ice fishing society.

Icing Early Eyes
Ron Anlauf

It's Coming Soon
by Jeff Beckwith

Even though summer is still upon us, now might be the time to think about our ice fishing gear. Soon autumn will be in the air and for some hunting season will be upon us.

The days will become shorter and the nights will become cooler. Then before we know it a thin layer of ice will soon begin to form on the smaller ponds. Then first ice will form on lakes.

This is always an exciting time for us, the ice fishing people.

I just set up my portable houses today to be sure there are no holes in them and fix any damage that was not repaired before being put away at the end of the season.

I also just went through my ice fishing tackle boxes to make sure they're ready for the new season. Upon doing inventory I noticed several items that needed to be replaced or replenished.

For those of us that use locators with gel pack batteries, mid-summer is a good time to ad a charge to the trusty battery and put additional life to your system.

Each summer about this time I also take in my power ice auger to be tuned up. The repair shop laughs and says I am a little ahead of season but when the time comes to use it I am not the one waiting in line to get you auger fixed. I am the one out there using mine.

Even though solid ice is still a ways away yet we must not forget our important tools.

What is going to be new this year for ice fishing? One item for sure is the extended line of "Angel Eye" spoons. These spoons work extremely well when tipped with the head of a minnow or several wax worms.

This item was introduced last year and after observing them with an underwater camera we found that, at times, the fish just could not resist them.

To use it, begin by letting the Angel Eye Spoon free fall to the bottom paying close attention to the line as it drops to be sure that it is going down and no fish has grabbed it on the way down.

Once it hits the bottom slowly lift the bait. Be sure to feel for any unusual weight. Often we observe that the fish will nose down and with tail up to grab this lure off the bottom.

If no fish has grabbed it off the bottom, slowly lift it up about 6" off and pause for a couple seconds. Then slowly lift it again, pause, then quiver the rod tip a few times, pause, then snap it up about 18" - 24" and then let it free fall back to bottom to start this ritual over again.

We fished these spoons often along side a hole with a bobber rig set up. I prefer the "Ice Buster Bobber". They can be cut to give your bobber perfect balance with your lure/baits and they do not freeze up as most slip style bobber rigs.

On days that the fish were not in an aggressive feeding mood the "Angel Eye Spoon" was enough to bring them in and they would bite on the subtle bobber rig offering.

This year they will be offered individually or in 12 piece spoon kits. Watch for the new Perch and Shiner colored Angel Eye Spoons....HOT!!!! HOT!!! HOT!!!

Also new for this year, I will be using the "WristSaver" ice fishing rods. Because of the comfortable ergonomically designed handles you will find less fatigue in your wrist when jigging for several hours. I find these rods to be light weight with quality IM6 graphite blanks for added sensitivity and comfort. For anyone who may suffer any type of wrist problems or just for a more comfortable day of fishing, this is an excellent innovation for the ice fishing person in your household.

Check out your equipment so that you are ready before the season gets here. This will lead to more time fishing in the end!

Good Fishing!!
Jeff Beckwith
Scenic Tackle and Guide Service.
Winnibigoshish Perch &
Upper Red Lake Crappie
Ice Fishing Adventures

[Editors note] Stay ahead of the pack, use leading edge gear. Click here to see it.