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 Welcome to the
2022 FARGO ICE FISHING
& WINTER SPORTS SHOW
We are thrilled to bring you North Dakota’s Largest Ice Fishing Show! The goal of this show is to
bring the best in ice fishing to North Dakota and the Red River Valley.

We are very excited to present this year’s lineup of retailers, vendors, manufacturers, seminar
speakers and events. With 90+ vendors, over 20 resorts and guides, custom painters, custom rod
builders, wheelhouses and more, you will find this to be our most exciting show yet!

We believe North Dakota and northern Minnesota boast some of the most passionate ice anglers in
the entire world, and we are honored to have you at our show.

Here are some new and fun things you should be sure to check out while at the 2022 show:

» New Products
2022 has been an exciting year for many of the manufacturers at the show. New augers,
shelters, electronics, suits, rods, reels and tackle. This is sure to be an exciting year for
new products!

» Lake of the Woods Brewing Company Beer & Spirits Tasting Room
Make sure you stop by the tasting area to sample the wide array of offerings from Lake of
the Woods Brewery. Samplings will be going on throughout the weekend and will also be
available for sale throughout the arena.

» Custom Rod Builders

We have 9 custom rod builders represented at the show. This is a great chance to check
them all out and treat yourself to a custom rod that was built just for you.

» Guides & Resorts

Stop and talk to one of over 20 guides and resorts represented at the show and book your
trip of a lifetime. Any one of these vendors have the potential to put you on that elusive
30-inch walleye.

» Indoor Hard Sided Shelter Display

Stop by and check out all of the luxury ice houses on the display in the adjoining Farmers
Union Insurance Center Arena. This entire arena is dedicated to the hardhouse life. Stop
by Sunday to see the KFGO/Busch Light Ice Castle Giveaway, drawn live!

Thank you to all the sponsors, vendors and guests that help make this show a success. We look
forward to bringing you the biggest and best Ice Fishing Show in North Dakota for years to come!

