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Spend a few minutes talking ice fishing with me and you’ll likely hear me say that I prefer not to use tip ups when ice fishing. I’m more of a mobile ice angler and tip ups (sometimes) act like anchors. It seems like I no sooner get my tip ups in the water, than I am ready to move again. However, I recognize that there are days when certain species, especially the lake trout and white perch in Lake Winnipesaukee, will only eat a live smelt. Sometimes it’s harder to be mobile because I’m with a large group of people. If I want to catch fish on those days, I must step outside my comfort zone and set some tip ups. Besides, the majority of my clients love chasing flags and making sure they have fun catching fish is a priority.

November is a month when many people have written off any type of fishing until things become a bit more solid, especially freshwater fishing. They hang up their rods and winterize their boats, thinking that fishing season is over because some seasons have closed. Then there are people like me who, despite all the amazing fishing opportunities spring and summer have to offer, always seem to have thoughts of fall fishing lingering somewhere in the back of our minds. In my opinion, fall offers some of the best fishing of the entire year. Warmwater species such as crappie respond predictably to falling water temperatures and fewer daylight hours by feeding aggressively. With a little ambition and a few tricks it doesn’t take long to fill a stringer.

It’s common for lake trout anglers to set up camp in their favorite spot and sit there all day. In New Hampshire anglers regularly chum and wait for the fish to come to them (chumming and using bait are legal in New Hampshire). Most anglers feel like they are having good success because they see fish on their Vexilar or camera all day, even if they don’t get bites, but are they really having good success? Isn’t the idea to catch more fish rather than to see more fish?

It’s Wednesday after work, you get the green light to go fishing with your buddies on the weekend. After sneaking out to the garage, organizing and inventorying your gear the whole evening disappears, walking back into the house you realize everyone went to bed. Thursday evening is spent packing food, clothes and personal gear then rechecking your fishing gear to make sure nothing is forgotten. After a sleepless night and the SLOWEST day at work you’ve ever encountered, your off.

Year after year I am amazed at how improvements to lures, shelters, electronics and technology have made my time on the ice more efficient, more effective and more comfortable.   These improvements have allowed me to spend my time maximizing opportunities while on a body of water.  With many of the changes that I see each year, the one thing that hasn’t changed for me in the past 14 years is my main heat source.  Since the Mr. Heater Big Buddy Heater came out in 2004, it has been a reliable constant for my spring, fall and winter outings.  I prefer the big buddy because while on the ice I am typically fishing from a large 2 or 3 person Clam portable fishhouse.  The Big Buddy heats it up quickly and efficiently.  Whether on a trip with friends, a solo outing, or a trip with kids I have confidence in the reliablity of my Big Buddy heaters.

I like the Korkers Apex ice cleat. These are a stretch fit cleat that slips over the outside of your boot and will withstand -40 degrees and won't fall off your boot. They offer these in both men and women sizes and models for walking, running hiking and ice.