Throughout the Northland, intrepid anglers are taking their first tentative steps onto the frozen surfaces of pine-studded lakes, welcoming another season of hardwater fishing. After weeks of organizing tackle, sharpening auger blades, charging batteries, and spooling reels, holes are being cut, bites are being triggered, and fish tails are slapping the ice. With most of a tumultuous, uncertainty-filled calendar year now in the rearview mirror, the action-packed first ice period is finally upon us.

“The first weeks of fishable ice represent one of the truly exceptional hardwater opportunities during the winter months,” states Troy Peterson, a.k.a. ‘Mr. Bluegill’ — a full-time guide and hardwater specialist from eastern Wisconsin. “After a fall of scouting new lakes, organizing gear, and watching last year’s videos on YouTube, I’m more ready than ever to get on the ice — and shallow water panfish and walleye are at the top of my agenda.”

Panfish beckon to ice anglers all season long, and the first weeks of walkable ice cover witness some enormous crappies and sumo bluegills being extracted from the depths. You’ll find first ice panfish in two general locations: along the outside edges of remnant green weedbeds and suspended over the main basin of the lake, frequently in 25-35 feet of water. As winter progresses, those weedline fish will trend toward the basin or scatter over deep mudflats, although many lakes host a low-light weedline bite throughout the season.

Peterson notes that, “all of my panfish rods are spooled with 2 lb. test Seaguar IceX™. One of the first things you’ll notice about IceX™ is its extremely low memory — even in freezing temperatures — which means that it comes off the reel nice and straight, without that “slinky effect” that can happen with stiff, coiled line. The abrasion resistance of 100% fluorocarbon IceX™ means that I won’t have to worry about breaking off a giant bluegill as he spirals around beneath the ice and rubs my line against the edge of the hole. And of course, remember that fluorocarbon is a very low-stretch line which enhances its sensitivity, so you’ll feel more bites and catch more fish.”

Captain Troy Peterson talks about Seaguar IceX™ Read more

CLEARWATER, Fla. — The Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary rescued two men from the water Saturday after their 24-foot boat sank 40 miles west of Bradenton.

Rescued were Larry Mccain, 52, from Parrish, and Dennis Amo, 64, from Sarasota.

At 10:30 a.m., a Personal Locator Beacon notification alerted Coast Guard District 7 Miami watchstanders the men were in distress.

A Coast Guard Auxiliary air crew was diverted from its patrol and located the two men wearing life jackets clinging to the hull of the boat.

A MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Air Station Clearwater launched and hoisted the men from the water. The men were transported to Air Station Clearwater to await transportation home.

No injuries were reported. Read more

Key legislation also authorizes market-based transfer of Alaska halibut quota from commercial fishing sector to the charter fishing sector

Alexandria, VA – December 10, 2020 – The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the bipartisan Driftnet Modernization and Bycatch Reduction Act (S. 906) to phase out large-scale driftnet fishing in federal waters off California. Authored in the Senate by Sens. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.), and in the House by Reps. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), the bill passed the U.S. Senate in July and now heads to President Donald Trump’s desk for his signature.

The Driftnet Modernization and Bycatch Reduction Act will align commercial swordfish fishing in California with other U.S. and international swordfish fisheries by ending the use of mile-long large-mesh drift gillnets. Phasing out this indiscriminate gear and replacing it with a more sustainable fishing practice will result in increased economic benefits and less bycatch, including marine mammals, sea turtles and many recreationally important fish species. Read more

Grand Prairie, TX Just because you’re fishing in sub-zero temperatures doesn’t mean you have to be cold and uncomfortable. The new Ice Hunter Shelters from Frabill offers more fishable space and easy entry and exit, so you never feel cramped. They’re wrapped with plenty of fully quilted insulation to keep you warm on the coldest days.

“The biggest advantage of the patented Sidestep design is that each angler can get in and out without getting in each other’s way,” says Dale Stroschein, Frabill ice fishing pro and Freshwater Hall of Fame Angler. Read more

Partnering with the American Sportfishing Association, the American Fly Fishing Trade Association and the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program presents this video which highlights how the partnerships among industry, state fish and wildlife agencies and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service restore and conserve sport fish and increase angling and boating opportunities nationwide. The Sport Fish Restoration Program partnerships are funded by excise taxes on angling equipment and motorboat fuel. This film is a product of the Partner with a PayerSM initiative.

–USFWS

Project preproposals due Jan. 8

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Habitat Grant program is offering an expected $1.85 million in funding for a variety of activities, including fish habitat conservation, dam removal and repair, resource assessment studies, and providing access to recreation. Read more