Hard Water Fishing Show

In this episode of the hard water fishing show Jeff and Jason talk to Colby Sabutis, who is a ice fishing guide based in New Hampshire and Vermont.    Current Events Catch and Cook https://www.catchandcook.net/   On of my new favorite you tube channels is Jay Siemens https://bit.ly/3nQdXmh  He is also the creator of catch and cook.  A great alternative to shore lunch for cooking fish.  I had some this summer and it was excellent.  Probably even better because someone else cooked it for me. FYI no sponsorship for this, just a product I like.   Here is the video we spoke about with fly in fishing https://bit.ly/2ZtFtg8  Here is a video about first ice https://bit.ly/2ZtFtg8    Utility Trailer to ice fishing shack Listener Cody sent in some pictures of a converted utility trailer to an ice fishing shack.  These are posted over on Facebook and Instagram.   Rogers on Red Predicting fishable ice first week on December, but we will see. https://bit.ly/3I012Xc    Gear Home made ramp for ice shack Get a aluminum extension ladder, used for cheap.  Cut it down and put a series of rollers to get your shack on and off of your pickup truck.  Jason will post some pictures on our page. You can also get a winch and mounted in the front of a picket, mount the winch in the front of the pickup and then you can use it to load and unload your heavy ice shack without risk of injury.     Pickup Truck Jason gave some great advice on pickup truck buying.  If you want a fast pickup truck get a red one. The red ones are always faster than the blue ones.   Lure Storage Jeff talked about using tackle box containers and how they are making a mess.  I am thinking of changing the way I store tackle. I am thinking of getting similar smaller ones that are fully open and then put some foam in them to prevent damage.  Basically remove the cons from these two products.    What I am using right now I have one of each of these https://amzn.to/3FUgXEx  or this https://amzn.to/3FQDdPv .  This is a trophy angler box I used for my tungsten jigs  It has foam on one side and on the other we have hard plastic.  This is what I used for my smaller panfish jigs. https://bit.ly/2ZploHG  Pros 1. You can fit them in your pocket 2. They are cheap 3. You can have on per species or fishing type.  I have one for tip ups, one for pan fish and two for spoons.  Cons 1. They can get messy fast 2. The hard plastic can damage your lures   Hard Water Expo https://bit.ly/3xs8epX Attended the Hard Water expo It was a small show and I did not stay to long, but found a few new notable things.     Fish Daddy Lures https://bit.ly/3cRsJmz  Specializes in LED jigs. We had Andy from Fish Daddy Outdoors a few seasons ago, you can find the interview here  S2E9- What Food To Bring Ice Fishing and Interview with Andy from Fish Daddy Lures They have a new lure out that looked interesting the jig flare spoon, an alternative to using those glow stick spoons. https://bit.ly/3nX0s4t     Go Athletic Apparel https://bit.ly/3cP5Gcb  Got a head sock and also a neck Gater at the show. https://bit.ly/3DW5BiP  Balaclava https://bit.ly/3CWP5h9 can you eat Baklava in your Balaclava? They are made in the USA.  My plan is when I am on a snowmobile to wear these to keep warmer.   BassKhang https://bit.ly/3xquW1K  These shuttles look really cool.  Looking at them they seemed very high quality.  Maybe Jason can field test one in the future with his helix 7.  This caused Jeff to digress into talking about how it can be hard to use his Helix 7 outside on very sunny days, and how a traditional flasher may be better.    Clam x100 Pro Thermal https://bit.ly/3xsPjLz  This is a one man clam that looks like the ultimate, really like this.  The poles are huge but they don't collapse so you can move quickly.  This thing is super spendy though and super heavy.   Clam Kenia https://bit.ly/3nUBeDB  This one is another really comfy option that I look at every year.  I like that it has poles that don't have to extend and also its much lighter. Jason talks about how even on his Nanuk he does not collapse the poles because you can move quickly.   Eric Wallace Decoys https://bit.ly/3cRv0OD  Eric Wallace had these awesome decoys for spearing.  I lack the words to describe how beautiful these are. I would feel back using them on the ice.  Jeff and Jason talk about our one failed spear fishing attempt.  The water was so cloudy we could not even see the decoy in the hole.  Here is a video we spoke about https://bit.ly/3HTFiMv where his work was featured on Minnesota Bound   Listener Request Jason is requesting a picture for a better setup for his Camera.  He is not happy with his storage and how its hard to use. He would like to make it easier to deploy the camera. Please send us your idea and pictures [email protected] If you have something awesome maybe we will have you on the show to tell us about it.   Guest / Legend Colby Sabutis is an ice fishing guide in NH and we are super excited to have him on the show. He tells us all about ice fishing in New Hampshire and Vermont.    Also a fly fishing guide Local Fire Department in NH Works for Woodstock inn and resort https://bit.ly/2ZpytRi  as a fishing guide https://bit.ly/3nUg9ZU  Beverages 1911 Cranberry Hard Cider  We did beverages with Colby.  Colby brought a 1911 hard cider out of New York it sounded really good.  Here is a link to the page for more information https://bit.ly/3CX1v8L  Great Lakes Brewing Company  Eliot Ness https://bit.ly/3xozrtL  Old Milwaukee  Jason continues his tour of old man beers. Species Colby targets trout a lot more than in the mid-west. When they fish in Vermont the will target Crappie, Blue Gill and Pike.   For trout we are talking about Rainbows, Brooks, Browns and Lake. Cusk AKA eel pout or Burbot.  Also maybe Toad or Lakers.  White perch and yellow perch.   What is Different about ice fishing in New Hampshire? Ice castles, are not really used, usually Bob houses are home built items.   Ice Fishing Traps? This is similar to what we would call a tip up in the Midwest.  But they are different than a beaver dam.  Heritage Laker Traps more information can be found here https://bit.ly/3FQhPKh  You can have 2-6 lines per person depending on the regulations on the lake.  Colby uses Ifish Pro also.  These seem to be coming more popular. Here is a link to Amazon https://amzn.to/2ZwMEUU . This is a tip up rig for your rod. Auger Started with a hand auger, but moved to a Jiffy.  Partnered with Eskimo fishing and have a gas auger from Eskimo now. Lures Here are a few of Colby's favorite lures. Clam Leech Flutter Spoon https://amzn.to/3nVl7G7  Pinhead minnow https://amzn.to/3p6P05k  Jason has also had some good success for Walleyes in the mid-west with this lure. Swedish Pimple https://amzn.to/3oXPTNI  Clam Dingledop https://amzn.to/3lc7uAe  Clam Epoxydrop https://amzn.to/32pyyFJ    Bait Shiner and smelt live smelt   Rods - 28 - 36 inch heavy or medium heavy ( limit creek outfitters)    - Colby uses Limit Creek rods.  Here is a link for more info. https://bit.ly/3FNcBio  - Also working with Driftwood rods https://bit.ly/32pxVvR I did not see ice rods on the website I think they might be new. - 2 in is longest rod Colby uses for Lakers.   Reel Colby uses Pflueger or Shimano spinning reels.  This Pflueger reel is one both Jason and I like.  https://amzn.to/3D8b8BH  the 20 or 30 size works nice for ice fishing.  I have started to prefer the bigger size to reduce line twist.   Line Braid with a floral leader.  6,4, or 8 lb test depending on situation.   Lake Winnipesaukee Ice Fishing Derby https://bit.ly/32D5kn1  Colby talks about a huge ice fishing derby he has participated in the past.  In 2022 its February 13-14   Electronics Garmin Striker with a boat transducer and a Lowrance hook 4  also use Navionics    Fly Fishing We also talked about fly fishing, Colby has been fly fishing for a bit over 11+ years.  Attended Orvis advanced fly fishing school.  Have been two years as a guide at the Woodstock Inn.  Colby did 100+ fly fishing tips this year!   Legend Colby tells a legend about catching over 55 Lakers in four and a half hours. Talks about how to stuff your lake trout with crab meat and bread crumbs and how great that is.   

