March 2012
OUTDOOR CONNECTION Man to man, guide to guide Top Hat BBQ Catering Service meets customers’ needs
Planning a fishing trip Catch ‘em when others can’t
2-Estherville (Ia.) Outdoor Connection, FRIDAY, March 2, 2012
TOP HAT BBQ CATERING SERVICE DESIGNED TO MEET CUSTOMERS’ NEEDS What more can you ask for in a grill than one that’s a 6 in 1 grill. It will grill, smoke, bake, braise, roast and barbeque. That’s exactly what Tim Brashear, owner of Top Hat BBQ in Estherville thought when he bought his first Traeger Wood Pellet Grill in 2000. Now 11 years later, that grill is still going strong and as a result, Brashear has been a Traeger Wood Pellet Grill distributer for the past three years, while at the same time using the Traeger Grill to meet the demands of his ever expanding Top Hat BBQ and catering service. The reason? “They work well, the flavor of the food is awesome and I don’t have to babysit the grill,” says Brashear. That’s important, because as the owner of Mac’s Top Hat and the Top Hat BBQ Catering Service, there simply isn’t time to spend tending constantly to
a grill. This is especially so since Brashear is an outdoorsman and enjoys both hunting and fishing. “The good thing is, though, I get things set on the grill, go out hunting or fishing and time
hours to cook them, and I can leave them alone and take care of other things while they are cooking.” Brashear says the real secret to the grill is the allnatural wood pellets (eight flavors from which to choose) that provide the great taste and a predetermined even heat based on TEVE what is being cooked. This all taken care of by a EISMAN is three-position switch or digOUTDOOR EDITOR ital controller that heats at three levels: high, which allows for grilling; medium, which makes for slow cookit so I am back in plenty of ing; smoke setting, which time to finish taking care of delivers an even amount of the food.” smoke to the food without One of Brashear’s having to tend the fire. favorites is smoking ribs “Using the Traeger guide, with his “secret” recipe and you can put in the pellets, just the right amount of bar- set the temperature, walk beque sauce. “They come away and the grill does its out just the way I want them job.” Brashear shows off the Lil Tex grill, one of the most popular with his customers. to every time, and I don’t Over the past three years Photo by Steve Weisman have to be checking them all as Brashear served ribs, the time. It’ll take about six pulled pork sandwiches, smoked turkey, you name it, racks of ribs, I’ll combine they learn what their to his customers at Mac’s another customer’s request Traeger Grill will do for Top Hat, people began to and cook for the two of them. If there is a problem urge Brashear to begin BBQ them. I’ll often have cus- or if they need a part catering and the success has tomers have me do several replaced, that’s what I’m been incredible. “It’s been racks of ribs. They will be there for.” by word of mouth, but I smoked for six hours and According to Brashear have customers from a 100 finished with a special bar- there are seven different size mile radius of Estherville.” becue sauce. I will make Traeger Grills, but the most Not long ago, he had a sure they are put in tin foil. popular is the Lil’ Tex with request for a noon barbeque Then what they don’t eat, a 418 sq. inch grill area at the Regional Wellness they can freeze them for use (19”x22) with a maximum Center. “I got the call on later on.” output of 20,000 BTUs. Monday for a barbeque on Yes, Brashear has his For more information on Wednesday.” That’s more share of recipes. “I think it’s either the Traeger Grills or than enough time for fun to experiment with dif- the Top Hat BBQ and Brashear to put everything ferent tastes to help you Catering, contact Brashear together. According to Bob come up with exactly what at (712) 380-6196. Grems, Director of the you want. Plus, Traeger Up Next Regional Wellness Center, offers grill owners cook- Outdoor Connection read“We’ve had Top Hat BBQ books and online recipes.” ers will get the opportunity several times for our noon What it really comes down to follow Brashear each meals and also for private to is Top Hat BBQ has in month as he shares suggesparties. Tim is easy to work Brashear a grill master who tions on when and how to with and does a great job of truly enjoys preparing food grill, smoke, bake, braise, having everything ready in a for his customers. At the roast and barbeque using a timely manner. Plus, the same time, more and more Traeger Grill. Plus, he’ll food has always been excel- customers are becoming share a favorite recipe each lent.” Traeger Grill owners. After month! Look for Brashear’s Brashear adds, the sale, Brashear continues column beginning in Brashear checks out ribs in preparation for the recently completed Super Bowl. “Sometimes, if, say, a per- to offer support. “I’m here April…just in time for Photo by Steve Weisman son wants just a couple to help, to guide them as spring grilling!
