Cabelas 12 Rod Deluxe Ice Case

Posted on February 28, 2013October 14, 2017 by Julio Silva

I am an equal opportunity ice angler. I enjoy targeting fish below hard water via tip-ups and jigging rods. This presented me with a unique tackle storage and travel problem. I am happy to say that I have now solved this problem! Thanks to the Cabelas 12-Rod Deluxe Ice Case. 😉

Fish360 Cabelas 12 Rod Deluxe Ice Case

The case has several noteworthy features. But, the feature that sold me was the ample storage. I can fit my Jack Traps tip-ups and my St. Croix rods into the three main compartments.

Fish360 Cabelas 12 Rod Deluxe Ice Case

The bag also has three additional compartments on the sides for tackle storage. And, the two shoulder straps help to “balance” the bag on your shoulder as you traverse and negotiate your way over snow and ice.

I store my Jack Traps tip-ups, St. Croix rods, terminal tackle, and lures in myCabelas ice case during the off-season. This keeps my gear dust and dirt free. When it’s time to go ice fishing, I just grab my bag an sled. That was easy! 😉

Maine Smelt Fishing

Posted on February 21, 2013October 14, 2017 by Julio Silva

Ice fishing for smelt is a New England tradition. Maine has a great smelt fishery. I recently fished one of Maine’s smelt camps.

Fish360 Maine Smelt Fishing

Sonnys has 4 and 6 person shanties available. Each shanty is heated. You will not be cold! But, I strongly suggest dressing in layers and add or remove layers as necessary. A good pair of boots and creepers will keep your feet dry, warm, and standing vertical on the hard water.

A popular method for winching up smelt is drop lines. You bait all the lines with asmall piece of sea worm and drop them to various depths. This gives you a “wall” of suspended bait throughout the water column. A local Maine smelter told me that as soon as the line shakes, set the hook! And that if the line is moving left or right, the smelt is about the drop the bait.

Fish360 Maine Smelt Fishing

The drop line method works. But, during my trip, I had more success with mySt. Croix ice fishing rod (model: Premier Ice PIR28M). I landed 20 smelt on my rod to 1 smelt via drop line. The rod is so sensitive that I can feel the smelt sniffing my presentation as I vertical jig it.

Fish360 Maine Smelt Fishing

Ice fishing for smelt is a great way to get out with friends and harvest some great eating fish. For a smelt recipe, check out Cooking The Catch by Dave “Pops” Masch. From the water to the plate. There is nothing fresher than that. Go smelting! 😉

Frabill Ice Fishing Suit

Posted on February 11, 2013October 14, 2017 by Julio Silva

A friend once told me “There is no such thing as bad weather. Just bad clothing.”. When it comes to ice fishing, bad weather is expected. Bad clothing is not an option. I opted for the Frabill ice fishing suit from Glen’s Army Navy Store because of its many technical advances.

Fish360 Frabill Ice Fishing Suit

First, the suite is very functional and non-restrictive. Drilling holes and setting tip-ups happens with ease.

Second, the suit is well built and insulated. During a recent ice fishing tournament, the temperature was well below freezing and the wind was perpetually blowing. Some anglers left early because they felt cold. My Frabill ice fishing suit kept me warm the whole tournament!

Third, the suit has no lack of pockets! During my last ice fishing trip, I inserted my gear into my pockets and still had some pockets empty. One day I may fill all 12 pockets.

Fourth, the loop on the outside of the jacket is really great to hang gear. I hang my The Fish Grip lip griper for quick access during a FLAG UP!

Fifth, the padded knees are priceless! How many times do you get down on one or both of your knees while on the hard and cold ice? Exactly!

Sixth, the value of the front zipper on the bibs is only appreciated when Nature calls. This technical advancement is priceless. 😉

Having ice finished in bad weather with bad clothing, I can fully appreciate all the technical advances of the Frabill ice fishing suit. I am very happy with it and highly recommend it!