December 20, 2011

The dogs seemed to be as excited as we were as they dug their feet in ready to mush at the word. I started to feel sorry for them a bit as the snow was deep but quickly realized that it was their passion pulling that sled.

To “Mush” Fish
By Holly Chow

I have had the opportunity travel many lakes ice fishing, on a quest for many species like greenbacks, crappie, bluegills, trout, perch and many, many more! It always seemed that there was a little something missing and felt like my quest was not complete. Was it a species I had not caught yet? Was it a lake I have not fished? The answer always seemed to elude me. Finally after joining the Ladies of StrikeMaster and the crew from Minnesota Bound to shoot a show at Highbanks resort located on the northeast shore of Lake Winnibigoshish, I figured out what was missing in my adventures. It was not a fish or a lake but rather a “someone”. Someone who is as passionate about ice fishing as I am and who is up for an adventure at the drop of a hat, drinks one cup of coffee first thing in the morning that almost knocks your socks off and could not care less if the maggots got loose in her pockets.

I first met Shelly Holland at a trade show in St Paul but never had a chance to talk fishing after shooting the show on Friday and fishing with some of the gang on Saturday, Kim Leonhardt and her husband Rick owners of Highbanks told us about a great opportunity and one Shelly and I could not resist. Joel Kersting from Suomi Hills Kennels would be coming to Highbanks with his dog team. One mention of it by Kim and all Shelly and I could do was look at each other and say, “were in.” Fish by dog team, now this was going to be one for the journals. Joel was amazing. As he harnessed the dogs, he told us about how he started in the industry. Shelly and I loaded our gear and the excitement grew.

After reaching a new spot we had located on the GPS, we started set up for the few hours of fishing we had left before we had to head home. She brandishing her Northland Forage Minnow and me trusting my favorite go to hook for perch a Jig A Whopper Hawger Spoon. After drilling several holes it took only moments before the massive jumbo started to hit the ice. They would come up from the bottom clearly visible on our Vexilars and the gentle tug on our lines would tell us once again another would soon hit the ice. Most of the time we could see more than just one fish and at times the screen would show so many it was hard to pick out you hook from the fish.

The results were amazing once again we would take our limit of 20 jumbo in an hour’s time. It was more than worth the extra time we spent at the resort and above all it gave us a bond that will last a lifetime. I cannot wait till the day comes when we tell our grand children about our adventure. Thank you Shelly for making my quest complete.

Q: What is that black stuff coming out of my muffler and is it normal?

A: Yes, it is normal. Two cycle engines do not use all the oil in the cylinder. We recommend using an oil ratio of 40:1 (3.2 oz./1 gallon of gas) this will help. You can use 40:1 even if your engine states 24:1 oil ratio. WD-40 and a rag can clean off the muffler when cooled.

Q: What’s is the best way to transport my auger?

A: The best answer is to secure it. In the truck, in a pull behind sled, on a snowmobile or 4 wheeler make sure your auger is secured. You don't want it bouncing around causing un-needed damage. You have a high performance cutting machine, treat it with care. Contact StrikeMaster, we have many options to help you!