Sincerely,
The Fargo Ice Fishing & Winter Sports Show Team

PAGE 4 — 2022 FARGO ICE FISHING SHOW PROGRAM

 SHOW HOURS
FRIDAY: 12 pm - 7:30 pm
SATURDAY: 10 am - 7 pm
SUNDAY: 10 am - 4 pm

TICKETS
ADULTS: $12
WEEKEND PASS: $24
DEC 9-11, 2022 KIDS 12 & UNDER: FREE
PARKING: FREE

Thank you to our sponsors

REEDS
Family Outdoor Outfitters

2022 FARGO ICE FISHING SHOW PROGRAM — PAGE 5

VENDOR LIST
13 Fishing..............................20-21
2b/Elliott Rods.......................57-58
Adventure RV......................... 5-Apr
American Hero Outdoors TV...... 149
Amped Outdoors....................34-35
Aqua-Vu...................................... 13
Arctic Anchor............................ 146
Blackfish............................109-114
Blackwoods Blizzard Tour......... 134
Bobber Buddy........................... 142
Border View Lodge.................... 177
Brainerd Jaycees...................... 179
Clam. 49-53, 68-72,81-85,100-104
CNZ Guide Service.................... 158
Cold Snap................................... 37
Cutco Knives............................. 190
Dakota Cat.................................... 3
Dakota Lithium..................192-193
Dakota Sunset Resort............... 180
Della Bay Custom Rods............ 168
Eskimo Ice Fishing Gear 47-48, Productive Alternatives............. 187
73-74, 77-80, 105-108
Eskimo Ice Fishing Gear –
Clothing Shop............................ 8
FIN Gear...................................... 22
Frostbite...........Fish Frostbite Shop
Garmin........................86-87, 98-99
Glacial Lakes Snowbear........28-30
Gull Harbour Resort...........159-160
Hardwater Life.......................... 199
Hometown Hero Outdoors........ 164
Hot Hole.................................... 181
Howes Guide Service................ 157
I29 Snowbear....................115-120
Ice Fishing Minnesota............... 147
Ice Force..................................... 18
Ice Runner/KMDA..............161-163
Icebound Excursions.............31-32
Ignite Chiro............................... 186
ION Ice Augers............45-46, 75-76
Iron Range Custom Rods.......... 188
Jacks Tackle............................. 173
JR’s Tackle.............................40-42
JT Outdoor Products..............43-44
Lake Country Guide Services.... 198
Lakeroad Lodge........................ 174
Lakewood Products...........143-144
Leaf Filter Gutter Protection..... 145
Linealarm.................................. 135
Lakes at Dunvilla...................... 171
PAGE 8 — 2022 FARGO ICE FISHING SHOW PROGRAM
LOW Brewing Company –
Tasting Area....................182-183
LOW Coffee Company............... 148
LOW Distillery –
Tasting Area....................184-185
Mad Duck Rods..................132-133
Mags Custom Rods................38-39
MarCum.................................63-64
Mattracks..........................122-130
MidWest Outdoors.................... 152
Minnow Hopper.......................... 67
Muscatell Adventures/ UP
Ambush Ice Houses........136-138
NAIFC........................................ 157
Norsk.....................................14-15 1 2
Nothern Lights.......................... 156 Fish
Otter........................... 24-27, 59-62
200
Frostbite
Outlet Recreation.......................... 7 Shop
Panfish Pirate....................140-141 201
PK Lures................................16-17
Rainy River Resort.................... 177 Seminar 3
Rapala......................................... 18 Stage
Reeds............................................ 9
RLVNT Sunglasses.............196-197
Seasons Tackle..................165-166
4 5
Silencer Central.................169-170
Sportsmans Lodge.................... 177 123
Stick It!..................................... 175 202 121
StrikeMaster............................... 19
203 119
Striker Ice..............................54-56
Sullivan Tip Down....................... 65 117
Sure Step.................................. 139 6 7 115
Sven’s Sleeve............................. 66
113
Tamarack Lodge....................... 167
11
Team Lodge.................................. 2
Thorne Bros. .........................88-97 10
Throne Bros. Custom Rods......... 33
Timbersled.........................136-138
Ultimate Recreation...................... 1
UnderCover Guide..................... 191 UP
Venom Tackle.............................. 12
Vexan.................................194-195
Vexilar...................................11-Oct
Wheelers Point Resort................ 17
Wheelhouse Warriors................ 151
Widow Maker Tackle................. 131
Wohlly’s Ice Rod Hangers........... 36
Women Anglers of Minnesota... 153
 187 186 185 184 183 182 181 180
176
194

8
175

18
Beer
195

17
& Spirits

9
9
18

17
Sampling Area

8
0
19

17
7
1
19
2
19
3
19

196 45 76 77 108 174

197 46 75 78 107 173
198 10 47 74 79 106 44 172
11 48 73 80 105 43
199 12 49 72 81 104 42

13 50 71 82 103 41 171 170

14 51 70 83 102 40 169

15 52 69 84 101 39 168
ROW THREE
ROW TWO

ROW FIVE

ROW SIX

8
16 53 68 85 100 38 167
124 126 128 130 17 54 67 86 99 37 166
122 125 127 129 18 55 66 87 98 36 164 165