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Estherville (Ia.) Outdoor Connection, FRIDAY, March 2, 2012-3
A little sharper than the rest BY STEVE WEISMAN OUTDOOR EDITOR
Spring is close at hand and northwest Iowans are preparing for the upcoming lawn season. Cutting Edge Sales & Service in Milford has its customers covered all year long, from tillers and mowers to snowblowers and ice auger repairs. Opening a small engine repair shop/retail store was never a thought in owner, Joe Wittrock’s, mind until he met Al Kunz nearly seven years ago. At the time, Joe already owned one very busy company, Wittrock Lawn Service, which provides lawn care services, landscaping, snow removal, and more throughout the Lakes area and Spencer. On a separate path, Al had spent 30 years as service manager for a major farm and parts store in the Humboldt area. His passion for fishing the Iowa Great Lakes prompted a move to Northwest Iowa. He knocked on the door at Wittrock’s home to apply for a job on the lawn crew and has, much to Wittrock’s delight, been around ever since! Al spent a few years as a crew leader for Wittrock Lawn Service and, in that time, repaired everything that was needed to keep the crew up and running. Al
says, “I’ve tinkered with small engines ever since I was a kid.” His expertise was invaluable to Joe, but Al was feeling his body wouldn’t be able to keep up on the lawn crew for much longer. That is when the discussion about starting up a small engine retail/repair shop began between Joe and Al. Coincidentally, at the same time, Al visited the Walker Mower booth at the Clay County Fair, where he spoke to a representative. He told them how they used Walker mowers every day at Wittrock Lawn Service and the positive experience they had with the line of mowers. Eventually, Al and Joe were approached to take over the Walker Mower line in the Lakes Area, as Walker was feeling they weren’t being suitably represented in the area at that time. That was enough to energize the two men to get Cutting Edge Sales & Service opened up in March of 2009 in North Milford with Al serving as store manager. Last year, Joe bought a higher profile storefront on Highway 71. Now Wittrock Lawn Service and Cutting Edge Sales and Service are all together in one convenient location. “We’ve found that it’s all about location, location, location,” says Al.
“We feed off of each other and support each other really well,” Al says. With the growth in business, Joe’s wife, Jodi, is now office manager for both businesses and another full time mechanic was hired, along with a part time front desk clerk. “Things run very smoothly with the solid group of employees we have. I know the store is in good hands when I am away,” says Joe. Services and products “You know, an old timer told me years ago, ‘Treat people fairly and with respect.’ That’s what we want to do for all of our customers at Cutting Edge,” says Al. For Joe, his passion is lawn care, and providing owners with the best looking lawn around. Pictures taken of Wittrock Lawn Service jobs underscore Joe’s eye for quality and detail. Of course, to Joe much of the credit goes to his line of mowers: Walker Mowers. Designed to produce a finished job with a manicured look and even, intricate mowing patterns, Joe not only uses them exclusively, he is now also one of the top Walker Mower dealers in an eightstate region. Al proudly says, “The past two years Joe’s Walker dealership was
second in sales volume in the region. He has also received the outstanding sales growth award.” Recognizing the diverse needs of their customers and that the Walker Mowers are a true high-end mower, Joe and Al also went with a second manufacturer: Husqvarna. Husqvarna offers high quality at a lower cost. Plus, they offer smaller sized rider mowers and push mowers, along with tillers and chainsaws. For winter weather, walk behind single and two stage snowblowers and tractor mounted attachments are available as well. “We like them because of their cost and reliability,” says Al. Products don’t end there. Cutting Edge also has a full line of Echo equipment: leaf blowers, grass trimmers, hedge trimmers, edgers, power pruners and chain saws. In addition, there are Briggs and Stratton power washers and generators. Repair Repair is Al’s baby, but then when you began tinkering with engines at age 12, why wouldn’t it be? Al is a certified repairman for Kohler, Briggs, Echo, Walker, Jiffy and Strikemaster. Also, he is often the only mechanic in
