How to outsmart ice.

In the waning days of winter, professional walleye angler Mark Martin faces a honeycombed sheaf of ice that lies between him and open water. Not to be outdone, however, Martin plans to run his aluminum Lund over the river and through the ice floes. Hard-core, yes, but a sure-fire way to get to hot fishing holes—if you do it with caution, care, and Martin’s expert wisdom. Here are his six rules for successfully navigating a winter wonderland.

Leave your fiberglass boat on its blocks. Fiberglass is more susceptible to damage from ice shards; aluminum, polyethylene, and roplene, on the other hand, glance off. “When you get thick ice—over 4″ or 5″—you don’t want to go too fast or it will [Read more...]