120 19 56 65 88 97 35
131
7 118 20 57 64 89 96 34

5 116 132 21 58 63 90 95 33

3 114 133 135 22 59 62 91 94

11 112 134 23 60 61 92 93 32

09 110 24 31
25 30
26 27 28 29
13

0
16
9
14

9
15
0
Sponsor

14

8
15
1
14

7
15

136
2

163
Display

137
162
14

14
15

138
3

4 161
5
15

145 146 147 148 149 150 151 152 153 154

2022 FARGO ICE FISHING SHOW PROGRAM — PAGE 9

 Easy-Peasy Perch
by Brian ‘Bro’ Brosdahl With the lack of predator
fish, jumbo perch flourish to
Ice fishing has started become the chief predators
and there are many choices of the water they inhabit.
on what to fish for or where Some shallow waters are rife
to go at first ice. For some with freshwater shrimp, or
anglers, the decision is an insect biomass, and grow
already made based on a true jumbo perch that reach
family cabin or traditional a foot in length, or larger.
starting lake that they fish Large bodies of water known
every ice season. I have as jumbo perch producers
friends who fish Upper Red may have shallow areas
Lake for walleyes as soon as that are frozen and safe that
the ice is safe by foot, and many anglers drive past once
others who chase crappies on the main lakes are frozen.
other small, hidden gems. This early-ice shallow water
I like to target jumbo bite is a continuation of
perch at first ice as there’s the ramped-up fall bite that
usually a great perch bite anglers enjoyed just weeks
close to some shoreline earlier.
access point. A safe idea Sloughs in the Devils
for early ice is to target a Lake, North Dakota area;
species that dwells where bays of Leech Lake,
the ice forms early because Minnesota; and canals
the water is shallow; for off the Bays De Noc in
example, small bays off the the Upper Peninsula of
main lake, boat harbors, Michigan, and in Saginaw
channels and emergent weed Bay and Lake St. Clair,
areas. These are likely areas Michigan, are famous
to freeze while traditional examples of early-ice jumbo
deep walleye and panfish perch destinations. In the
areas are still open water or canals, anglers don’t have
have thin ice. to set foot on ice to ice-fish;
There are many small just drill a hole next to the
sloughs or shallow bays off dock. Many anglers will
large lakes in Minnesota, target smaller bodies of
Wisconsin and the Dakotas water off the beaten path and
that are populated with never see another angler as
jumbo perch. These areas typically freeze much earlier than they ply the waters for jumbo perch.
other lakes. Many do not receive heavy early-ice-fishing pressure I like to spoon-feed jumbo perch using a Bro Bug Spoon with
because they may not have large populations of walleyes or panfish. maggots or a minnow head as a search bait on one rod, spooled with
There are many bodies of water that hold perch as the main fish 3- to 4-pound fluoro ice line. On a second rod, I have a tungsten jig
population, plus a few pike and bass. dressed with three or four maggots or two waxworms. A Micro V
Gap Hook with a lively crappie minnow and split shot on a dead
stick rod adds fish to the catch rate.
Give spoon a two-foot sweep with the rod tip, followed by
Call today to a pause, and one or two movements multiple times before you
book your stay! sweep the rod tip again. This will cause a flash followed by a
twitchy motion which should draw in jumbo perch from a distance,
triggering an aggressive bite. The jigging variations allow you to
• Ice fishing packages interpret what the fish wants. If they hit on the sweep, keep on
• Day house rentals Booth sweeping or persist with the twitching motion.
• Sleeper house rental #174 With the jig, a steady shake should create a bite, because active
• Charter fishing freshwater shrimp dart in short movements and pauses similar to
those of other insects that dwell in the lake. In dark-water lakes, fish
• Community cooking facility
will detect the clumsy movements with their lateral line, so keep
The motel that knows fishing! twitching. Perch are visual feeders but do not have the best eyesight;
one remedy is to fish halfway down the water column, so if you are
in 10 feet, fish 5 feet down and slowly work your way to the bottom.
218-634-2336 • www.lakeroadlodge.com This will help jumbo perch key in on your presentation’s silhouette.

PAGE 10 — 2022 FARGO ICE FISHING SHOW PROGRAM

 Drilling smaller holes will up your catch
rate with less light penetration and overall
disturbance. I use a 5-inch auger on a lithium
power drill; it’s as easy to drill as walking on
the ice. Light, efficient and less effort means
you will drill more holes.
I start out drilling in a zig-zag pattern
around a chosen area and find-tune holes as I
need, being careful about not over-drilling and
spooking fish out of the area.
Using my fish finder, I locate potential
areas to drill. Using my LakeMaster maps on
the GPS function will allow me to see fish in
the distance by slowly turning the transducer
on a rod extended down the hole. Once I spot
fish siting still or swimming, I walk over and
drill a hole right above the fish.
Now that I have located the jumbo
perch, it’s time to fish. I pull the cord off my
underwater camera and dropping the camera
lens down the hole, stopping 3 to 4 feet above
the fish. I watch the behavior of the fish and
how they react to the spoon. I watch perch
strike the spoon and set the hook without even
looking at the rod tip. I have learned a lot
about perch behavior and ways to trigger them
by watching fish on the underwater cameras.
The author with a couple of
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE early-ice football perch.

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2022 FARGO ICE FISHING SHOW PROGRAM — PAGE 11

 Pack light, as some locations do not have traditional access.
Some good fishing spots require climbing down hills or climbing
over downed trees. The better fishing spots are usually more
difficult to get to. Easy-access fishing spots are pressured areas,
and the chances of catching jumbo perch are less, as jumbo perch
are aggressive and easily caught. Did I mention that jumbo perch
are delicious to eat? Absolutely!
Early ice is all about packing light, and as part of my arsenal, I
use a one-man fish house. Inside, I can fit my electronics, tackle,
rod combos, bucket and ice safety equipment, to pull on the ice
behind me. This one-man house is a perfect sled for walking out on
foot. In a well-insulated portable fish house, I rarely use a heater
during first ice. I do fish out on the ice quite often, but if the wind
picks up, it’s great to have a one-man flip-over portable fish house.
The auger is all that I carry because I am drilling holes on my
way out. I have a rope around my waist that runs hands-free to my
portable fish house. It’s all about drilling holes as I am pulling my
fish house across the ice. Ice cleats are a must; many concussions
and broken ribs happen at early ice, but those are easily prevented
by wearing cleats. Anglers know to wear ice picks around their neck
for easily accessible and good insurance should they happen to fall
through thin ice.
As far as fishing attire, when I am running and gunning
early ice, I wear my bibs and hooded sweatshirt, and my coat is
tucked inside the fish house. If you overheat, you’ll sweat, and
the moisture lets the cold in. I wear insulated and waterproof
lightweight gloves, so you don’t even realize you have gloves on. I
pack my heavier gloves for the sub-zero days.
Ealy ice is an exciting time of year, and there nothing like
fishing and standing on hard water. There are many species of fish
to chase; however, jumbo perch are tops when many other anglers Another Bro Bug Spoon jumbo perch.
are walleye-bound! n

