There’s a place where the water’s dark and cool even while surface temperatures seethe. Forage abounds and the oxygen’s thicker than a rain forest canopy. Cover’s plentiful too, and it’s surprisingly peaceful below despite the fact that this fantastic place is quite shallow, sometimes, unbelievably shallow. “Shallow?” you say. “Sounds like a description of a … Read moreSalad Bowl Walleyes
by John Peterson with Noel Vick Take the walleye. As ice anglers, we’ve come to recognize the moods, customs, and characteristics of winter’s premium fare. We understand, for example, that these predacious creatures are highly carnivorous. We also know that walleyes are sharply aggressive and bottom-hugging, not to mention opportunistic, favoring twilight feeding forays. And … Read moreEating like a Pauper, not a King
by John Peterson with Noel Vick There’s a place where the water’s dark and cool even while surface temperatures seethe. Forage abounds and the oxygen’s thicker than a rain forest canopy. Cover’s plentiful too, and it’s surprisingly peaceful below despite the fact that this fantastic place is quite shallow, sometimes, unbelievably shallow. “Shallow?” you say. … Read moreSalad Bowl Walleyes
by John Peterson with Noel Vick The popular rock band U2 dared to write and perform a song titled, “Even Better than the Real Thing.” Obviously, Bono – the quartet’s eclectic front-man – intended the ditty for some drop-dead gorgeous maiden; certainly not ice fishing paraphernalia. But unlike rock and roll, in the icy world … Read moreThe Preservation of Life
by John Peterson with Noel Vick Boats crisscrossed it all summer long; personal watercraft here, tuber there. Weeds uprooted and shredded, fouling the surface like bees in a beverage. These disorderly but auspicious shoreline flats are playgrounds for people, and consequently vacated by gamefish. Labor Day changes everything, though. Tourists leave. Cabins close like books. … Read moreWhen the Predators Return…
by John Peterson with Noel Vick In its simplest form, the hamburger is a slab of ground beef sandwiched between two buns – genuine Americana, but boring. Same can be said for the jig. It’s a formed hunk of lead with a hook sticking out its backside – classic, but boring as well. Surely, despite … Read moreSpicing Up For Autumn Appetites