On my first ice fishing trip, I was dressed for the weather, I had an ice fishing sled, two tip-ups, and no ice skimmer. Thankfully an ice angler on the lake was more than willing to let me borrow his. If you are new to ice fishing, do not get overwhelmed by the all the gear and the cost. Make your own ice skimmer!

You can make an ice skimmer from recycled products and simple tools. For example, you just need a rod, a “scoop”, and two threaded bolts with washers and nuts. I made mine from a recycled pool pole a round plastic Tupperware container that I rescued from the recycle bin.

First, drill a series of holes on the bottom of the scoop to allow the water to drain. Second, drill two holes through the shaft for the bolts. Thirdly, drill two holes through the side of the “scoop” and secure it to the shaft via bolts, washers, and nuts.

I cut the shaft on my ice skimmer based on my height so that I do not need to bend over to clean my ice fishing holes. I also made a grip by using recycled rope and electrical tape.

I tie my own teasers, tails, and flies. In order for my medium viscosity fly tying epoxy to harden evenly, I need to rotate my presentations as the epoxy cures. Hence, I made a rotary fly drier.

All you need for this simple rotary fly drying solution is a cordless power drill; a machine screw with two flat washers and a nut; an elastic; and some recycled styrofoam cut in the form of a circle. I like to use recycled styrofoam from food tray containers— I just double up the circles for more “holding power”.

Once you have the materials, mark the center of the styrofoam circle(s) and punch a hole through the mark to accommodate the threaded bolt. Insert a washer into the bolt. Insert the bolt with the washer through the styrofoam circle(s). Insert the second flat washer and thread on the nut until the washers are pressed against the styrofoam circle(s). Secure the fly dryer assembly to the drill’s chuck and wrap an elastic on the drill’s handle to apply a light pressure on the trigger, which keeps the drill rotating at a low speed.

This is a great option if you already have a cordless drill with “pedestal” base. You are simply expanding the applications of your already existing tool and increasing your ROI (return on investment).

As an all species, all methods angler, I fish year round. Each year, the demands on my time increases exponentially. Organization is not one of my natural strengths; it’s a skill that I have had to learn and master. Time is fish! Hence, I have developed systems to keep my fishing gear organized and ready to go fishing at a moment’s notice. For example, I have To-Go Fishing Boxes for specific species and methods.

I make my custom To-Go Fishing Boxes out of re-purposed clear plastic totes. For example, my surfcasting To-Go Fishing Box I use empty plastic jars to store WD40 lubricant and a can of compressed air; this keeps them accessible at all time and from swimming inside the box at random as I drive to and from my spots. I made a custom storage sub-system for my Knipex mini-bolt cutters, pryers, pliers, and zip ties from repurposed PVC boards.

Making your own custom To-Go Fishing Box will increase your fishing time and ensure you have all the essential gear when you are on the bank or in your boat. Make yours today!

I enjoy fishing the Cape Cod Canal. Since I have a 90 minute commute, each way, when I make it down to fish the Cape Cod Canal, I maximize every minute I have. Given the varying depth, changing current, and complex structures, I cover the water column via wide range of plugs, metals, plastics, and jigs. I find that plug bags are not that helpful on the banks of the Cape Cod Canal. I have been experimenting with alternative plug storage and transport solutions that can accommodate a wide range of presentations from spooks to jigs and everything in between. Today I tested my latest solution, the Canal Cube.

Making your own Canal Cube is easy. First, get a small square plastic bucket. Second, cut several 9″ lengths of PVC drain pipe to fill the cavity of your bucket. Thirdly, remove the bucket’s handle, widen the handle holes using a large enough drill bit to accommodate the diameter of your rope, and lastly secure a rope handle. Lastly, insert the 9″ long PVC drain pipe plug tubes into the bucket.

I am happy to share that my Canal Cube worked surprisingly well. I can carry a wide spectrum of presentations and quickly change up my presentation in seconds. In addition, my Canal Cube fits inside the milk create on my Canal Cruiser.