Spring is here!!!!

Well, for the first time in a LONG time, I am happy about the arrival of spring. Although one last snow storm is on its way, I am in full swing getting things ready for open water. I know, the blog is "On the ICE", which is what it started out to be, but I have have grown as has my passion for everything fishing. Last Sunday I was able to sneak out and hit some open water, we rolled into Red Wing at about 7:30 Sunday morning. After a few short stops, and meeting the rest of the group we attempted to launch at Everts. Well, as luck would have it the batteries int he boat were bad after being stored all winter. A quick walk up to the tackle shop, Chris was able to get replacements and we were back in business. Finally getting on the water, we fell in line with the parade of boats fishing. Long story short, alot of time on the water with few fish. Myself, falling to the goose egg, not a good way to start the year but hey, it was fun none the less! Look forward to maybe one or two more trips on the ice if I can get out, but I am focused on open water now. Re Rigging rods with vanish and trilene xt, re tying spinner and lindy rigs and getting them wrapped around swim noodles, boxing new crank baits, organizing the plastics selection, and finishing the final touches on the boat! Look forward to new product reviews!

Tight lines!

EK

Striker Brands Predator Bibs Review.

Sooo last month I did a review on the Predator Coat, I usually do not use a coat, so I guess I should have done the bibs first, but meh, who does stuff in order right? Okay, so, the Bibs are just as nice as the coat. Super warm, and really nice. Ive spent a ton of time in them this winter, more off the ice than on (we have a record snowfall this year, and Ive banked a ton of hours blowing snow!) The one major thing for me that I love about not only the predator bibs, but the whole line, is the triple play cuff system, Or adjustable inseam. You can adjust anywhere from a 30" inseam, to I believe 36". I'm not short, but im not tall either, so I keep them right between the first and second velcro line. Having this adjustment makes it so you do not end up with a giant ball of ice at the bottom of your bibs. I think the second thing that I like about them would be the fleece lined hand warmer pockets in the chest. I dont use gloves often so being able to keep my hands warm, and not having to stick them in a heavy canvas pocket, or zippered opening is nice.

As far as negatives go, I dont think I have any to offer, these are the best, all around bib for ME and the way I fish. I absolutely love them.

Some stats on them:

FEATURES:

» 320D Tussor 5000/5000 Waterproof/Breathable outer shell
» 100% seam taped
» 100g Thermadex insulation
» Sureflote buoyancy material throughout bib
» Articulated 1600D snakeskin knees for improved comfort and flexibility
» Additional padding in seat and knee areas provide extra protection and warmth
» Adjustable cuffs make inseam length adjustable*
» 3-way waist height leg zippers
» Reflective tape on front and back
» YKK 2-way heavy duty (10 gauge) front zipper with EZP design
» Magnetic storm flaps on front and leg zippers
» Boot storm gators with gripper elastic
» Adjustable suspenders
» Expandable cargo pockets
» Soft Touch breast pocket for valuables
» 2 exterior D-rings for accessory attachment
» Instant access openings to get to front under layer pockets
» Elastic stretch panels at sides for improved comfort and flexibility
» Beverage holder incorporated into thigh pocket*
» Fast-Drain Hems*

*patent pending

They retail for 179.99

Striker Brands Predator Coat Review

As most of my followers know, I am proud to be part of the Strikerbrands Pro-Staff. Part of this gig, gives me the opportunity to try the new products, and get the word about how awesome they are! LAst year I spent the year running the climate suit, and it fit the bill for a year round suit. This year I decided to try the Predator suit out. Its the lower end of the suits in the line. So far this year I have fished in some pretty wicked stuff, were having the 13th coldest winter on record here in Minnesota, and Ive only fished in my shack once....

Some of the features I really like on the coat are:

- The inside the zipper chest pocket, this allows you to store things like your phone, or a camera close to your body to keep it warm, but doesnt require you to take the main zipper down to access. It is also located under the flap of the zipper, so it keeps the elements out, and zips shut so you do not lose anything.
-Wrist cuffs, these are made of lycra, so they hug your skin, again this keeps all the elements out, and keeps your arm dry should you stick it in the hole to grab a fish.
-IT FLOATS, this is the big one for me, I want  to know that I have a helping hand should I go through the ice. (Look for a video on this later in the spring)

As far as negatives go, about the only thing I have found is the sizing still runs a bit tight. I find I wear a size larger in the striker stuff than I do in any other brand.

Here are the specs on the coat as well.

