New walleye and ice fishing stuff from ICAST (part1)

Yo! I’m comin’ at you with some new schtuff that caught my eye while down at ICAST (the fishing biz trade show) in Orlando, FL. Of course I can’t fit every cool new thing in a single email, so part 2 is coming soon-ish and I’ll be sprinkling new things in here going forward. Hope this holds you off until next week – enjoy!

In no particular order…

1. Berkley SCENTED Flicker Shads.

That extra edge to turn sniffers into biters!

> “Take scent to the next level with NEW Scented Flicker Shads! Extreme Gulp scent dispersion paired with the Flicker Shad’s proven fish-catching action delivers next level attraction that fish won’t be able to turn down. Designed specifically to accept our Gulp! Hard Bait Gel that comes in every pack, our patent pending Scent+ pockets slowly disperse that 🔥 Gulp scent as your Flicker Shad moves….”

Coming in 2 sizes and their top-10 proven colors:

2. Rapala Jigging Shadow Rap.Yeah baby!

> “Following in the footsteps of the original Rapala Jigging Rap, the much lighter Jigging Shadow Rap features a slower darting action. Whether vertical fishing or pitching open water the broader silhouette, modern finishes and belly-flashing action are ideal for targeting wary fish of any species. Integrating the fish catching features of the original with some new age know-how, paired with a dozen fish catching colors is sure to make this one another tackle box mainstay.

> “On top of that, early field testing has produced staggering results and points to the Jigging Shadow Rap being a player year-round, from pulling walleyes topside through the ice to being a key open water player for forward facing sonar guru’s.”

You might remember I was able to get my hands on one early, and proceeded to have maybe the best afternoon walleye sesh I’ve ever had in the Brainerd (MN) Lakes Area:

I’ve since caught more fish on it in different summertime scenarios, and even sniped several suspended buggers on “live sonar.” 🤫

Few more quick details on the bait:

> Same length as a #9 Jigging Rap at 3.5″ (9cm), but weighs 3/5 oz like a #7.

> No nose hook, an oversized tail hook, and that #6 treble hook on the belly is connected with 2 split-rings for better movement = helps keep fish pinned.

> It’s actually a plastic bait (no lead) and has a slower, smoother gliding action. Slower than a Jigging Rap that is, but still fishes fast for reaction bites.

One thing I noticed right away was I had a lot of fish (compared to a J-Rap) actually eating the bait while it was on the drop. Had some pinning it to bottom like they love to do with Jigging Raps, but there was definitely something special about the way it momentarily hangs in the water column as it changes direction from up to down – even with mono I could feel fish “bonking” it while it was still mid water column.

Sounds like they’re coming to the U.S. soon-ish, I’ll of course keep you posted.

3. FishLab “Nature Series” Flutter Nymph.

The FishLab crew added award-winning lure designer Bill Siemantel of BBZ Baits to the mix, and it’s showing. 💪

One of their new baits immediately caught my eye 😳 this mayfly/nymph/dragonfly creation might just become my new favorite Ned rig bait for bug hatch walleyes:

Comes in 3.5″ and 4.25″ sizes and 8 colors. The “secondary movement” of this thing is pretty filthy – little preview from their 52-second underwater video on YouTube here:

4. YUM FF Sonar Minnow.FF stands for “forward facing” sonar. Man, I know these will catch the snot out of bass…but I can NOT wait to snipe suspended walleyes with ’em:

Comes in a 3″ version (for now…. 👀) and their FF Sonar Jig Head will be available soon in 1/8, 3/16, 1/4 oz.

Sounds like YUM has a bunch of technique-specific info/videos coming out soon – I know they’re going to be geared towards finicky, suspended bass…but there’s absolutely going to be some big crossover in the walleye world for “sniping” fish.