Joe and Al with a Walker Mower. Photo by Steve Weismann
the area willing to repair scooters and mopeds and has had much success doing so. Occasionally, Al has worked on golf carts, classic cars, and skid loaders. Chances are, if it’s got a motor, Al will take a look at it! At the same time, Cutting Edge provides a complete sharpening service and offers a fully stocked parts room with over 5,000 parts in stock. To really simplify things for their
customers, they also provide free pick up and delivery in the Lakes area. Specialty items While Joe’s passion is the Walker line of mowers, Al also has specialties of his own, including the Echo and Husqvarna outdoor power equipment lines. Another of his passions is grilling, which is what prompted Al to begin Turn to EDGE, Page 3
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4-Estherville (Ia.) Outdoor Connection, FRIDAY, March 2, 2012
92 ENTRANTS COMPETE AT SECOND ANNUAL PURE FISHING FOUNDATION PERCH ICE FISHING TOURNAMENT BY STEVE WEISMAN OUTDOOR EDITOR
A total of 92 entrants participated in the second annual Pure Fishing Foundation Perch Ice Fishing Tournament held Saturday, Feb. 25 on Big Spirit Lake. The results found 28 individuals weighing 10-perch limits with a total of 395 perch weighed in by all of the contestants. “What a great day,” said Brent Southworth, one of the tournament organizers. “The weather really cooperated with sunny skies and very little wind. Word was during this past week that the perch were finally starting to bite, and the results at the weigh-in supports that report.” Results:
Cody Christians from Blue Earth, MN took home the first place prize of a $500 gift certificate from Fisherman’s Factory Outlet with a 10-perch weight of 6.796 pounds. He also weighed in the biggest perch, an .84-ouncer. Second place and a gift certificate of $250 went to Austin Full from Royal, IA with a 10-perch weight of 6.242 pounds. Joel Donahue from Spencer took the third place
Top 10 placers in second annual Pure Fishing Foundation Perch Ice Fishing Tournament: (L to R) Brandon Christians, 10th place; David Isom, 9th place; Kevan Paul, 8th place; Noah King, 7th place; Mark Tullis, 6th place; Jason Elgersma, 5th place; Gary McGrath, 4th place; Joel Donahue, 3rd place; Austin Full, 2nd place; Cody Christians, 1st place. Photo by Steve Weismann
prize of a $100 gift certificate with a 10-perch weight of 5.81 pounds. Christians and Full were the only two anglers with a weight over six pounds, but the top 10 placers all broke five pounds with their 10fish weights. Winning presentations
Although all three anglers fished the main basin of the lake, targeting the deeper parts of Big Spirit Lake, they each used a slightly different presentation to take their fish.
For Christians, the pressure eased for him early in the morning. “I had my best bite early and had seven fish, including the biggest one, in the first hour.” He had his best luck using either a firetiger or gold Fiska tungsten jig. Instead of using live bait, Christians tipped the Fiska with either white or chartreuse plastic. Full used a Northland Tackle Hexi Fly tipped with silver wigglers or wax worms. “I started out putting six wigglers on, but
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then the perch quit biting, so I added a wax worm and that got them to begin biting again. “ Donahue, meanwhile, went with a green Genz Worm tipped with two silver wigglers. However, he had to keep the bait fresh and found that he had to add new wigglers after each bite. “I had to do a lot of hole hopping, too.”
the first year. Each year our goal will be to make the tournament bigger and better.” All together, a total of $5000 in prizes and raffle items was awarded at the weigh-in. In addition to the fun and competition of the ice fishing tournament, all of the money from the entry fees will go to the Pure Fishing Foundation to help coworkReflections ers and their families with “Things really turned out hardships that might occur well. We’re excited to see requiring emergency finanthe increase in numbers over cial assistance.