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Early ice is a coveted time of
the year for ice anglers. The
author outlines some safety
equipment that could save
your life, including float suits.
Early-Ice Safety
by Jason Mitchell
Early ice is a coveted time for ice anglers. They have been
waiting to get out on the ice and are excited for a new season to
begin.
Early ice is also often some of the very best fishing of the winter.
Combine the good fishing with the excitement of getting out on the
ice and invariably, some ice anglers will push their luck. We have
seen a trend over the past few years driven by social media where
some anglers almost seem make getting out onto questionable ice
some sort of contest. A show of bravado, if you will, on who can
step foot onto the ice first and post some fish pictures onto their
Instagram account. This desire for attention can sometimes prove
deadly and dangerous. We all want to learn about where and how to
catch more fish, but with so many young and new anglers entering
the ice fishing community, let’s start out with how to be safe on the
ice.
There is a saying that no ice is safe. The implication is to simply
keep your guard up and never assume too much. The reality is
that some ice is safe. We just can’t assume. The reality also is that
conditions can change. Sometimes, this change is unpredictable.
PAGE 14 — 2022 FARGO ICE FISHING SHOW PROGRAM
Throw ropes offer peace of mind
and tuck away in the bottom of
your sled or flip-over shelter.
Floating ice picks can be worn
around your neck and enable you
to pull yourself out of the ice if
the worst should happen.
Accidents can happen to the most seasoned ice anglers. An accident
can happen simply by walking back to shore at lowlight and having
fog move in where you get disorientated.
You have a lake map app on your phone, you argue. Well,
imagine your phone is dead from scrolling on social media all day.
An accident can happen by simply driving fast with an ATV across
the ice to get home, and in the headlights appears a new pressure
ridge that didn’t exist four hours earlier. We have been on some
reservoirs where freak methane gas pockets open and create round
pools of thin ice, and these methane gas pockets change from year
to year.
Of course, many extremely dangerous situations can be
predictable. Moving water is always bad. That moving water might
be a culvert under a submerged road or a bridge causeway. It could
be an incoming stream or bottleneck between islands.
Basic ice thickness safety charts show the recommended ice
thickness for certain activities. Three inches of good ice is generally
recommended for walking out on the ice. Five to six inches of good
ice is generally recommended for snowmobiles and small ATVs.
Twelve inches of good ice is recommended for vehicles. What isn’t
mentioned is that these are minimum suggestions and that there is
no room for error. Three inches of good ice will support foot traffic, if we can get on the ice. Nobody has touched or harassed these fish
but when you encounter an inch of ice because an acre of lake was for a few weeks or months. The fish are just waiting for us. I get the
kept open three weeks longer by a few hundred Canada geese… desire. We also must be responsible and safe as well.
problems can arise. There is an old saying that the fish will be waiting for us when
No question, one of the most important tools to have on early ice we get there. The fish aren’t going anywhere. Make sure you are
is a spud bar. A spud bar is simply a long heavy pole with a chipper diligent on safety and don’t assume too much. Check and test the
blade on one end. A spud bar allows you to continually check the ice so you know firsthand. Have the proper safety equipment so
hardness and thickness of the ice. One good hard whack on the ice that if the worst ever happens, you have the equipment that can save
with a spud bar will usually chip at least an inch of ice. If water your life, or the life of somebody else. Accidents can and do happen
starts to come up from where you chipped with one strike, you need —even if you are really experienced, accidents can happen.
to back up. If you see water after two hard whacks in the same spot,
you are typically dealing with three inches of ice.
You can also tell if the ice is hard or soft with a spud bar.
Usually at early ice, the ice is good, but warm spells, rain and snow
can deteriorate the quality of the ice, even at early ice. Good ice
will chip where poor ice will be mushier. If you are the first angler
on the ice and you need to pick your way across it, that could be