» 320D Tussor 5000/5000 Waterproof/Breathable outer shell
» 100% PU seam taped
» Sureflote buoyancy material throughout jacket
» 100g Thermadex insulation
» 360 degree reflective material
» YKK 2-way heavy duty (10 gauge) front zipper
» Radial body zip vents*
» Shock cord drawstring at waist and hem provide superior adjustability
» Expandable cargo pockets
» 2 exterior D-rings for accessory attachment
» Removable hood with memory wire visor
» Soft Touch inner neck collar for comfort
» Extended Lycra inner wrist cuffs
» Velcro adjustable stretch cuffs at wrist
» Left sleeve key pocket
» Soft Touch side access hand pockets
» Quick access pockets with interior D-rings for attaching safety picks
» Inner cell phone and zippered breast pockets
» Fast-Drain Hems*

January Report

Well, were creeping up on half way through the Ice season, We started off great, Nice solid ice before any snow. We are now looking at 2-2.5 foot of ice on most of my local waters, with 6-10 inches of snow on top. Ive become a weekend warrior with my crazy work schedule, but Ive been getting out. Most of my time spent on the same lake, catching a mixture of sizes of crappies. Ive been having a ton of luck with something I hardly ever used in the past, vertical baits. Specifically the Custom Jigs And Spins Demon. I have always been a horizontal jig guy. Ive also been having a ton of luck with my go to spoon, the PK Flutterfish, in Red Dot Glow, in the 1/8th oz. size.

First time on the ice for 2013/2014 season

With all this cold weather brings a new season. I have had an insane summer, starting my fishing season with a knee surgery in May, then having chd two in July, and getting married in October has set me here, summer and fall gone, and December and ice fishing has started!

With local reports of ice being walkable coming in, I decided to start planning my first trip, a flurry of text messages, lake maps, and surveys later it was set to go out yesterday morning (12-1-13) onto a small lake that is very in known and can put out nice eater Walleyes. We hit the lake at 6 am and started working our way out into the lake checking the ice before hauling gear out. First hole, marking fish, second hole, same. We set up relatively shallow and started fishing. Nothing. As the sun came up Matt kept fishing that area while I checked more ice and re opened some old holes someone had fished the night before. Same thing, fish marked, no bites! So we start the year off like this fish-1, Eric - 0

All in all it is nice to have some hard water back, I got to put some time in with a few new products and can now do write ups on those, and I got to hang out with a buddy that I had not fished with all summer.

Stay safe out there, we have 3-5" of ice locally but with snow coming in no one will be able to see the thin spots or skim ice that some of the deeper lakes still have.

Tight lines

-EK

Multiplier reel, third try....

So last week yet another multiplier reel hit the market. This time it came from our friends in Michigan. Sportsmensdirect.com designed the Tight Line Extreme. I put in an order and waited.

Today I go to check the mail and its already here.....3 days from Michigan to Minnesota. Thats Fast. I open the box and imediatly think, How do I change this from Right hand retrieve to left. I know from experience that most "fly reels" I use that term loosely, have a one way bearing in the main shaft. This reel is soo easy to change. Take out the dime sized flat head screw, rotate the gear assembly off the center spool, and take off the spool. Inscrew the bearing cap and flip the bearing over, and re assemble. super easy.

Now some technical stuff.....heres the specs....

Fast Line retrieval: 12" per handle turn
Ultra light weight: 3.7 oz.
Warm to the touch: Graphite frame
Easy to grip: dual, soft touch handle-knobs
Durable: ball bearing drive with center pin supported on both sides
True No-Twist/Straight Line performance: Line comes off the top of spool
Versatile Rod Grip: Able to Pencil Grip or top grip
Drag: Fully adjustable with unidirectional bearing (drag engages only going out)
Reel Orientation: Right and Left hand capable.

price $39.99

The only negative is there is no free spool. but I dont mind pulling the line by hand. I can strip 30 feet of line in 5 stretches of the arms or so. 

The major thing for me is the fact that the spool is inside an exo cage, I can rest the ball of my hand against the reel and it doesnt catch on the spool like it did on the eagle claw and Black betty 6061...

A few months back I saw a post on Facebook from PK Lures regarding Pro staff Openings. I had used the PK Spoon in red dot glow with fair success and thought that it would be a nice fit, I applied and was offered a Staff position within a few weeks. Upon accepting I was mailed a box with some goodies in it and when I opened it I found an assortment of PK Spoons, PK Flutterfish, And PK Ridgeline Crankbaits. Now, Im a 90 percent Ice guy.....I hardly fished open water at all up until this year. Ive had a ton of time to play around with these lures and have had some decent success with the ridgeline cranks trolling, pitching them up shallow.

So far this year I have gotten to test the PK Spoon quite a bit with really good results. The red dot glow/Nickle backed combo has been money so far.

Cant wait to keep the results coming from these lures! Great products from a great company!