EDGE, Continued from Page 3 researching, and eventually purchasing for himself, a Green Mountain Grill. Al has always enjoyed grilling, but also experienced the headache that comes with so many grills, whether it is the charcoal mess and flare-up issues or the rusting out of the conventional propane grills. Cutting Edge is now a Green Mountain Grill dealer and carries pellets, sauces and rubs, and other grilling accessories “It is a top of the line wood pellet grill, and it doesn’t require the baby sitting that so many grills require. You can grill, roast, smoke, whatever you want to do. Plus, with the digital probe thermometer, you don’t have to watch it all the time. You can start it and know how much time you have to do something else”, say Al. Joe may not be as knowledgeable of the ins and outs of the grill, but he knows his taste buds are pleased when Al brings in something he has smoked or grilled over the weekend. “Sales in this area have definitely increased thanks to the knowledge and samples that Al provides!” says Joe. As you can see, when it comes to the outdoors, both in the summer and winter, they’ve got you covered. After all, Cutting Edge Sales and Service is a little sharper than the rest!
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Estherville (Ia.) Outdoor Connection, FRIDAY, March 2, 2012-5
Feral cats negatively impact native wildlife BY WENDELL HANSEN BIRD HAVEN
Feral cats are the wild offspring of domestic cats, which originate from Africa. The feral cat population results primarily from the failure of pet owners to spay and neuter their animals. Owner abandonment is another source of feral cats. They impact native wildlife in three primary ways: predation, competition, and disease. According to research by the American Bird Conservancy, "Cats are non-indigenous predators that compete in the wild with native predators like owls, hawks, fox, because cats, being subsidized by humans, outnumber these native predators and prey on the same small mammals and birds. Thus, cats reduce the prey base for native predators, making it difficult for native predators to feed themselves and their young. In addition, these cats spread diseases, toxoplasmosis, salmonella, feline leukemia virus, feline immunodeficiency virus, feline aids and rabies in particular.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that “rabies is more than twice as common in cats as it is in dogs or cattle, and cats have the highest incidence of rabies among domestic species." It is estimated that there are 70 to 100 million feral cats in the nation. Feral and free roaming house cats kill one billion birds per year. Plus,
$17.000,000 in damage to bird populations. Estimates from research at the University of Wisconsin, notes Wisconsin that an estimated 39 million birds per year are killed by rural cats each year in that state. “Worldwide, cats may have been involved in the extinction of more bird species than any other cause, except habitat destruction." Cats have been implicated in the extinction of 33 species of birds worldwide. Addressing the problem Meanwhile, we must address the problems of the present. The traditional approach of dealing with stray cats and kittens is to either shoot them or trap them and bring them to the pound or local animal shelter. Some former pets will get adopted and some will find their owners, but the vast majority of such cats are euthanized. In repudiation of euthanization, some cat lovers have developed a plan that they hope is the answer to the exploding stray cat population. This program called the TNR program involves Trapping, Spaying, Neutering, Vaccinating and Releasing the cat back into nature. There, the cats will form colonies that will be supplied with food by human volunteers. The theory behind TNR programs is that sterilized cats cannot reproduce so eventually the colonies Turn to CATS, Page 8
Ducky’s Marine & Power Sport
Planning a fishing trip BY BOB JENSEN FISHING THE MIDWEST FISHING TEAM
It’s late winter. Lots of anglers are thinking of the upcoming open water fishing season. Many of those anglers are starting to plan a fishing trip or two that will take place this spring or summer or fall. Following are some ideas that may be helpful in planning a fishing trip. Some folks like to return to the same body of water every year. Nothing wrong with that: You know the area, you know where the fish live and how to catch them, and you’ve probably established some relationships in that area. If you like that, your job of planning a fishing trip is easy. You just do what you did in past years. If you want to explore a new area, finding that new area is part of the fun. You need to decide what you’re looking for. Do you want to target a particular species of fish, or would you prefer a multispecies body of water? Some folks want to chase only walleyes or bass or muskies or whatever. Others might want to catch bass, but if the bass don’t want to get caught, they want to have the option of catching something else that’s more willing to get caught. I like options: When I’m going to be spending a few days on a fishing trip, I want to catch some-
thing. I really like to spend time on multi-species bodies of water. So, how do we find a place to go fishing for a few days. There’s lots of information available. Television fishing shows are a good place to get an idea. The internet can be another source of information. But these are just starters: You need to actually talk with someone to make sure the area offers what you’re looking for. There are lots of sportshows in the winter and early spring months. Sportshows are a great place to find general tourism areas and specific fishing resorts. Cabela’s events can be even better. In March the various Cabela’s stores host their Spring Great Outdoor Days. These events host seminars and often various resorters are in attendance. Ask the seminar presenters for ideas, and also check out the resorters. Cabela’s Spring Great Outdoor Days have free admission and parking is free also. Then you have to determine when you can go on your trip. Lots of fishing-trip-planners need to plan around Little League season and planting season and many other things. Other folks can go pretty much anytime. Figure out which camp you fall into and proceed accordingly. Ok, let’s get to work. Do
some research to determine a body of water or area you’d like to visit. Go to the tourism websites for that area. There will be listings for resorts in that area. Call the resorts that appear to be what you’re looking for. Ask if they’ll be at a sportshow or Cabela’s event close to where you live. If they will, go to that event and meet them. If you’re comfortable with what you find, book your trip. By doing the legwork we just talked about, you will greatly increase your odds of having an enjoyable fishing trip.