questionable. You absolutely need a spud bar.
Other necessary tools include ice safety equipment should the
worst happen. It has been over 25 years since I have fallen through
the ice but, I cannot begin to explain how terrifying it can be. What
also doesn’t get said is how exhausting the whole process is. Simply
pulling yourself out of the ice took everything I had, and I was in
the best shape of my life. Safety equipment is even more important
if you fish alone.
Float suits are available, very affordable and offer peace of
mind. Suits that have flotation like the Ice Armor Rise Float Suit
simply buy you a lot more time.
Other safety items I like are ice picks you can wear around your
neck. Ice picks are simply used to pull yourself out of the ice—a
task that can be extremely difficult if you are trying to pull yourself
out with just your fingernails. If you don’t have ice picks, at least
put a Phillips screwdriver in your pocket, or have something you
can use to poke into the ice and pull yourself up with. Another tool
to have in your sled is a simple rope. Clam makes an emergency
throw rope that is a slick, self-contained throwable rope for
emergency purposes. If nothing else, have a 50-foot rope and a boat
cushion that you can tie to the rope in case of an emergency.
Ice cleats should be part of every ice angler’s equipment list
as well. Ice cleats won’t help you if you fall through the ice, and
probably won’t prevent you from falling through the ice, but early
ice is often very smooth and slippery. The reality is that you are Ice Team Pro Scott Seibert with a great early-ice crappie. With first-ice safety, don’t
more likely to slip and split your head open than fall through the assume, and be diligent on checking ice.
ice. Some boots, like the Korkers Polar Vortex, have interchangeable
soles with cleats built right into the sole. My favorite cleats, People do like to throw out the phrase that no ice is safe. That is
however, are the BOA cleats that can fit over any boot and are more a disclaimer to avoid any kind of responsibility. The reality is that
aggressive. If you must walk across the ice, especially early ice…do some ice is perfectly safe, and some ice is very dangerous. Know
yourself a favor and get a good pair of cleats. the difference between the two and respect the ice enough to never
Early ice is often a slimmed-down affair where we basically assume. Be scared enough of the ice so that you have that respect.
drag out the bare minimum of equipment. I often use a small plastic Drilling one hole at the boat ramp to find 12 inches of ice and then
sled or a one-man flip-over shelter for dragging my gear. If you proceeding to drive a full-size pickup all over the lake is not being
don’t need something, leave it at home. Must-have items include a scared enough to respect the ice. Driving a UTV out on the lake just
small tackle box, a few rods, perhaps a five-gallon bucket and your because you see somebody else on the lake with an ATV, and never
flasher—only the essentials. I often use a hand auger or a K-Drill to checking the ice until you get to your fishing spot, is not respecting
cut down on weight. the ice.
One small modification that I like to do with my sleds and Fish Last thought: Pressure ridges or ice heaves get more vehicles
Traps for dragging on foot is to put eye bolts into the tub or sled. I than anything else. Do your due diligence around ice heaves. Never
then use a longer tow rope with clasps on the end so I can remove slow down over them, stop on them or drive parallel. Check them
the rope if needed. If you are hoofing it out on foot to your favorite with your auger and spud bar. Fresh ice heaves are dangerous. Stop
fishing spots and you must walk any distance, add more length to well beforehand, get out and check them. Don’t assume. If you can
your tow rope. I like to use at least 15 feet of rope where I can drape see water or fresh cracks, that is an accident waiting to happen.
the rope over my shoulder. The good news is that ice fishing is an extremely safe activity if
I fully understand the allure of early ice and can’t wait to get on you use common sense and respect the ice. Don’t get complacent if
the ice myself. Early ice is simply a magical time. We are excited you are experienced and be diligent if you are inexperienced. Good
to get back on the ice. We know the fishing will probably be good luck this winter. n
 THE
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THE
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THE
MOST EFFICIENT.