5. Bill Lewis Scope Stik jerkbait.Wider and flatter than a typical jerkbait so that it shows up better on sonar. And sounds like the lip is designed so when you stop it, it turns to the side = giving your sonar beam a big ol’ target (bigger surface area) to bounce off:

It’s coming out in multiple sizes and models, including a deeper-diving version:

> Available in two sizes, 100 mm and 120 mm, the Scope Stik will be available in six models that allow it to cover a wide range of depths. The Scope Stik 100 has a floating model (0′-3′) in addition to a suspending model (4′-6′). The 120 size offers the same applications, as well as a deeper suspending option (7′-10′) and a sinking model (7′-10′ PLUS). All models will be equipped with Mustad Triple Grip UltraPoints.

6. Northland MVP Jig.

> Northland’s MVP Jig truly lives up to its name, whether rigged with a variety of live bait or plastics this jig does it all. Realistic head with molded gills, mouth and 3D eyes creates a life like appearance. It features a Gamakatsu Big River hook that’s sharpness, strength and wide gap wont let anglers down. It sports a “Barb-Wire” keeper to lock on soft plastics and live bait. Realistic “Bro-Bug” design features 3D eyes and a mandible jaw.

> Brad Hawthorne: “I like the versatility of it, being able to go from live bait to plastics with a single jig head. It just flat-out works on walleyes, you rarely lose a single fish on the jig because of its unique sickle hook design.”

 

Here’s Brad going into a little more detail on what he likes about it, while on-the-water catching waldos of course.

Northland also has a new Elite Series Mimic Swim Jig that “utilizes the iconic shape of the Mimic Minnow with a heavy duty Gamakatsu hook that’s sharpness and strength won’t let you down when driving hooks home….”

7. Clam Feathered Gaff Treble Hook.I was literally JUST talking about how I wish someone would come out with high-quality feathered treble hooks in smaller sizes for ice spoons…and BOOM 💥 Clam comes to the rescue. #Jackpot

> The Feathered Gaff Treble Hooks from Clam Pro Tackle…has a genuine Hackle feather so you can attract the fish even more! These hooks can be easily switched out to replace dull hooks or to get a different look and catch more fish all-season long. With Extra Tough Sharp (XTS) points and a wide gap, make sure you are ready to set the hook.

> Available in four fish attracting colors (white, pink, chartreuse, and black) and in three sizes (12, 10, and 8). The Feathered Gaff Treble Hook will be officially launched in Aug and will be available for purchase this fall. MSRP $4.99 for 3 pack.

8. ACME Mick-E tungsten jigs.

Has a silicone bill that creates a darting action almost like a glide bait:

9. Lunkerhunt Glitch Blade squarebill.This is definitely a more “bassy” bait, but it’s a whole new design I haven’t seen from anyone else – ever:

> …hybrid that combines the effectiveness of 2 timeless baits into one unique offering. Unlike anything else on the market…features a squarebill head that produces a unique sound and an aggressive rolling action, while its blade bait rear entices fish with flash and vibrations. Additionally, its squarebill design allows it to easily deflect off weeds, brush, and structure. Ideal for targeting aggressive fish in shallow water…excels with both fast and slow retrieve speeds.

The sound is wildly unique (can hear it in this short underwater vid) compared to a typical rattling or knocking crank, and I could see them adding some more walleye-y profiles going forward.

1. Lakewood “The Greenback” Ice Rod Case.

> “Hold all your gear while protecting a half dozen ice rods and reels up to 44″ long! Customizable foam and TONS of storage.”

> “Straps and D-rings deck the outside of the case for placing ice tools and strapping the case to the back of your ATV/UTV or snowmobile.”

> “Designed to fit other Lakewood storage cases, such as the Lure Vault and Lure Wallet (each sold separately). You’ll get additional gear storage options on the exterior with two oversized zippered pockets. …helps bring all you need to be at the top of that food chain.”

And love me some made in the USA. 🇺🇸

Btw this next dealio is already out, but it was the first time I had seen it – called the Lakewood Pedestal Organizer and adds storage (for planer boards, crankbaits, tools, etc) in the normally-wasted space under your seat. Pretty slick!