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6-Estherville (Ia.) Outdoor Connection, FRIDAY, March 2, 2012
Man to man, guide to guide BY TOM NEUSTROM RAPALA PRO STAFFER
Editor’s note: In another story this month, Bob Jensen gives tips on making arrangements for a fishing trip. Here, Tom Neustrom puts this plan together for an unforgettable trip this past November to Arkansas. Neustrom, who began his 28-year career as a fishing guide on Lake Geneva in southern Wisconsin, is recognized in the fishing industry, In-Fisherman, North American Fishing Club and Fishing Facts magazine as one of the top walleye anglers and guides in the country. You could say we northerners sometimes migrate with the geese, or more like snowbirds, to places far from the frosted lands. No doubt, the warm sun on one’s back is reward enough, but for many anglers, it’s the pursuit of openwater alternatives that lure us southward. For me, even a week or two below the Ice Belt recharges my fishing soul and preps me for the final few weeks of ice fishing. Learn by asking questions
This past November, veteran walleye chasers Mark Brumbaugh, Tony Roach and I had the opportunity to track walleyes in Arkansas. We were like three giddy kids, knowing the potential and possibilities that lurked in Lake Ouachita. Trailering down, our big Lund ProV’s became our navigational chariots. But before embarking, we did what all intuitive anglers should – we got a pep talk and mini seminar from a deeply entrenched local.
In this case, it was the guiding icon, Jerry Bean. He’s an approachable southern gentleman and mountain of a man. Jerry is a guide’sguide that knows every inch of Lake Ouachita, every nook and cranny that walleye hide throughout the year. Mark and I had the distinct pleasure of sharing an afternoon on the reservoir with Jerry. We became his students, realizing that we were far from home and needed to listen intensely to the Lake Ouachita professor. Both Mark and I are walleye veterans with deep knowledge of the sacred species, but we were there to listen, learn, and absorb. Jerry opened by expressing how essential it is to locate pods of baitfish – shad – that can range as deep as 50-feet. Besides the points and inside turns that Mark and I were familiar with from fishing northern natural lakes, we came to learn that flooded stands of trees and brushpiles, even random groupings, were magnets for baitfish and walleyes in the vastness of Lake Ouachita. There are also monster striped bass that patrol the same food-forests, adding potential shock and awe with light tackle. Fishing wood can be tricky and Jerry has found that heavy jigging spoons (1/2-ounce plus) effectively imitate native baitfish with their flash and wobble. That, and staying vertical is critical in the presence of so much lumber. With a watchful eye on his electronics, Jerry puts that spoon right in the grill of these often suspended fish with the accu-
racy of William Tell on the apple. My personal pick for spooning in such situations is a Luhr-Jensen Crippled Herring. Presentation options
When vertically fishing spoons at a multitude of depths, it’s essential to get better feel and control by using a high-sensitivity braid. Suffix 832 is the choice of many, including Jerry, as it lays comfortably on the spool and transmits feel better than anything else in the bait shop. We all agreed that attaching a section of fluorocarbon leader – 18 to 24 inches – with an InvisaSwivels softens the hookset while eliminating line twist, too. Mark and I barraged Jerry with questions about what other techniques could turn these southern walleyes. Being a lifelong student himself, Jerry said he experiments with presentations learned from walleye articles and tricks picked up from customers from the north. Two of his mainstay presentations, when not jigging vertically, are running bottom-bouncers with spinners and fresh kept crawlers from a Frabill Crawler Crib; and jig fishing with minnow-imitating plastics, like Trigger X Action baits. Jerry states that all three have their place in his arsenal depending on time of year and fish preferences, which we all know can change by the day. With so much timber and brush on the bottom of Lake Ouachita, and other neighboring reservoirs, the bottom-bouncer and crawler combo makes for a nasty, snag-stopping trolling pattern that Mark and I are
