot of ad hype, but when I witnessed it ... [ Read More ]
New DNR Plan Aims to Get Mille Lacs Lake “Back on Track”
National review of DNR management part of effort to boost walleye numbers in Mille Lacs Lake Unprecedented change is occurring at Mille Lacs Lake and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is taking unprecedented actions to address it. The MN DNR will convene a blue-ribbon panel of national fisheries experts to review past and current Mille Lacs management practices as part of a new effort to increase the legendary lake’s walleye population as quickly as possible with minimal impact to the local community. “We will have nationally recognized fisheries experts review our work and offer recommendations,” said Don Pereira, DNR fisheries chief. “We want Mille Lacs lake back on track. This is one strategy to do that.” Panel members are: Drs. Jim Bence and Travis Brenden, ... [ Read More ]