S9E9 - Ice Fishing North East & West Minnesota
Jeff and Jason cover recent ice fishing trips from Duluth to Nunya Lake, breaking down what worked, what didn’t, and why timing and location mattered more than anything. From walleyes and crappies chasing pink and orange jointed pinhead minnows to early-morning and sunset bites that made the day, they dig into real on-ice lessons you can use right now. The guys also tackle listener questions, gear wins and fails, ice shelter talk, and new fishing techniques like the slow float up jig—plus a little beer tasting, cold-weather complaining, and behind-the-scenes podcast banter. If you’re chasing bites, dialing in your setup, or just living the ice fishing lifestyle, this episode’s for you.
Fishing and Beverage Preferences
Jeff and Jason discussed their fishing and media habits, with Jason expressing a preference for focusing on fishing rather than media presence. They shared a conversation about beverages, with Jason introducing spiced apple cider and Jeff sharing details about a hazy IPA from Ripple Effect Brewing. They briefly discussed the cold weather conditions for ice fishing, with Jeff expressing that minus 30 degrees was "gross" while Jason disagreed.
Beverages and Fishing Gear
Jeff and Jason discussed their experiences with a new beer, noting mixed reactions to its taste. Its was good beer just not Jeff’s favorite flavor.They expressed gratitude to their patrons, particularly mentioning Chris for his long-standing support. The conversation then shifted to listener news, including a recommendation for a podcast featuring Sam Sobe and a comment about using a Scheels hard case for fishing gear. Jeff and Jason also discussed their experiences with different brands of fishing sleds, comparing their durability and functionality for various fishing and hunting activities.
Ice Fishing Podcast Listener Insights
They shared a segment from a past episode featuring a folding ice fishing shack, which was one of their most popular YouTube videos. https://youtu.be/V0t7XJAm0Jg They also responded to listener feedback about fishing techniques, discussing when to move fishing spots based on catches. The hosts reviewed a new Eskimo ice fishing shelter with unequal walls and a zipper design, which they found promising. They concluded by encouraging listeners to interact with them on social media and streaming platforms to help them reach monetization thresholds.
Fishing Techniques and Vehicle Comparisons
Jeff and Jason discussed their experiences with different types of vehicles, comparing the space and comfort of side-by-sides to pickup trucks. They then shared fishing stories and techniques, including the use of ATVs to attract fish and the impact of generators on fishing success. Jeff introduced a jigging technique from the outdoor news article called the "slow float up" and emphasized the importance of reading fish and adapting techniques based on their behavior.
Ice Fishing Techniques and Experiences
Jason and Jeff discussed fishing techniques and experiences, focusing on ice fishing in the Duluth area. Jason shared details about a recent trip, including using LiveScope technology and fishing for crappies with a pink Pinhead Minnow. They discussed the challenges of fishing in cold weather and the slow biting patterns of fish at that time of year. Jason mentioned catching a few crappies and a walleye, but noted it was a slow day overall.
Remote Lake Fishing Success
Jason shared his fishing experience in a remote lake, where he caught nice-sized crappies and walleyes despite challenging conditions. He noted that pink was the hot color for bait, and he had success using a whole minnow on a bobber. Jason also mentioned that he might sell his Kenai fishing shack and consider a larger, thermal model or even a Clam Vista hub in the future.
Fishing Techniques and Experience Sharing
Jeff and Jason discussed their recent fishing trip, focusing on techniques and experiences. Jeff shared details about fishing early in the morning for crappies and the challenges of catching northern pike later in the day. They explored different lures, finding that jointed pinhead minnows in orange worked best, while Slab Seeker lures were less effective. Jeff emphasized the importance of timing and location, noting that fishing at sunrise was crucial for a successful catch. They also touched on the use of a "demon jig" and the need for the right lure action to attract fish. The conversation concluded with a brief discussion about old TV shows like Airwolf and the importance of wearing proper gear for ice fishing.