intimately familiar with. We shared some insider information with Jerry on color selection and blade sizes, as well as trolling speeds. Mark expanded the conversation, talking about the trolling-board techniques that he is so well known for. We talked about jig presentations and Jerry let us know he preferred jig fishing early in the season for walleyes over and around points, creek arms, and sunken islands near shoreline breaks. And there’s the nearly certain probability of catching bonus largemouth and spotted bass, with the occasional bruising striper. During the afternoon we talked about hard-bodied stickbaits and when to fish them. Jerry said with a smile, “You guys don’t miss much…” We all discussed our favorite styles and brands and concurred that Rapala Husky Jerks and X Raps bang the most fish because of their neutral buoyancy, realistic looks, and enticing wobbles. Fished over the tree tops or on gravel points early in the season, stickbaits are as deadly as any of the arrows in Jerry’s quiver. Slip-bobber fishing was a relatively new approach for Jerry, and teacher turned student when the discussion came up. We fish small jigs opposed to plain hooks; incorporate attracting beads and even a touch of hair or feather on a jig. Livebait was strongly endorsed by both Mark and I, tipping with a half of crawler, whole shiner minnow, or plump leech – leeches being Greek down this way. (We promised Jerry to
For as many similarities, there are differences. The author and Rapala Pro Tom Neustrom learned this while fishing Arkansasʼ Lake Ouachita with area guide Jerry Bean and Lund Pro, Mark Brumbaugh. All day they swapped walleye wisdoms, and each came away with new notions on how to pursue their favorite quarry...north and south. photo by Bill Lindner
find him a source for big black Minnesota leeches.) Sharing information with one of the best walleye guides in the South was incredibly rewarding. We all learned from each other on his ‘Arkansas Campus of Fishology.’ But most of all, Mark and I came away with an experience we will not forget and made friends with southern guide who is equally as passionate about walleyes. A special thanks to Mountain Harbor Resort on Arkansas’ Lake Ouachita for providing top-flight lodging along with some serious home cooking. Visit www.mountainharborresort.com. Call 501282-6104 to book a boat with the amazing Jerry Bean.
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Estherville (Ia.) Outdoor Connection, FRIDAY, March 2, 2012-7
The traveling ice angler BY MARK STRAND
The dark blue four-wheeldrive van pulling the Bearcat snowmobile, with an auger rack across the front and Fish Trap nestled on the rear rack, knifes through Chicago traffic, headed east. Dave Genz is at the wheel, on his way for a three-week jaunt through many eastern states. All the way to Maine, as he has done every year for many years. “It still amazes me how summer fishermen will travel to fish,” says Genz, glancing at the rear view mirror, “but winter fishermen don’t do it as much. There’s so much good fishing to be had, even in your local area, if you go find it.” Maybe, Genz wonders, ice anglers just don’t think of ‘their’ equipment as being as portable as a boat on a trailer. He glances back at the trailer holding the sled, rigged for ice fishing. “It can’t be any more portable,” he says. “I can be on and off the trailer just as fast as I am with my boat in the summertime. And I don’t even have to have a ramp. I can unload on the side of the road, in a parking lot, even out on the ice.” Literally, from the time fishable ice forms in northern Minnesota, until the last of it melts in April, Dave is on the ice someplace almost every
day. Chances are, you don’t have quite that much time to spend ice fishing, but you can rig up and find local, regional, and far-flung adventures, too. Shelves in the Truck
Regardless whether you have a pickup, van, or other potential cargo hauler, you can build homemade shelves that will help you pack portable shelters, augers, depthfinders, and other ice fishing stuff. In his van, Genz uses a shelf system to stack rigs above and below a main shelf. “I can actually get four Fish Traps and all the gear back there,” he says, tipping his head toward the rear of the van. “ You won’t find such shelf systems for sale at truck accessory shops, but with the spirit of ice fishing ingenuity, you can create sturdy shelves that are removable on nonfishing days. Or, if you fish normally by yourself or with one other person, you might not even need a shelf system. Double-duty Trailer Genz refers to his snowmobile as “the engine for my bass boat on ice,” meaning it is used to haul additional gear and people. When he gets to the lake, the snowmobile backs off the trailer, the trailer is unhitched from the truck, then hitched to the back of the snowmobile.