> The Blackfish Gale hoodie has quickly become a favorite hoodie for anglers on the open water or the ice. With StormSkin technology, this hoodie will be able to handle all the conditions and elements. From rain to snow and wind, you will stay protected, warm, and comfortable in the StormSkin Gale Pullover. StormSkin Technology combines a premium windproof and waterproof soft-shell fabric with a free hanging long nap soft fleece lining that traps heat inside and creates both a waterproof and thermal barrier. StormSkin technology is perfect for all seasons because of Mother Nature’s unpredictability with weather conditions! The StormSkin Gale Pullover is available in sizes Small-3XL and in six colors. The new colors will be released in August. MSRP $159.99.

3. Millennium Marine Double Monitor Mount.

In case you didn’t know, Millennium Marine is more than just super comfy, air-flowy boat seats…I’ve been seeing more and more of their Spyderlok Series trees, rod holders, etc on rigs and they have some other boat accessories coming down the pipeline.

One of those is their Double Monitor Mount = super beefy, quick adjustments, and gets the graphs up in your face to save the necks of you “live imaging” fish-chasers:

> The double-mount base rotates 180 degrees, and a riser also tilts 180 degrees, with a telescopic rise adjusting from 18″ to 24″.

4. Okuma Convector Low Profile Line Counters.

Bottom-bouncer pullers are absolutely LOVING this low pro line-counter Okuma dropped last year. Has a bait-clicker and “Quick Drop” feature that works like a flippin’ switch…lets you adjust the depth of your bait with one hand. Big spool yet compact in the hand, and the graphite helps keep the CV-163D (left) just 7.9 oz and the big bro CV-354D at 11.7 oz:

Most line-counters are big, bulky, and downright heavy 😖 but these babies feel great in the hand! Bonus points for pulling double-duty as a great crankbait trolling reel when fishing near weeds and you want the setup in your hand to be able to rip the bait clean. And the $104.99-ish price tag makes ’em a no-brainer imo.

5. Simms Guide Insulated Rain Suit.

In typical Simms fashion this thing looks and feels outstanding! Spendy, yes. But absolutely top-of-the-line stuff for those that spend more time on the water than in their own bed. 🙌

Whole bunch of orange-ish going on there…sorry Ross Robertson, I had to lol.

Few quick details:

> “Built with breathable, durable, waterproof GORE-TEX fabric and powered by PrimaLoft insulation, the Guide Insulated Suit keeps anglers in the moment regardless of the conditions. Featuring an adjustable storm hood, submersible chest pockets, and adjustable cuffs, the jacket pairs perfectly with the bib. Constructed from the same GORE-TEX fabric and PrimaLoft insulation, the Guide Insulated Bib comes equipped with a vast array of pocketing to keep essentials close to hand.”

6. Frabill WITNESS Weigh Net.

A net with a built-in scale!

1. Humminbird MEGA Live Imaging “TargetLock.”

Won best of category for electronics at ICAST. 🔥

> No two technologies have done more to transform fishing than Humminbird MEGA Live Imaging and Minn Kota Spot-Lock. But only one of these difference-making features could be used at a given time. Not anymore. With the MEGA Live Imaging TargetLock accessory, the MEGA Live transducer beam can be steered independently of the trolling motor – from the foot pedal, the fish finder, or optional hand remote.

A couple of quickie things reeeeally stood out to me after running forward-facing sonar the last few seasons:

> Control BOTH your trolling motor and the MEGA Live transducer at the SAME time using the foot pedal of your i-Pilot Link Ultrex. And of course can switch to move them independently.

> The TargetLock feature allows anglers to lock the MEGA Live beam in the direction of structure, so even when the boat moves, the MEGA Live view stays fixed in that direction.