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 M o de r n Ice A n g l i n g :
The ‘Short’ and ‘Long’ of It
High-definition underwater cameras reveal bottom content, cover types, forage and fish
species present, water temperature and degrees of light penetration, all while providing
opportunities to closely monitor fish behavior and response. Here, a camera has been
hooked up to a larger screen for exceptional viewing.
by Tom Gruenwald
I have always been excited about new technologies and the
unique benefits each may offer.
Progressive development, especially within the rapidly
expanding area of electronics, continues producing obvious
advantages. Consider GPS, GPS-integrated electronic mapping,
live imaging sonar and underwater cameras. Given the capacity
to access electronic charts outlining desired features, then
superimpose upon them tightly contoured, satellite-driven electronic
overlays that can be updated to manipulate that data and add detail
with pinpoint coordinated accuracy, nearly anyone can efficiently
identify locations likely to attract their target species.
Moving into these desired locations with minimal disturbance,
precision-cut holes can be strategically sliced with quieter, highly
efficient, electric-powered augers. Lower live imaging style sonar
to obtain detailed scanned coverage of wide expanses of water
in identifiable directions for measurable distances—not only
downward as with traditional sonar, but upwards and multiple
angles sideways. This allows us to accurately decipher the presence
of fish and their exact position.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

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PAGE 18 — 2022 FARGO ICE FISHING SHOW PROGRAM

‘The fish are over that way.’ Photo: Garmin, Ltd.

High-definition underwater cameras reveal in full-color- Situations

detail the types of structure, bottom content, cover, forage and All these commanding tools can be implemented in virtually
fish species present with startling clarity. Plus provide additional every ice fishing situation imaginable, from those the seemingly
information about light penetration and water temperature. They smallest and most simplistic aquatic systems, to the largest and
allow quick arrangement of our sets to maximize the effectiveness most complex.
of our presentations and down detailed presentation patterns more You may not need GPS or electronic mapping when approaching
efficiently. a pond or small lake, but live imaging sonar can be used to
Sure, just because we locate fish accurately locate fish with minimal
does not mean they will cooperate. effort.
And even when select individual Depending on the size of the
fish do, others may nstinctively target water, simply drilling a
become wary or spooked, upping hole off the edge of a primary or
the challenge. secondary drop off, then sending a
Still other advantages come side scan back toward shore, will
into our favor, including lighter provide a complete view of the
and warmer clothing, lightweight entire water column, top to bottom,
portable ice shelters and luxurious to a range of approximately 100
thermostatically controlled feet. Positioning a hole 100 feet
wheelhouses—even mention from shore, then scanning back
motorized vehicles we can use toward it, you’ll not only see any
to search and fish from without fish holding between you and shore
even stepping onto the ice. Each but determine exactly how far away
in its own unique manner allows and how high off bottom they are
us to fish much more efficiently positioned. Measure or pace off
and comfortably, with better that distance atop the ice, and you
concentration, for longer periods of will find yourself standing directly
time. GPS-integrated electronic charts provide powerful advantages when assessing above them.
This entire process can be potential fish-attracting locations and identifying patterns. Turning the transducer in any
accomplished with smoother-   direction provides similar scans.
operating, more sensitive, precision- Rotated to matching degrees and
style tip-ups, tip-downs, rods, reels and ever-evolving specialty pieced together, the compilation will reveal a full 360-degree
lines, leaders, lures, hooks and rigging innovations. view; on a small pond, it might conceivably encompass a complete

PAGE 20 — 2022 FARGO ICE FISHING SHOW PROGRAM

underwater picture of the entire setting, enabling you to find and
position over fish with amazing precision. Then you can use one of
today’s greatly improved traditional sonar units or an underwater

