RACINE, Wis.–– Humminbird has elevated its already best-in-class ICE HELIX lineup with even more intuitive Humminbird technology and a brand-new premium ice shuttle design, available on the all-new ICE HELIX 7 G4 and ICE HELIX 9 G4N models.

“The Humminbird ICE Shuttle was completely redesigned to create the best ice fishing experience possible,” said Humminbird Brand Manager Matt Cook. “The design was based on the experience and input from many accomplished ice anglers and guides, and the end result is a shuttle that is loaded with features and custom options for anglers to make the ICE HELIX their own.”

Additionally, the new ICE HELIX 7 G4 delivers an upgraded HD display, extended runtime, and the new Humminbird ICE Shuttle, along with industry-leading CHIRP sonar, Interference Rejection and built-in GPS and mapping capabilities.

Humminbird Ice Shuttle

The new Humminbird ICE Shuttle will help anglers keep gear and equipment within arm’s reach, while providing a platform that can be customized to how they fish.

• Master Power Switch: Easily turn power on and off, without disconnecting the battery.
• Quick-Connect SAE Power Cables: Power your ICE HELIX and optional accessories using quick-disconnect leads and charge the battery without removing any connections.
• Large Carry Handle: The large handle is designed for easy carry, even while wearing winter gloves easy.
• Modular Design: With multiple 1?4″-20 mounting points, you can customize the shuttle with the accessories you need, right where you need them.
• Dual Rod Holders: Keep your rods organized and secure while on the ice, in transport or storage.
• Transducer Cup: The moveable transducer cup also provides cable management to dial in cable length for varying ice thickness and fishing scenarios.
• Battery Protection: Keep your battery secure and out of the elements.
• Compatible with HELIX 7, 8, 9, and 10 CHIRP models
  • Included on all ICE HELIX G4/G4N models

Humminbird ICE HELIX 7 G4

The new ICE HELIX 7 G4 models now include the new Humminbird ICE Shuttle, a 15Ah Norsk lithium battery, and a higher resolution HD display (1024 x 600).

Cook mentions, “The ICE HELIX 7 G4 The ICE HELIX 7 G4 is a powerful fish finder in a popular screen size. And when the ice melts, the All Season model includes everything you need to use it on a boat.” Read more

Have you caught a trout or salmon in Michigan that had an adipose fin clip? If so, it could contain a tag with valuable information.

Through mass marking assistance by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, several Great Lakes states, including Michigan, mark popular gamefish like steelhead, Chinook salmon, Atlantic salmon, brown trout and lake trout.

The adipose fin – a small, fleshy fin behind the larger dorsal fin – is found on only a few fish, including trout, salmon and catfish. Most trout and salmon with an adipose fin clip also have a coded-wire tag in their snout. The tag is small, like the tip of a lead pencil, so it must be removed by lab technicians. If anglers catch an adipose fin clipped fish, they should turn in the head at a local drop-off station in Michigan.

“We have creel clerks at some ports, but there are several areas where we don’t have staff, including on river systems with unique fisheries, such as Atlantic salmon or steelhead,” said Randy Claramunt, Lake Huron Basin coordinator with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. “To get enough tag returns to learn about these species, we need the help of our anglers to voluntarily turn in heads.” Read more

Calling all lake associations, watershed groups, nonprofits, and local and tribal units of government! The Michigan Clean Boats, Clean Waters program is offering grants to support aquatic invasive species outreach efforts. This funding opportunity is available to organizations dedicated to boater education about aquatic invasive species and protecting Michigan’s waterways.

Funding requests can range from $1,000 to $3,000 and do not require local match or cost sharing. Clean Boats, Clean Waters grants can be used for a variety of activities including signage, invasive species removal supplies such as plant removal tools, sponges and towels, and staff time to perform watercraft inspections and demonstrations of boat cleaning techniques. Interested organizations can apply for a grant now on the Clean Boats, Clean Waters website. The deadline to apply is Dec. 17.

This is a competitive funding opportunity, and complete applications will be ranked based on eligibility, project significance and overall strategy. Read more

Striking form, extreme capability, and ruggedness are the hallmarks of this next-generation open-array radar

Nashua NH- October 26th, 2021 – Raymarine announces Cyclone™, the newest range of open-array radars, conceived and crafted to give mariners the confidence to tackle the harshest conditions, gain distinct advantages in the hunt for fish, and safely navigate busy waterways. All-new Cyclone radars are available in 3-, 4- and 6-foot arrays and two high-power output options for each size. Each model features innovative detection technologies, including Cyclone Bird Mode, that elevates Cyclone into a class all its own.

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Cutting-Edge Design Read more

Project preproposals are due Nov. 12

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is offering nearly $1.6 million in funding for a variety of activities tied to improving state fisheries and aquatic resources, including fish habitat conservation, dam removal and repair, resource assessment studies and providing access to recreation. Distributed through three themes – aquatic habitat conservation, dam management, and aquatic habitat and recreation in the Au Sable, Manistee and Muskegon river watersheds – Fisheries Habitat Grant funding is available through an open, competitive process to local, state, federal and tribal governments and nonprofit groups. Read more

The days are getting cooler, the leaves are beginning to change and the salmon are starting their annual spawning runs – all signs that the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is preparing for Chinook and coho salmon egg takes.

Managing Michigan’s world-class fisheries is dependent on egg takes each fall. Salmon return to the rivers and streams where they were hatched or stocked. To aid in annual egg collection, the DNR has strategically placed weirs in rivers with high concentrations of spawning salmon.

DNR facilities begin operations in mid-September and complete the process in late October for all Pacific salmon egg takes. Though the egg collection work is scheduled, the DNR team will act only when there are sufficient numbers to indicate the fish are ready. Conditions can vary day to day.

DNR staff conduct egg takes not only to support Michigan’s yearly fish production goals, but also to assist other Great Lakes states in meeting their fishery needs. This season, portions of Michigan-collected eggs will be directed to Illinois and Indiana. Read more

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife annually stocks 54 lakes and reservoirs with saugeye, a fast-growing and popular game fish. A hybrid cross between a sauger and a walleye, saugeye offer Ohio anglers the chance to catch excellent table fare and the occasional trophy fish.

Three Division of Wildlife state fish hatcheries produce and stock about 25 million saugeye annually. These fish reach a catchable size in one to three years depending on where they are stocked. The state record saugeye was caught in 2004 at Antrim Lake in Franklin County. It weighed 14.04 pounds and measured 30? inches long. The fish are active year-round and will particularly engage with artificial lures and live bait during the fall and spring months.

“The fall is an excellent time to catch saugeye because they are feeding heavily to bulk up for the coming winter,” said Rich Zweifel, the Division of Wildlife’s Inland Fisheries Program Administrator. “Saugeye are often caught in shallow water, so be sure to consider its clarity when choosing your fishing methods. A good time to fish for saugeye is at sunrise and sunset when they are most active.” Read more