"Season in review"
By Randy Havel

Black ice is rearing its ugly head to ice fisherman as the ides of March creep into our lives. If this wasn't one of your best years on the ice, you just didn't get out enough. Try and change that for next year! The early December cold front secured a memorable year for fisherman, resorts and the ice fishing industry. Our "Braggin Board" was evidence of the enjoyable experiences of this season. We will be expanding the "Braggin Board "for next year with some new destinations for you to enjoy and look forward to your participation.

As the season comes to its end I've heard and seen some disturbing behavior by some ice fisherman when they leave the lakes and ponds they've enjoyed this winter. We all need to strive to take better care of our resources and leaving the remains to wash up on a lake owners shore is not what we want as sportsmen. Please help "pick up" as you leave the ice and maybe your neighbors. This sets an example for those kids that are coming along behind us and will help us grow the sport to others.

Thank you for your patience as we introduced the StrikeMaster SOLO power head. As with any new product launch, we had some issues that I feel we handled professionally and quickly to get you on the ice with little delay. Our customer service team did an outstanding job all season and we hope you feel the same. Once we overcome this small hurdle, the feedback on the new SOLO was tremendous and is something for StrikeMaster to build on for years to come.

Speaking of kids, we have been partially responsible for putting over 3,000 kids on the ice this season. Either through the Minn-Aqua program, independent programs, NAFIC and various local sponsorships through sportsman's clubs. A "thank you" goes out to all the volunteers and organizers that made these events possible for the future of our sport.

Drain the gas and make room in the garage for your auger and bucket. Before you know it the 4th of July will be here and the itch to get back on the hard water will be creeping up like a jumbo perch going for your bait. Then, all of a sudden the excitement begins all over again.

Good health and good fishing,
Randy Havel