DEMONOLOGY
camera to fine-tune your presentation.
Pretty compelling stuff.
Larger systems provide a more formidable challenge. But by
dividing these expansive, complex waters into segments, then
breaking each into manageable sections to highlight areas of
interest, modern electronic advantages magnify specific features
and contours. The results are nothing short of miraculous.
Again, using technologies combining GPS and sonar with
electronic charts featuring tight contours and satellite overlay,
detailed 3-D displays can be compiled to highlight select contours,
outline and shade them along multiple structures or specific
portions thereof. If you are on the water before the ice forms, you
can even run sonar transects to refresh these downloaded charts
using data collected from your own personal scans. Once on the ice,
you can realign those contours to compensate for rising or receding
waters or zoom in to pinpoint key micro-structure and detailing the
spots on the spots, so to speak.
From here, you can note and label specific targets and create
travel routes between them to efficiently outline and plan your Our New UV Enhanced
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Establishing patterns in record time
The combination of these integrated technologies not only
allows us to travel directly to precise locations, but by simply
viewing a screen, detect detailed elements and subtleties, including
specific bottom contents and transitions, forms and variations of
cover, right down to identifying the specific type, height and density
of that cover; and when evaluating vegetation, even its condition
and health—with live green weeds being an asset, and dead, brown
ones a liability. Taking a closer look using advanced zoom and
lighting features, it is even possible to detect pockets and determine
intricate labyrinths of paths amid that cover.
This provides remarkably detailed evaluations resulting in
amazing, comprehensive displays of locations where identifiable
forage and particular species of fish are holding; how they are inter-
relating, associating to a variety of parameters; and how they’re
responding to our presentations—in record time.
In other words, incredibly elaborate patterns become clearer,
faster. And when we can make these assessments in advance to
close in on fish faster, and more discreetly from further away
using quieter, more concealed approaches, we can use this precise
positioning to intricately monitor fish reactions and responses. We
are not only more likely to experience improved success, but by
broadening our general knowledge, also expand our options and
make pattern determinations in the future.
For the future
These increasingly sophisticated technologies provide
compelling advantages for ice anglers. My recent successes have
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unprecedented possibilities and heightened levels of responsibility
that accompany them.
Being able to find and track fish like a thermal-imaging-loaded
drone scanning for a missing person within dark woods at night;
using a greater variety of carefully selected presentations; and the
ability to meticulously monitor fish reactions to each may have
monumental consequences. Not just through potential overharvest
of the target species, but ramifications affecting the ecological
balance and health of the waters we’re fishing.
The extent of information today’s ice anglers now possess is
becoming increasingly potent. Placed in knowledgeable hands
and utilized to their fullest capacity, it affords a historically
unprecedented edge.
Do not underestimate this potency. We must realize the full
impact of these capabilities.
The data we are compiling may significantly increase our
personal catches. Additionally, it may document sound evidence
supporting suggestions or conceptions regarding management
practices on our favorite systems going forward. It is information
we can share with management professionals to be used to further
the fisheries we so value. Contributing such information may help
perpetuate, strengthen and produce even better, more exciting and
rewarding ice angling experiences in the future!
In short, these impressive technologies and the assets they offer
not only allow us to capitalize on amazing advantages allowing us
to increase our own current short-term successes, but conceivably
improve long-term ones that benefit our fisheries, providing
improved opportunities for future generations.
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 Are Your Dead Sticks Dialed to
Ice More Walleyes?
by Joe Henry
It’s called the “one-two punch” when ice fishing: Jigging one
line and dead sticking or basically suspending a live minnow under
a bobber on the other. The idea is that the jigging line attracts
walleyes, and if they are somewhat active, there is a good chance
they will whack whatever is being jigged. In some cases, when
walleyes turn to more of a neutral mood, the dead stick can be the
hottest stick in the fish house. Success with a dead stick isn’t just
about hanging a live minnow under a bobber. By really paying
attention and dialing in some nuances, a dead stick can be your
liveliest stick.
Traditional dead stick
The most common setup is a plain hook or an ice jig with
a minnow hooked just under the dorsal fin, suspended under a
bobber set at about a foot off the bottom. This setup catches a lot
of walleyes, but when the fish are not reacting very well to this
presentation, mix it up.
Jigging one line and dead sticking a second is a deadly combo. Notice the dead stick over a bucket. Having a rod with a sensitive tip allows for greater sensitivity on light bites
that sometimes go undetected with a bobber.
PAGE 24 — 2022 FARGO ICE FISHING SHOW PROGRAM
Raise it up
After dozens of hours watching fish react to my presentations
on my Vexilar, there have been numerous times I would set my rod
down to grab something, oftentimes with my lure hanging three
feet off the bottom. Many times, I would watch a red line rise
slowly off of the bottom to eat my suspended offering. Walleyes
are used to feeding up or even sliding up in the water column to
catch minnows. Sometimes, it can be very effective, and almost
triggering, to have your live minnow on your dead stick set higher
up in the water column, vs. the 6 inches to a foot off which is a
normal starting spot for many anglers.
Color
Color absolutely makes a difference and can change from hour
to hour based on snow cover, cloud cover and the angle of the sun.
When you are fishing with another angler, try different colors until
you figure out what the walleyes want that day. The slightest details,
such as the color of your hook, will make a difference.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 26
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 head with a minnow will work well some of the time, but there are
other options.
The Jig-O-Bit uses a Kahle hook attached to a lead head in a
variety of colors. With a live minnow, it hangs nicely. The Demon is
a well-known crappie bait that in larger sizes does well for walleyes
and saugers. Something about that lure just works. The Danlure jig
is a unique jig that has a swivel between the lead head and the hook,
allowing the minnow more freedom to swim at a different angle. On
some days, this nuance has been the ticket.
There are definitely lots of options. Some dead stick baits have
propellers, small spinners, UV glow paint, glitter, rattles, a single
hook, treble hooks, beaded trebles, etc. Again, experiment until you
find out the preference on that day or for that particular body of
water.
Good electronics really help the process of deciding to change
lures or to keep on what you have. If fish are coming through and
not reacting positively to your offering, it is time to change things
up. Without electronics, it would be hard to know whether the fish
are not reacting or the fish are not there.