In this episode of the hard water fishing show Jeff and Jason talk about ice rod trends.   - Jason tells a story about the time the bait bucket iced up the fishing rods.  - Don't put your leaky bucket next to your reels. Jeff wants to figure out how to be a beer can story writer.  - We are looking for a future guest who is a professional beer can story writer. - Jeff Sings (prepare yourself) Real men of Genius, Mr. Beer Can Story Writer!   Beer Jason admits that bud light is not an old man beer, but totally redeems himself by cracking open an American classic born in the land of the sky blue waters, a Hamm's.  Jason pairs his Hamm's with an iced oatmeal cookie from his custom built iced oatmeal cookie dispenser.  [put iced oatmeal cookie picture here]   Jeff is drinking a Kid Kölsch from New Glarus Brewing  https://newglarusbrewing.com/beers/ourbeers/beer/kid-klsch.  It is a great beer from Wisconsin.  Gear Flame King Heaters https://amzn.to/3kNWEjN   Few More Details on the flame King Heaters - They are a little more expensive and weigh a bit more.   - It comes with a thermostat vs low, medium or High.   - Buy one and give us a review, we would like to learn more about this heater.   Buddy Flex Heater - It has surround heat because of the shape - Is said to be less sensitive to bumping than the buddy heater - Has an accessory to put a cooker on the side, Jason is skeptical if its a good thing.    - Buy one and give us a review, we would like to learn more about this heater.   Super Capacitor ( Not Flux Capacitor) https://amzn.to/3coztIm - Used to start your car from a low battery.   - Not for time travel - Could be better than a jump pack.  - Will it work at -30 we are not sure - Never tried this but would like someone to and see how it works out on the ice or in the cold.   Versa Auger Carrier https://icerunnerhouses.com/versa-auger-carrier/  - something to carry your auger outside of your ice shack on your snowmobile or ATV. - having quick access to your auger makes you more mobile.    Mudhole.com - rod building supplies https://mudhole.com/  A place to get everything you need for ice fishing.  ( no we are not sponsored, just a cool site)    Ice Fishing Rod Trends We go in depth in ice fishing rods, we go down the rabbit hole.  Ten pages of notes to talk about ice fishing rods, so buckle up. Action Blank Type Seat Eyelets Grip Guides  Length - Weight is a big deal in a rod - bent handle rods are not talked about here, maybe called the duck Action From Overton's https://blog.overtons.com/fishing/how-to-choose-perfect-ice-fishing-rod  Ultra-fast action: Rod bends only at the tip Fast-action: Rod bends only at the tip Medium-action: Rod bends to the middle of the blank Slow action: Rod bends to the bottom of the handle Rod Blank Fiberglass and Graphite are the two main options.  Graphite is more popular and sensitive, but fiberglass still has a place in the ice fishing world.  One of the main benefits of fiberglass is they are more durable than graphite, and you will have less broken rods. Jason compares rod quality to 100% orange juice and 5% juice. Pay attention to the action of the rod and not just the price. If you get a cheap combo that is slow action you are going to struggle.   The action of the rod is more important than what it is made of at lower price points. We both agree that buying rods and reels separate is better than combos generally. Seat  Jeff and Jason both agree that bands do not hold your reel on your rod.  If you get a reel the best way to wrap your reel with electrical table then put the reel on and they put another layer electrical tape.  That way you don't damage your cork.  Low end rods typically come with a seat, high end rods do not.  Eyelets/Guides Jason pays attention to the first guide, if its to small it freezes up. Having two different rods one for outside with bigger guides and smaller guides for inside.   Heated Eyelets vs Not Jason found a patent for heated eyelets on a ice fishing rod.  This could be great or the next jig up.  Jeff imagines that this ice rod could look like a Ghostbusters proton pack. https://patents.justia.com/patent/20170325439    Split Grip v Full Grip Split grip is suppose to be lighter more sensitive, better balance and they look cool.  Full grip is more traditional.  Jason says it really does not matter when you have gloves on.  Jeff is told by sales person at Cabela's that men of a certain age like the full grip, and was in that category. Jason recommends putting your finger on the line and take the rod out of the equation.     Foam v Cork v Carbon Grip Jason and Jeff both prefer cork.  EVA foam can be more durable than cork.  Jason has found that if you take the plastic wrap off the cork before you use it you may feel the fish better.  Even if the plastic makes your cork look nice longer.  Carbon is something neither one of us has used, but think it might be pretty sensitive.    Rod Covers and Lure Covers Use rod slicks and lure covers to keep your rods safe.  Here is an example https://bit.ly/30FGTEH   I also like the lure covers like these that allow you to keep the lures on without making a mess. https://amzn.to/3nsVcW2 I have not used this specific brand but have similar ones and they work great.   Legend A legend from ice fishing related to a cell phone.      