If you’ve ever fished with forward-facing sonar, you know the biggest debate (and probably toughest thing to figure out for your style of fishing) is whether you should have the transducer mounted on the trolling motor or on a separate pole. No right answer because both shine in many different scenarios.

So the fact that this new technology lets you essentially get all the pros of the two very different styles = big news for diehard fish-heads…if you’re willing to fork over the dough.

Side note: I’ll now be mowing lawns and shoveling driveways until I save up enough coin to invest in one lol.

2. Garmin LiveScope Plus Lithium Ice Fishing Bundle.The blue crew brought LiveScope Plus to their lithium ice-fishing bundle, which makes me almost feel bad for the fishes…almost lol. They took home some hardware (again! 🏆) winning best of category for ice fishing at ICAST:

The included lithium battery weighs 1/3 of comparable lead acid batteries and up to 65% more battery life.

Few LiveScope Plus highlights in case you missed it:

> …35% more target separation over the existing system [which is already insane] with sharper resolution, reduced noise and Garmin’s clearest images.

 

> …capable of identifying and separating targets as small as 14″ at distances 100′ from the boat [or ice hole] so anglers can see exactly what they need to with improved stitching, reduced noise and fewer on-screen artifacts….

> …3 unique vantage points with 1 mount that can be adjusted to fit…no tools required. Simply turn the transducer forward for a live look at what’s out in front of the boat; point it down to see directly beneath the boat; or turn it sideways with the included Perspective Mode Mount to enable the ‘top down’ perspective mode to see a wide view of what’s in front of the boat up to 50′ away.

> With a free software update, the LVS34 transducer, sold separately, can be added to existing LiveScope System for customers who want to upgrade.

For you visual learners that means the new LVS34 can throw up screenies like THIS:

3. Garmin LiveScope XR System.This new technology from Garmin brings “an extended range for deeper and open waters” to their LiveScope system.

Heads up: This isn’t made to replace the LiveScope Plus I had mentioned above – they’re 2 completely different things based on where/how/what you fish:

• The XR’s LVS62 transducer is a lower frequency (265-550 kHz = same as the original LVS32) for longer range.

 

• The Plus’s LVS34 transducer is higher frequency (530-1,100 kHz) and still going to have better target separation and clearer images. But of course not see nearly as far or deep as the new XR.

Okay, now a few more details on the new LiveScope XR:

> …the latest addition to its award-winning live-scanning sonar lineup, now with an extended range for deeper and open waters. With excellent image sharpness at both close and long ranges simultaneously, LiveScope XR delivers real-time images of fish and structure up to 500′ in front of or below the boat – over 200% more range than the leading competitor system.

> With an optimized design for deeper water, the LiveScope XR transducer has extended elements so anglers can see both long- and close-range views in real time. Anglers can see further around and below the boat – up to 500′ in freshwater… – and the Reverse Range feature allows them to utilize more of the screen to display fish and structure.

> To see detail closer to the boat, the Compress Range feature displays a live look in sharp detail up close, while still allowing the angler to keep an eye on targets further away at the same time.

> The LiveScope XR System includes a compact GLS 10 black box with a LiveScope XR LVS62 transducer, along with a trolling motor barrel and shaft mounting kit, perspective mount bracket and a simple plug-and-play Garmin Marine Network connector for easy installation and integration with a compatible [screen].

> With a free software update, the LVS62 transducer…can be added to an existing LiveScope System black box for customers who want to upgrade.

I originally assumed it was geared more towards salt water or the salmon and lake trout crowds, but could definitely see crossover in the walleye world. Specifically walleyes suspended over open-water, which are usually BIG ones.

I’m sure any muskie-nuts fishing the Professional Musky Tournament Trail would have loved to use this one on game day 😜 but of course they won’t be able to since the PMTT just made a mid-season change and banned forward facing sonar for the last 2 events….

One of the hardest things about summertime walleyes is they can be anywhere and everywhere: shallow or deep…weeds or mud…gravel or sand…and everywhere in-between.

