EC1

To be honest with you, I don't like the idea of using the same rod for both whities and perch. If the rod is heavy enough to deal with whities, it's probably going to be hard to feel perch bites, and the fight wouldn't be very fun. If you were really tight to a budget, then you can go about getting an M/MH rod, and add a removable strike indicator and you could go at it. I'm so glad I'm not the only one liking the short rods! I'm gonna admit that the really short rods do look kind of weird when used in the open, but who's going to see you inside the hut

At the same time, don't you notice that a lot of the perch hits aren't felt or seen, even with a strike indicator until they spit the bait back out? I've always thought that was the problem when I'm on scugog and missing hits from the dink perch.

Congrats on the PB! I've always been looking for a crappie spot that you have to yourself, looks like I still gotta do some finding!

Thought I'd share a few thoughts and start some discussion. Over the weekend, I came across this ice fishing system (Marmish) where the entire rod is 9" and the spoool has no actual reel. This is a European thing I think, Swedish or Russian.(You have to handline fish on their way in so 15FOW and less would be ok, but I can see any deeper being a problem) Apparently these guys claim how great these are, and that the short rods really present a more natural presentation. Longer rods just moves the bait a lot more when compared to a little dinky rod. And anyways, on with my story. I ended up thinking that if I am getting another panfish rod, I might as well get something way short and ended up buying a 17" ice rod. Boy that thing is small Lol. Went out for perch over the weekend, and had lots of fun with that rod in the hut. It's almost perfect for sightfishing, as I was right on top of the hole and not leaning too far forward to look down the hole. I found it was pretty good for being closer to my fishfinder as the 3.5" screen is really too small for my likings. The part that really lacked though, was the hookset. Since you have only a few inches of rod, you cannot afford any slack in your line on the hookset. I got the hang of that after a few missed perch. I'll also agree with the smaller movements you can give to your bait now, but I don't think this is the rod to use when the action is hot and heavy. I think I've fallen in love with these little dinky rods. Anyone have experience with the Marmish or something similar or anyone else liking short rods like me? This makes me laugh, just looking at difference in length for the 2 rods 17" Vs 36" FYI.

That looks really good! I'll definitely look forward to trying this new recipe soon! Are there any fish that can replace the salmon? Lakers? Splake? Rainbows?

Well, the "delay" that our flasher purists always claim is absolutely true, but this delay is FAR from bad. I don't think someone with a flasher has any advantages over me. Btw, where did you buy the micro? I haven't seen the micro version anywhere yet.

I think my favourite spoon for any panfish has to be the buckshot spoon. It looks bigger than the other "panfish" spoons around, but even the dink perch love it! If I do tip the spoon, it'll be with a 1" gulp minnow. As for plastics, I find I like the selection from Northland. The tails seem to be the best at quivering of all other plastics I've seen so far.

Thanks for sharing! I'm in the market for a heater and stove / BBQ. Hopefully you'll get pictures, or else I'm going to have to find you in person to see how you made it!

Nice haul! I can't wait to get onto Simcoe myself!

Wow. NICE! Great to see you softwater fishing still, and even catching some great fish! I actually would love to go for some softwater fishing right now.

I've only had 1 walleye with it before, and it wasn't anywhere close to being that serious. Not knowing it had that until I got home, I ended up eating it anyways after cutting a little bit of that section off. I don't recall of the walleye tasting different or anything. Glad to see you into fish though! Congrats!

Awesome job there! Making me super excited about the weekend coming up! Hopefully I'll get into a few fish then!

Abu garcia makes a good looking rod. I constantly complain about its lack of sensitivity, but its ability to catch fish, well that's a whole 'nother story. So many times have I found that fish sure can hear me complaining about how it's a bad rod and that they think they can get away with hitting the bait without me noticing...And BAM I hook into a fish. (I don't think I'll be getting rid of it anytime soon) If I were to choose again, I don't know if I'd choose the Abu Garcia again. Really though, look up Garry2r's thread about how much to spend (Answer is ~$150). Most rods in the $99 price point work, but the $150 feels a lot better I find. If you're stuck at the $99 price point, I'd say look at the Fenwick HMG. Drop another $30 and you can get into the Fenwick Elite Tech Smallmouth rods. That is the rod I'm eyeing at the moment.

I wonder what will be gone first. Sharks or the Bluefin tuna. Either way, terrible news! I really don't like the fact that these people claim that their culture is being attacked when they're destroying the balance of an ecosystem and not giving two poops!

:clapping: Great job there buddy! That rainbow sure pulled a lot of drag!

Wow. Awesome year end report. The pictures are great! I am looking forward to try your honey garlic frying recipe!

Always great to see what you're up to when you're out of Canada. I would love to go bass fishing right now!

Nice fish! For 2 years now I've asked about the lindy darter and thrown it out myself a number of times but NEVER have I caught a fish on it. I don't even know where my darter went, but it's about time I got myself another one. Just another question, is the water in Lake Winnipeg really clear or is it stained / murky?

Thanks for sharing! Was great to see how other people do it, since I get rejected almost everytime by the whitefish. Your show should definitely be on TV instead of some of those other ones out there. Shows that show nothing about presentation and clips begin the moment fish are hooked up are absolutely junk.

Nice year you had! Both your kids love fishing, that is awesome! Thanks for sharing!

Unfortunately I don't think I'll ever lug a 20lb propane cylinder out with me. I even had a hard time staying inside my own hut when fishing...Lol. I'm wondering though, is there a product that works as both a heater and stove?

I was wondering, does a butane burner produce enough heat to warm a hut like an actual heater? It would be amazing to actually make hot food when on the ice!

Should have kept the nomobile in full throttle! At least he's ok.. The back lakes barely have enough ice to walk on, so check before you bring your expensive toys out. Or you can just donate them to me!

Nicely done! Now I am really itching to go!

That's an impressive year you had there! Thanks for sharing!