In this episode of the hard water fishing show we talk to North Woods Dave from Nunya lake about his custom wheel house build.  Its green and its green.  Jason tries to tell us that bud light is a old man beer, and fails. Jason east a ice oatmeal cookie from the iced oatmeal cookie dispenser and does not die.      Listener Questions In reader questions Jason decides that Steele Reserve is the best tall boy gas station beer.  And we decide that you can go from couch to ice fishing for less than the price of a video game.   Gear Clam Lock Hub Accessories Clam Lock Accessories for your hub shack.  You put an adapter on your clam, and put this rod holder or cup holder.  This can be a problem in a hub when the hole is slushy. I saw these used to mount accessories on a snow dog also. The price of these seemed pretty reasonable.  These can be used on your hub shack or anywhere you can mount them for accessories in your shack.  https://amzn.to/3k70sfF https://amzn.to/3GKj9Qd HIT Lures A small custom lure maker of plastics. They have many colors and are scent infused.  I thought they look like a caterpillar, but you have to break each one and use on a tungsten jig. https://www.facebook.com/groups/hitlures   Arctic Anchor Rescue your ATV when it goes through the ice https://arcticanchor.com/ .  Jason Reminds our listeners to put something over the top of the line when winching, for safety to keep it from snapping back at the vehicle.  Matts Off Road Recovery Rope Here is the Matt's off road recovery rope we spoke about, its a great Youtube channel and a great way to get unstuck https://mattsoffroadrecovery.com/collections/recovery-gear/products/matts-recovery-rope  Buddy Flex Heater We have not tried this, but you can cook and heat your shack.  I like other buddy products.  Tell us if you like it. https://amzn.to/3BFUqbP    Topic - The 2000 yard ice shack Green Shack North woods Dave sheds some light on building his custom wheel house, from purchasing a donor ice shack, modifying the frame and building it back up to  a functional wheel house.  He was able to upcycle and build this for much less than the cost of a new ice castle.  Prior to the build Dave had a converted camper that sat 12 feet ooops I mean 12 inches off the ice and put plywood around the shack.  But he needed an upgrade.    The projected started with a dilapidated ice shack on Facebook for sale.    The ice house was junk, the walls were rotten but the frame was decent.  The shack had good bones, spine or feet to build on.   Tore the shack down to the frame and converted it from a 8x18 to a 6x14 to save weight and meet his needs.  The weight savings will enable it to be pulled by a wheeler on skinny ice. After the frame was in place the base was built with green treat plywood, The floor is screwed and glued.  On top of the plywood is recycled/upcycled 2x2 carpet squares and carpet that was "borrowed" for the flooring.  Jeff questioned the choice of carpet, as he prefers rubber floor.  But the carpet was free and also worries about a slick floor with vinyl.  The walls were made of 2x3 they are the goldilocks of studs. 2x4 was to heavy, 2x2 was to light so 2x3 were perfect.  If he was Ole he would have used steel studs.  Windows are sliders on all sides so see your tip-ups.  The exterior is made of steel siding for a pole barn.  The door is a regular exterior house door. The shack is wired to run 12 volt or 120 for tv's.    The insulation was made of spray foam, that gives up to 60 percent more rigidity to the shack. The foam also does not suck up moisture.  Dave does not want to test if it floats. The inside was finished with cedar that was recycled from a porch found on Facebook. Cedar was used because it does not shrink and expand Also built was a tow dolly to tow the rig behind a four wheeler during early ice. Heat is provided by a vent less heater.    Things to remember - layout is really important, make sure to get that right and plan ahead.   Legend A legend from the book Classic Minnesota Fishing Stories by Joe Fellegy. https://amzn.to/3whtHkR  He is also in the fishing hall of fame, you can find out more here  https://www.fishinghalloffamemn.com/hall-of-famers/joe-fellegy/    The legend was about Jerry Fuller of Park Rapids who had one of the longest running fishing contests in Minnesota.  It was about a fisherman who put rocks in a fish to make it weigh more in an attempt to win the context.  