This video runs thru 6 presentations that I have ready to rip when I’m headed to a lake and don’t know what to expect, because they can cover all of the bases:

Btw I put direct links to all the gear I talked about in the video description on YouTube – waaaay too many to list ’em all here.

1. MI: Dude caught an ORANGE smallie outta Muskegon River.

Josh Chrenko, co-host of the Smallie Talk podcast so I’m sure they had plenty to talk about in their next episode lol. Check this thing out!

You just never know, man! 🤯

2. SIMMS was bought by Vista Outdoor.

Public company (NYSE: VSTO), price was $192.5 mil. Vista owns a bunch of stuff, believe 39 other brands including Remington, Federal, Bushnell, CamelBak, etc.

> “Simms is the perfect fit for our diversified portfolio of leading, iconic outdoor brands,” said Chris Metz, Vista Outdoor CEO. “Simms broadens our core addressable market into the highly attractive fishing category with a premium, innovative brand with significant room for growth.

> “Simms will be a central plank in our long-term growth strategy and will be the anchor of our new fishing platform within Outdoor Products. Fishing, particularly fly fishing where Simms has its roots, is a natural adjacency to our Outdoor Products business, and Simms serves an enthusiast consumer demographic that has proven to be largely recession-resistant over time.”

> “The decision to locate the headquarters of the soon-to-be separated Outdoor Products segment [as another public company] in Bozeman made our decision even easier, as it will reinforce Simms’ made-in-Montana heritage and strong commitment to our local community.”

> Current Simms CEO Casey Sheahan will continue to lead day-to-day operations of Simms, and [former owner] K.C. Walsh will continue as a strategic advisor and conservation and government affairs advocate. The current Simms management team and existing employee base also will remain in place.

> The gross purchase price includes a net present value of roughly $20 million in future tax benefits.

3. MN DNR accepting applications for…

…several fisheries advisory committees: The Mille Lacs Fisheries Advisory Committee, and the state’s 5 fisheries work groups (walleye, panfish, bass, northern pike, muskellunge and catfish).

4. Rapala CEO’s perspective on Q1-2.

Reminder that Rapala is an international public company:

> “The first 6 months of 2022 have been challenging in how quickly the sportfishing market sentiment changed from one that was gradually re-setting, due to consumers returning to more normal pre-pandemic activities, into that of a sharper market reset. The most noticeable and fastest market shift was in the US, as dampened consumer demand there was coupled with retailer de-stocking effects.”

5. PA: “eDNA” of Asian Carp allegedly found in Erie.

When they somehow find DNA in the water, but not the actual fish….

6. WY: Zeebz find in SD leads to LAK Reservoir closing.

LAK is privately owned but open to the public:

> Due to the recent discovery of invasive zebra mussels in Pactola Reservoir in SD’s Black Hills, the WY Game and Fish Dept, in consultation with True Ranches, is closing LAK Reservoir…to all motorized and non-motorized watercraft for the remainder of 2022. The closure takes effect at 8 am Aug 1. At this time, the reservoir will remain open to anglers for shore and ice fishing.

7. MN: Zebra mussels confirmed in Limestone Lake.

Wright County.

8. How sick are these vintage PMT patches?! 😍

Came across them on B-Town Hat Co’s Facebook page and had to snipe a couple up, and I’m having him get ’em set up on an old-school mesh hat:

Looks like they’re sold-out now (sorry!) but he’s been throwing up some other awesome classics here and there, so I’d keep snooping his page if it interests you. 🔥

Hoyer’s slip-bobber setup for the weeds.

Gotta switch things up when you enter the jungle:

Biggun!!! 🐷 Josh Johnson cracked this 11.35-lb freak ripping a #9 Rapala Jigging Rap (glow blue tiger) on MT’s Fort Peck, which is still on my fishing bucket-list for obvious reasons. Congrats on the giant, man!

National Professional Anglers Assoc. 

MN-FISH