Ice fishing in our area is really happening right now. Both lakes, Long and Grand are producing good amounts of fish. What we are hearing at this bait shop is that Grand Lake is producing nice catches of perch and some nice walleye. Long lake is doing the same but different. We are seeing  some nice catches of walleye and some good perch.

Both lakes have about 12 to 16 inches of ice and some snow on them. We hear that there are quads, snowmobiles and even a few vehicles on both lakes. Be sure and check out the lakes in the daylight before you venture out, anywhere.

The live bait used is the same faire as has been used for decades. Perch minnows, (shiners) blues, wigglers, waxworms and suckers for those bigger walleye and pike. Very basic stuff, no big surprises.

The lures being used are quite unique this year. Some are anyway. The old tear drop lure, Jigging Rapala, Hali rigs, Swedish Pimples, Doo Jiggers, all your old favorites are working. why not. But we have some different ones too. We have “Walleye Talkers, Perch Talkers, Depth charges,” all very good baits.

But some very new lures are our new “Tournament Quality Treble Hook Rigs.” These rigs [ Lorie Rigs] are equipped with treble hooks ( very sharp) big enough to hold Blues or Suckers, has a beautiful hand tied fly and big enough to catch trophy walleye and pike. You can use them on a tip-up or jig them. We have them, right now, so come take a look for yourself before they all go fishing before you get there.

Saturday, Jan. 27 is the annual FISH FRENZY  fishing tournament on LONG LAKE. Specific area to be announced. You can sign up at BUCKS BAIT SHOP, for $10.00. You will get a bracelet to wear at the event. All ticket money will be prize money. And some merchants are donating prizes too. We are donating some very nice prizes. Come on in and check them out. This a well run event by a very good group of men. It’s fair, easy and policed by the tournament crew.

Hey, time is running, hurry up, get in get registered, and fish.