There may be ice on the lakes, but Boat Show season is here and in full swing. From shows that are pretty much just boats, to boats on display at “fishing shows”, this is the time of year when those looking to buy a boat are out kicking tires and checking live wells. Some will continue to look, hope and dream, others will find what they have been waiting for and take the plunge in to boat ownership. Others are looking to upgrade from small fishing packages in to something that can take on the expansive Winnebago system. That’s where making a decision can be tough. Some boats that are set up for fishing just don’t have what you need to take the family out for a day of water skiing or tubing. Others set up for fun, just don’t have what it takes if you want to try your luck in a tournament or spend a day trolling the big lake for walleye. One boat that looks to turn some heads and provide something for the serious angler in a family friendly “fish & ski” package is made right here in Wausau Wisconsin. That’s right, Yar Craft, known for it’s dry riding, serious angling, tournament tested fishing machines has just introduced the 186 FSX. The FSX stands for Family Sport Extreme and from the looks of it, is well named. At 18’6” long 99” wide the 186FSX has the platform and hull to give you a dry comfortable ride on family days and back to the weigh-in in 4 footers. Rated for up to 200 HP, the 186 FSX can run with any boat in this size but for those who want to save a little money, the boat preforms VERY well with a 150. Important fishing features include the center rod locker, 35 inch rear live well, insulated bait well and cooler. Extra storage under the two rear jump seats and non-skid interior with snap in/out carpeting make this a well thought out boat package. A set back bracket allows for a kicker motor and available ski pole provides the perfect set up for those who like to water ski or go tubing. Serious angler features include available onboard pro charging systems, bow mount trolling motors, air ride seats and your choice of Lowrance electronics help to round out the package you are looking for. We will have one to see at ICE BREAKER III, so be sure to stop by and take a look.

ICE BREAKER III ADDS MUSKIES TO TOPIC LINE

Local muskie aficionado Rob Peterson will be discussing the use of plastics and some of what he knows about the GIANT muskie being seen around the Wolf River and Winnebago system. Those muskie may be news to many of you, but not to those who have been seeing them more consistently over the last few years. An “emergency” rule by the DNR limits the taking of these fish to one muskie OVER 50 inches in order to protect the EXISTING stock of naturally reproducing fish. Believe me, I’ve seen a couple of muskie in the 50 inch range while trolling on Lake Poygan and have actually had one hooked that broke me off. We had been in a school of crappie and walleye in about 6 feet of water when one of my flat line rods groaned. At first I thought I hooked bottom when the big fish came to the surface and moved off with my line. The first few moments of the fight gave me false hope of landing the trophy fish but the 10 pound test line was no match once I got the fish close. A quick turn put the line into the teeth of the big fish and with a flash of her tail she was gone. Want to know more, be at ICE BREAKER III March 8 & 9, 2008 at Critters Sports in Winnecone, Wisconsin.

Area Fishing Still Very Good

From what I’ve heard fishing continues to be pretty good throughout the area. The cold snap has done it’s job of improving ice conditions providing better access to productive fishing areas. Walleye have been good on the Wolf River, Lake Poygan and on Winnebago. It’s not easy pickings, but if you find the right school of fish you can expect to do well. Perch and bluegill are also being reported as active throughout the area and a few nice pike have been reported too. Make sure to be diligent in checking the ice thickness often when accessing your favorite fishing area. Snow on the ice and last weeks warm up have combined to create some areas of thin ice. Don’t assume it’s safe, even on marked roads. Be careful, use your head and you will be sure to return for another day of outdoor fun and fishing. So go out and do a little fishing and keep in touch for news on ICE BREAKER III. If you want information on fishing the Wolf River or Winnebago System, Critters Sports in Winneconne is the place to be March 8 & 9, 2008. For more information on topics such as this and the areas great fishing, make sure to check out Doc’s Wolf River Country.Com Joel “Doc” Kunz is a freelance outdoor writer / photographer published weekly by Outdoor Gazette. His work is also seen in many other Wisconsin and Midwest publications. He is a recent READERS CHOICE award winner and a member of the Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers. He is a Pro Team member of Triton Boats, Mercury Marine, Motorguide & Lindy Little Joe.