ice fishing

There are so many fish and fishing-related things to blog about.  I try to include variety.  I try to include a blend of news, fisheries science, ichthyology and just plain fishing.  A lot of you are likely better sticks than I am, but I also like to include stuff that has worked for me, things that might help someone catch more fish. . . . Well, this is one of the biggest breakthroughs that I have seen in years.  I …

Last time I blogged about my recent ice fishing adventures (Been Around Some More), I mentioned that in spite of deteriorating ice conditions, I was not sure I was done, yet.  I was not.  I slipped another afternoon in on the ice a week ago.  By the way, the ONLY way I push it as early and late as I do is by religiously following ice safety protocols (Annual Ice Safety Reminder).  If you are not able to do that, …

A recent spurt of frigid temperatures has iced over some Nebraska water bodies. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission warns anybody venturing onto the ice to be cautious. Warmer temperatures will be arriving quickly, but in light of two recent drownings in eastern Nebraska in which persons went through the ice, Game and Parks offers the following safety tips: • Never go out alone. Have a buddy. • A minimum of 3 inches of clear, blue lake ice will support …

My name is Daryl. I am an ice-fisherman. In many circles, that makes me crazy. Many of you know, you hear the whispers, see the looks, the rolling of the eyes, shaking of the heads.  “Normal” society judges you to be a half-bubble off level if you enjoy going out on the ice, drilling holes and catching fish.  Afterall, who likes the cold?  Must be something wrong with you if you do. While “normal” people rejoice in mild, warm winter …

I have continued to be “out of the office” with some frequency the past few weeks.  Have continued to get around the state and dry off a few while I was at it.  Time for a report. . . . How far have I been?  Well, far enough to see some sights! Caught some fish while I was out there! Thanks for sharing your fishing spot with us, Robby! Then I met up with my kids for a few days …

The year 2021 is in the rear-view mirror.  Time to summarize the state record fish that were caught last year: Surface Spearing No state record fish were taken by surface spearing in 2021. Underwater Spearfishing Two state record fish were taken by underwater spearfishing last year, both of them channel catfish.  The first was taken on June 5 and weighed 26 pounds 9 ounces. A little over a week later, that record was bested by a 27 pound 5 ounce …

As I often do, start with the news release.  In this case I took the liberty of modifying it: Learn ice-fishing at events in January LINCOLN, Neb. – Anglers can learn the basics of ice-fishing or pick up a few new tips from experienced anglers at Discover Ice-Fishing clinics this month. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s Youth Fishing Program will host two on-ice events and one classroom event. The last on-ice event will be from 1-4 p.m. Jan. 29 …

Been halfway across the state and back a couple of times recently.  Had to sit in on a couple of meetings, but have managed some time on the ice too. First let me say this:  Ice conditions vary widely!  There are some Nebraska waterbodies where you can hit the ice right now with no problem.  Of course YOU must make sure it is safe every time you walk on, but there are some parts of the state with good ice.  …

If you have read any of my ice fishing “stuff” over the years you have probably heard me say, “Drill baby, drill”.  Fundamentally, when you are ice fishing, you are fishing a relatively small area right below your hole.  If you ain’t catching anything, likely there are not any fish there.  I do not care how good of a “stick” you think you are, you cannot catch ’em where they ain’t.  So, one of the keys to catching fish through …

It’s winter. The daylight is short. The nights are long and dreary. Air temperatures outside are cold, downright frigid at times. Most likely, there’s some snow cover. We are all spending more a lot of time indoors this season, aren’t we? It is that time of year when we get that cooped-up, restless, nothing-to-do feeling that is referred to as “cabin fever.” Stuck inside, too many of us get weary and lethargic and spend long, endless hours watching TV re-runs, …