(Many people use ATVs as an engine for ice fishing, and they work really well until snow depth limits their effectiveness. Track systems are available for ATVs, which are expensive but turn an ATV essentially into a snowmobile.) Because typical snowmobile trailers feature a lot of aluminum construction, they’re lightweight and easy to move into position by hand. A huge key is to place special skis under the trailer tires, so it will glide nicely across the ice and snow. Genz had his latest pair made, but you can find a few commercially produced with creative Googling. The auger rack is important, so that piece of gear is securely nestled while you’re traveling across the ice. Dave had his custom made, but notes that Strikemaster sells a rack that bolts to either a snowmobile or ATV. Mobile Fishing Unit Once the trailer is hitched to the machine, you can load it up with additional Fish Traps, perhaps another auger, and people can pile on. “This should go without saying,” mentions Dave, “but drive safely, so you don’t lose your people off the trailer.” Ice and snow, especially on cold days, can produce a relatively unforgiving ride.
What a great way to get kids out on the ice for some fishing fun! When youʼre rigged up to travel, your ice fishing adventures can include friends and family, and you can hit local and distant waters. Here, Dave Genz with a couple smiling youngsters who rode out with him on the trailer, then caught some dandy bluegills. (photo: davegenz.com)
“When we get out on the ice,” continues Genz, “we can do things you only wish you could do in the summertime. We spread out and go searching for the fish. We work in teams, drilling holes, checking them with a Vexilar flasher or underwater camera, dropping down and fishing as we go. Because our clothing (Ice Armor suits) have padded knees and lots of pockets, we can have everything we need to fish outside or in the fish house. “I have small jig boxes (which he helped design for Clam) in my pants and coat pockets, and we just kneel on the ice to fish from hole to hole.” When they get over a good
pod of biters, or just need to warm up for a while, the Fish Traps come out and heaters come on. The sled, or base, of the Trap holds more rods, heater, additional lures, a bucket for fish, and more. Just what you need, nothing more, to keep weight to a minimum and make mobility easy. From afar, Genz and his friends look like hunting dogs, driving hard at first, taking on vast sections of ice, then narrowing the search when positive signs are found, eventually huddling together right where the fish are. This process repeats itself every day, often on new bodies of water, often on waters they’ve never seen
before. “When you’re set up like this,” says Genz, waving his right hand toward the back of the van, “you can go with four guys on a nice trip, and gas is back to a dollar a gallon. When you get good at packing up your stuff, you can hit more than one lake in a day, no problem. It’s all a matter of getting rigged up for traveling.” Notes: To watch a video where Dave shows how his gear is set up for traveling, go to www.davegenz.com. Dave Genz, known as Mr. Ice Fishing, was the primary driver of the modern ice fishing revolution. He has been enshrined in the National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame and Minnesota Fishing Hall of Fame for his contributions to the sport.