Change the flavor

Sometimes in life, and in walleye fishing, little things make a big difference. Paying
attention to size, color, jig, no jig, how to hook a minnow, etc., can put more fish on top
of the ice.  will do the trick. The trick here is to bring at least a couple of
In stained water, gold, glow and bright colors are good bets. In
clear water, silvers and more natural colors are good starting points.
Dead stick lures
In addition to plain hooks combined with a minnow, there are a
lot of effective ice jigs for dead sticking on the market. A plain jig
Walleyes can be particular. One day they prefer fatheads, the
next day, it has to be emerald shiners; on other days, a good rainbow
different options of minnows and try to have both options down in
the same fish house if you are fishing with a partner or two. The
walleyes will tell you what they prefer that day, and eventually
everyone can hone in.
This came into play recently while fishing with a buddy. He
purposely was using a dead shiner on his dead stick. For whatever
reason, that was the hot rod that day,
CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

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out-fishing the lines with a live shiner. That dead stick caught the
majority of the walleyes and saugers. Something about the dead bait
was the ticket.
On a very cold and slow day of fishing, my cousin had some
freeze-dried waxworms he had purchased on clearance in his tackle
bag. He had never used them before and decided to add one to a
small spoon and go finesse. While hardly moving the bait, walleyes
and saugers were picking it up on, or very close to, the bottom,
despite their neutral mood. There are times throughout the winter
when ‘eyes will be feeding on critters in the mud. This was probably
one of those times. Paying attention to various bait options and
presentations will pay dividends.
Size does matter
Size can relate to the ice jig you are using. At times, walleyes will
prefer something larger as it is a bigger target, acts differently and
makes more noise. A larger jig can also have a different action, as the
minnow cannot roam as freely. In other cases, when you jig it, you
can bang it on the bottom, which can cause the fish to become active.
Size also matters when considering bait. Some days, the fish
prefer a larger minnow. On other days, especially when in a neutral
mood, they prefer a very small minnow. There have been many
times when a crappie minnow is the most desired minnow amongst
a bucket of larger minnows. The point is, experiment and figure out
what the fish want that given day—or even hour.
Hook that minnow
The most common way to hook a minnow is just under the dorsal
fin. Another nuance is to clip off half of the tail of the minnow, which
changes the vibration of the swimming minnow. The minnow will
also work harder to swim, often enticing finicky walleyes.
Some anglers will hook the minnow through upper lip of the
PAGE 28 — 2022 FARGO ICE FISHING SHOW PROGRAM
mouth, giving it a different look. Others will hook the minnow back
by the tail, but on the bottom or underbelly of the minnow. This
causes the minnow to sit upside down andl work hard to upright
themselves, which can trigger a bite.
Remove the bobber
I can remember it like it was yesterday. It was many years ago on
Lake of the Woods and we were fishing the afternoon bite before it
got dark. One of the anglers fishing with me was a long-time guide
and resident of the area. He had logged thousands of hours ice fishing
on the big lake.
Instead of using a bobber on his dead stick line, he had a fairly
flexible tip on the end of his rod and would lay his rod over a bucket
with the minnow set at the desired depth. Instead of watching the
bobber, which can be difficult to detect the light bites, biting walleyes
would lower his rod tip just the slightest bit. He would pick the rod
up slowly, feel just a bit of weight and nail them.
The thought process is that when the fish are just breathing on
the minnow, the bobber isn’t as sensitive as a flexible rod tip. He out-
fished the other two of us in the house that day with his dead stick
alone. It made me wonder how many times a walleye hit my bobber
line and I didn’t notice. After that instance, I changed my ways. I now
lay my dead stick line over a 5-gallon pail or on a bench next to me,
where I can see the tip move when a walleye or sauger breathes on
my bait.
Dead sticks do not receive the attention the jigging line does. It’s
one of those lines that are often set and left alone. However, there
are many days when a dead stick can be the most productive rod
in the fish house. Paying attention to details and trying a variety of
presentations will increase the number of walleyes and saugers pulled
through the ice hole. It may not be as sexy as the jigging line, but on
any given day, a dead stick can definitely be as productive. n
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