Fishing

When you are ice fishing you want to get as comfortable as possible. On your next outing make sure you've got one of our popular tripod ice fishing chairs. They are compact enough to not take up much room if you are in an ice fishing shelter and fold up nice and tidy for easy storage and transportation. They are made of heavy duty material and will be your fishing companion for years to come.

Bucket seats for ice fishing is always a good way to go if that is more your style. Not only do you have your seat with you wherever you go but it's a great way to tow your extra ice fishing gear around. If you're like me, I always have more gear than hands so I also suggest an ice fishing sled so you don't break your back before you even arrive. It sure makes life a lot easier! I've also got some cool fishing tackle boxes with the Smith and Edwards logo on them so you can keep your favorite fishing lures like Ratsos and Gizzy Bugs along with your terminal tackle close at hand. Read 5 Ways to Prepare for Ice Fishing and I think we've got you covered!

Your quality and selection of fishing jigs and lures can be the difference of a successful day of fishing……and just a day out fishing. Just like a carpenter needs the right tool for the job, an angler does too. If you want to catch a trout you'll want fishing lures for trout. Want to catch bass or salmon? We've got lures for that too! Let us help you get the best fishing lures for what you're trying to catch.

Ever wondered what the difference is between bait, lures, and fishing jigs? One really just leads into the next. When referring to fishing bait it traditionally refers to live bait like worms, bugs, etc. Another popular bait used now is Powerbait. It comes in a huge array of colors and scents that are specially formulated to catch the attention of passing fish.....and those you don't need to keep alive! A lure is an artificial plastic or rubber bait designed to take the place of live bait on the end of your hook. They are made in all sorts of sizes, colors, and styles, each designed to attract more fish. A jig is a type of lure that contains a lead head with a hook molded into it that is usually covered by a soft body. They're made to add live bait, lures, or can be used alone. There is a specific style of fishing that is used with jigs, called jigging. Jigging is the act of making jerky, vertical motions as oppose to a traditional horizontal glide of your bait through the water. This technique is used commonly in ice fishing but is also used in fresh water and salt water fishing as well. Your arm can get pretty tired trying to keep one or several poles moving at once. A Tip Up will do the job for you and let you keep several poles going at once without lifting a finger, only to set them again.

Does fish attractant really work? New anglers often ask this question. Not only are some smells more appealing to fish than others, but most importantly it masks the human scent and keeps the fish interested longer so you have more time to set the hook. We often don't realize that we are repelling the very fish we are trying to catch by just the touch of our rod, line, and when we are baiting the hook.

Make sure you've got some of our tried-and-true fish attractant in your fishing arsenal next time you go fishing. You can apply it directly to any lure, bait, or jig, increasing their effectiveness in both open water and ice fishing.

Secret weapon! If buying a fish finder or downrigger is out of the question, Daiwa has come up with a money-saving conclusion for you. The Accudepth Line Counter Reel! Available in 17, 27, and 47 line counter options, this reel will tell you how deep your line is in the water.

Before you head out, don't forget to grab some fishing line!

While you browse through our ice fishing line you'll find many styles to choose from in several sizes and colors. The size determines what break strength your line has. When deciding what size to get it's good to know what species of fish you are trying to catch. You want your line heavy enough that you don't end up with "the fish that got away" (although it does make for a great story!) Keep in mind, however, that usually the lightest weight you can get away with gets you more bites. The heavier the line the more distracting it is to your fish from taking the bait.

Another important thing to remember when choosing fishing line is that quite often your rod and reel have suggested line strengths to use which is determined by the weight or action of the rod itself. A lightweight rod is going to need a lighter weight of line. Your medium heavy rod can use a stronger line, designed to catch larger fish. My favorite line I use is Trilene 6 lb when it comes to ice fishing. It works well for me! For more tips on getting ready for ice fishing check out my blog. Tell me what you think!

Fish finders and downriggers have been reliable in catching bigger and better fish for many years. Scope out a school of fish with your fish finder, drop your downrigger line in, sit back and see what happens!

Be sure to get the right bait and attractant for your line too. See our fishing rep's 4 tips for spring fishing and trolling!

Make sure you're well stocked up on terminal tackle for your next ice fishing excursion. Terminal tackle refers to your basic fishing gear that attaches to the end of your fishing line like sinkers, swivels, and of course your most important item, your hook! Explore our must-haves that are essential in every fishing season - ice fishing, open water, salt water, fresh water, you name it. Terminal tackle is your key to success in getting the job done right. While you are here grab some fishing line so you don't run out. You can't do too much with a hook without it!

How to Properly Fillet a Larger Fish:

1. Use your fillet knife to make a deep slice about halfway through the fish behind its gills.
2. Cut another slit along the dorsal side of the fish.
3. Use the tip of your fishing knife blade to separate the flesh from the bones.
4. The fish should open up and look like a book, making it easy to cut away the fillet.

Give it a mouth-watering taste with your favorite seasonings and spices!