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8-Estherville (Ia.) Outdoor Connection, FRIDAY, March 2, 2012
Catchʼem when others canʼt BY BOB JENSEN FISHING THE MIDWEST FISHING TEAM
It’s late winter. Lots of anglers are thinking of the upcoming open water fishing season. Many of those anglers are starting to plan a fishing trip or two that will take place this spring or summer or fall. Following are some ideas that may be helpful in planning a fishing trip. Some folks like to return to the same body of water every year. Nothing wrong with that: You know the area, you know where the fish live and how to catch them, and you’ve probably established some relationships in that area. If you like that, your job of planning a fishing trip is easy. You just do what you did in past years. If you want to explore a new area, finding that new area is part of the fun. You need to decide what you’re looking for. Do you want to target a particular species of fish, or would you prefer a multi-species body of water? Some folks want to chase only walleyes or bass or muskies or whatever. Others might want to catch To see all the newest episodes of Fishing the Midwest television, visit FISHINGTHEMIDWEST.COM
bass, but if the bass don’t want to get caught, they want to have the option of catching something else that’s more willing to get caught. I like options: When I’m going to be spending a few days on a fishing trip, I want to catch something. I really like to spend time on multi-species bodies of water. So, how do we find a place to go fishing for a few days. There’s lots of information available. Television fishing shows are a good place to get an idea. The internet can be another source of information. But these are just starters: You need to actually talk with someone to make sure the area offers what you’re looking for. There are lots of sportshows in the winter and early spring months. Sportshows are a great place to find general tourism areas and specific fishing resorts. Cabela’s events can be even better. In March the various Cabela’s stores host their Spring Great Outdoor Days. These events host seminars and often various resorters are in attendance. Ask the seminar presenters for ideas, and also check out the resorters. Cabela’s Spring Great Outdoor Days have free admission and parking is free also. Then you have to determine
Late ice offers some of the best action of the year. Pay attention to ice conditions, if the ice is safe, get out there Photo by Bob Jensen
when you can go on your trip. Lots of fishing-trip-planners need to plan around Little League season and planting season and many other things. Other folks can go pretty much anytime. Figure out which camp you fall into and proceed accordingly. Ok, let’s get to work. Do some research to determine a body of water or area you’d like to visit. Go to the tourism websites for that area. There will be listings for resorts in
that area. Call the resorts that appear to be what you’re looking for. Ask if they’ll be at a sportshow or Cabela’s event close to where you live. If they will, go to that event and meet them. If you’re comfortable with what you find, book your trip. By doing the legwork we just talked about, you will greatly increase your odds of having an enjoyable fishing trip.
CATS, Continued from Page 5 will die out with age. Meanwhile, their presence in an area prevents the influx of other feral cats. Eventually, with this program in place, all feral cat numbers will decline (cats lived an average of seven years after being spayed and brought back to their territory). Supplemental feeding of feral or free-roaming house cats will probably have little effect in reducing their depredations on songbirds and other wildlife. Feeding cats keeps them strong and better able to hunt than native predators, which become weakened during time of environmental stress. However, studies by the American Bird Conservancy so that TNR (Trap-Neuter- Release) programs do not address the problem of declining wildlife due to cat kills. TNR does not protect wildlife. The "theory" behind TNR is that colonies will reduce in size, thereby lessening the number of feral cats that can predate on wild animals. The problem is that this does not happen. In fact, colonies often grow in size because the cat food attracts neighborhood cats and colonies serve as dumping grounds for irresponsible owners to abandon their pets. Not every cat can be trapped and therefore not every cat is altered. Unaltered cats continue to reproduce. TNR has a harmful effect on wildlife. Every cat has an inherent ability to hunt. This has been extensively studied and scientifically documented. Wellfed cats still hunt. Even if they receive regular food, they are no less motivated to hunt. They can create pockets of dead zones where little wildlife is found. The problem still remains on what to do about feral cats. Foremost, any problems with feral cats could be avoided if cat owners would practice responsible pet ownership. The same licensing and leash laws pertaining to dogs should be applied to cats. Spaying or neutering should be encouraged for household pets not kept for breeding purposes. The only way to prevent your cat from killing wildlife is to keep it inside. A true animal lover will not allow their pet cats outside, for the sake of the cat or native wildlife. Neutering is not a cost-effective program for controlling feral populations. Finally, unwanted cats should be humanely destroyed, not abandoned to fend for themselves.