Its the first episode of Season 5.  In this episode Jason gets in the ice fishing mood with a PBR (Old Man Beer) and iced oatmeal cookies.  Jeff talks about the tungsten era, and gear Jeff remembered.  Jason is waiting to become cool again. Jason goes to a wedding in an ice suit.    We talk about some new ice fishing gear for the 2021 season and also talk about future episodes for the season.  Jeff tells the legend of the boat launch.   Here are some links to the gear we spoke about  Original Daredevel Spoon  https://amzn.to/3wf4V52 Jay Rope https://www.facebook.com/JayRopetotheRescue/ Clam Look out https://amzn.to/2Y59hyO  Clam Ribbon Leech Spoon https://amzn.to/3jXvk2g  Frabil VYPR tip up with aerator https://amzn.to/3w7aLoK           

In the final episode of season 4 of the Hard Water Fishing Show  Jason goes Ice sailing Jeff wins the crappiest fisherman award North Woods Dave and Ole join to recap the ice season, and the 22nd annual Hard Water Invitational

In this episode of the Hard Water Fishing Show Jeff and Jason talk to Ben and Brett "Cat Daddy" from the Short Rod Show Podcast.  

In this episode Jason talks about his experience Ice Fishing and Winter Camping in the Boundary Water Canoe Area (BWCA), Jeff and North Woods Dave fish Mille Lacs in the last weekend of Walleye season in Minnesota.

In this episode of the Hard Water Fishing Show we talk to Ken Hirschman about building an track machine at home, and why its better than a snowmobile, 4-wheeler or UTV for ice fishing.  

In this episode of the Hard Water Fishing Show Jason checks out ZOINKS! Ron talks about he ice road to the North West Angle Dave changes his lure Gear Fire House tip up, works in -30 degree weather.  https://amzn.to/3aQe2yw Fire House tip up, portable.  This is great for storage, but you will need a thermal to keep the ice hole from freezing over. https://amzn.to/3tPq1Fs  Glow Perch Buck Shot, the go to lure for the hard water show on lake of the woods.  https://amzn.to/3jLmVNZ Strike Master 40v Auger, with a 10'' chipper blade works great in my ice house. The 8'' is nice and portable. https://amzn.to/3rDaBCi     

In this episode of the Hard Water Fishing Show. We are excited to have Kathy Olson on the show to talk about ice fishing. Jeff gives a fish CPR.Jason fishes with minnow bacon.Jason goes winter camping.