Getting the bug

[Gary Parsons]

This is the time of year that I start longing for the solitude of ice. I don't have a big buck on the property, so I'm not all that fired up about deer hunting, and today I'm heading to the shop to clean up a bit after a long hard summer/fall of open water fishing (of course I'll come back in to watch the Packer game...). The X2 is sitting in the middle of my shop floor, with much of my gear around it, so I think that I'll dink with it a bit. When I fish locally, I like to target crappies and walleyes, but will not turn down a jumbo perch. Ice is skimming the small lakes now...like I said, I'm getting the bug. Anyone else feeling it?

[Brad B]

Gary,

you're not the only one with the bug. All my gear is ready to go except for the 5 newest custom rods I just built. once they get reels I will be ready to go. test fired both heaters, started the auger, charged all the batteries on the electronics. looking forward to trying the new Clam Bigfoot XL2000 hub out this season. I am having ice fishing withdrawl and have been watching ice fishing videos on you tube to get my ice fishing fix until the walkable ice gets here. I hope to get out by the first week of December but we will see if mother nature cooperates.

[Fishin4fun_MN]

I have been working on my house and gear since the beginning of October. All is ready except my Auger (need to start and run) and my new rods and reels. Still waiting for orders to come in.

[Rick G]

I wish I could get pumped like you guys for the ice. I see forcast highs in the 40s, this still has me thinking open water yet The ice will be here soon enough though

[Gary Parsons]

Sounds like many of you guys are working on rods or rigging new rods. I too have been doing that! I've got some of the new Genz split handle outfits for my crappie and perch presentations, and I'm sure that it's news to many of you, but The Next Bite crew, Clam, and Bass Pro teamed to produce a series of ice rods for walleyes that are just awesome! They're called Walleye Weapons, and the actions, and feel are really something!

[JordyED]

Gary,

Where can I check out these 'Walleye Weapons' you speak of?....My wife will want to kill you, but I am interested!

[Jim Uran]

I've got the bug.... and have had it since last April!!!

[Jim Hudson]

These new rods are pretty darn sweet if I do say so myself!! They will be great "sticks" for walleye anglers, with some cross over for other big predators and even perch. Models will be from 24" to 40" and all teamed with matching reels to make a great combo.

Stay tuned for more info!

[JordyED]

If that's not a tease I don't know what is!

Jim, you're worse than my old sophmore crush!!

[Jim Hudson]

We will have more info real soon.

[Jarrid Houston]

Sweet name for the new line of rods..... I got the bug Gary, but there is a big buck I am after first!!! Looking forward to the annual Houston "ice fishin opener".....

[Fishin4fun_MN]

Finally got my auger started for the season. Now to get line bought for my new combos.

[Jim Hudson]

FYI - for the Walleye Weapon rods. As mentioned, they are a Bass Pro Shops exclusive combo, and right now select stores have them in stock, but, they will be on-line SOON. Right now, check em out at these locations. Might even want to call and see if the can ship right from that store.

Gurnee, IL

Detroit, MI

Vaughn, OT

Denver, CO

Bolingbrook, IL

Calgary, AB

5 models. 24 and 28 inch medium action rods for inside the fish house. 32, 36, and 40 inchers that sport longer butt sections for outside use. The 36 and 40 are medium heavy action, with the 36, being the stiffest action of all (good blade bait or swim lure rod). All have state of the art EVA foam handles and a recessed foregrip for increased sensitivity along with actions that are built right for any walleye application (and cross over for Perch - Pike - Trout - Whitefish if you wish).

[Charlie Mason]

Even though we are still putting the hammer to walleyes on Lake Erie's Brest Bay with DHJ-12's till the end of November, or when the ice conditions say otherwise, you cannot help but get the bug this time of the year with all the new gear coming out. Have already started spooling the Schooleys, and just got the new Spooler reel, plans have already started on how to approach first ice, and the first tourney of the year