Seaguar on the Water

Throughout the Northland, intrepid anglers are taking their first tentative steps onto the frozen surfaces of pine-studded lakes, welcoming another season of hardwater fishing. After weeks of organizing tackle, sharpening auger blades, charging batteries, and spooling reels, holes are being cut, bites are being triggered, and fish tails are slapping the ice.

All across the northland, morning frost on the windshield and crunchy leaves underfoot mean only one thing to avid anglers: ice fishing is just around the corner. The first weeks of walkable ice encompass some of the best action of the entire hard water season, and it’s important to be prepared when the time comes to take those first steps onto your favorite lake.

We’d be willing to bet that you’ve encountered a situation like this: aggressive fish are prowling the water below, and you’re itching for a fight. Perhaps they’ve revealed themselves on your boat’s sonar system, or maybe, if the water is clear enough, you’ve spotted them cruising beneath the waves with your own two eyes. 

Fall is a season of change: green leaves turn brilliant shades of amber and crimson, resident waterfowl feel primal urges to gather in large numbers and fly south, and many outdoor enthusiasts contemplate trading their boat seats for deer stands.

The Bassmaster Elite circuit visited two powerhouse northern fisheries, the St. Lawrence River and then Lake Champlain, during a remarkable two-week march across New York state this July. Competitors battled strong winds and heavy seas in pursuit of monster smallmouth and elusive largemouth, with the goal of hoisting impressive blue trophies and enormous cardboard checks over their heads.

The biggest, baddest fish swim in salty water, and the limitless saltmarshes and bayous of the Mississippi River Delta are home to more than their share. The allure of hard-charging bull reds, aggressive speckled trout, wary black drum and slashing jack crevalles draws anglers from around the world to quietly glide along roseau cane-bordered channels and pursue these tackle-testing adversaries.