Best Ice Stick For Walleyes On LOTWs????

[Frank Walsh]

If Dennis makes one, it will have lights, music, a cup holder, and vibrate.

[Gissert]

If you guys are looking for materials to make your heown rigs, try machinistmaterials.com

[DSmith]

Dennis, when you make the tip down include a alarm for those slow times when I am sleeping. I am leaving in the morning for four days of fishing at Franks along with my new Thorne Bros. 28" medium stick. I even put new line on my reel for the occasion. It should withstand all the hook sets that I anticipate. Remember that secret location? I will be there somehow.

[Illinois Dennis]

Dick, with your history on LOTWs, you will probably pull a pair of thirty inches out of the secret spot. I'm sure Frank will keep us posted with pictures.

[DSmith]

I will do my best. Nothing would please me more than being able to ring the famous Bell for a 30" Walleye. I haven't done it yet, close but no prize, in 9 years of ice fishing at Bay Store. Maybe Frank removed the bell for the winter and will put it back up in June for the start of Musky season.

[DSmith]

I would like to tip my hat to Gissert and TBone for their recommendations about the Tip Down. TBone's post on January 3rd was right on and everyone should read it again. For my setup I purchased the Rod Rocker II, purchased a fancy board and drilled it to hold the Rocker. I did not use any bobbers but just watched the motion of the rod. The sensitivity was unreal and I did not fear that the rod would come off the holder arm. Just shows that if you ask questions there is someone out there with answers. Thanks again guys.

[Gissert]

No problem, and glad you had such a good trip. Hopefully you left with all your gloves.

The rock n reel method can turn you from a zero to a hero on a tough bite.

[DSmith]

Had to chase a shoe for awhile.

[Frank Walsh]

Had a bit of a slow down on Saturday. I was really wishing that the guys were equipped with tip downs. Overall not a bad day, but I'd bet would make a difference.

Since T-Bone is out of it, I'll mention this brand:

http://todaystackle.com/rodrocker2.html

Although we all know who deserves the credit for this.

[WallEYES]

Frank
That would of been interesting if your clients used those to see how they would do.... we have been using them for years. I like GISSERTS famous quote a few posts back....it can make you a zero to hero on any day....very true!

[Frank Walsh]

Here's a few pics.

[DSmith]

Dennis, When are you going up to Franks? I am planning on the 3rd weekend in March to try the tip down on ice. Hopefully there will be no wind. That secret fishing location is calling me back. Maybe the ice road will still be there.

[Illinois Dennis]

Dick, still working on it. Having trouble with my fishing partner getting away right now, seems there is a bit of a downturn in the economy I guess.

Will let you know if/when it happens.

[Frank Walsh]

The big "K" must not be one of the lucky 95%............eh?

Mr. Smith. We started fishing your secret spot today, and all I'm willing to say is...............GOOD!

[DSmith]

John and I are ready to drop a line there. Getting my snowshoes or is it spelled snoshoe, ready for the long trek.

[Illinois Dennis]

Our industry was flat last year till Nov, then it dropped 20%-25%. Dec wasn't much better. Jan and Feb this year it is down 35%; loads of layoffs, etc. Need I say more.....

[DSmith]

I must still be recovering from the last trip in March to Franks as I did not let you know how things went. The ice was questionable but had no problem when we listened to everything Frank said. We had a snowmobile with a sled and fished a total of 4 secret spots. They are not secrets now. The larger Walleyes, not Elpout, escaped us but we did manage better than average sizes and amounts for the 2.5 days we fished. Weather was perfect with temperatures in the upper 20's and no wind. We did feed a couple of Elpouts to the only seagull on LOTW in March as he looked thin and hungry. He also consumed a crab in no time. We are planning on doing it again next year but a week earlier. All the terminal equipment worked great and the tip downs were the ticket. Now I can't wait until June for a return trip.

[Frank Walsh]

Hey. We are no longer talking about ice & snow. We're into boats these days.

[DSmith]

I know but I can still remember March. I am putting the Lund in the water tomorrow morning to see if everything is OK. Walleye are being caught in a lake near the house, so I might as well try. Someone caught last weekend a 12.5 pounder in 3 feet of water on that lake.

[Frank Walsh]

Try six feet. That's where the 25 pounders are.

[DSmith]

I will let you know how it goes.