![Sometimes I Like to Keep It Simple](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2019/10/IMG_1938.jpg?w=630&h=420&zc=1&s=0&a=t&q=89&w=980&q=75)
Sometimes I Like to Keep It Simple
There have been days when my fishing cronies have given me a ribbing for being behind the times on the latest and greatest in ice fishing innovations. I guess it would be safe to say that there may be some truth in all of that. But not entirely.
I have been on the ice enough days over many years to know what I have to do to find and catch fish. For the most part, I have far more good days than I do poor ones. In that respect, I must be doing something right.
I am sure that part of the mild teasing I receive has something to do with the bucket I sit on when on the ice. I like the bucket. It allows me to be very mobile and carry with me only the basics for my outings.
I do have a couple of great Fish Traps that I use when the wind blows and the temperature drops. If I need to, I can be warm and cozy on the ice. However, on mild days, I still like my bucket for its simplicity and efficiency.
When it comes to augers, I was the first one I know to make the jump to an electric and have never looked back. I didn’t get much credit for that, however. What I did get was lots of requests to try the newfangled gadget for themselves. Most of them have their own electric rigs now. Like me, they love the simplicity and efficiency.
I have grown to appreciate the basic spring bobber as part of my panfish presentation. There are days when the tightline jigging approach is still very effective, but I usually start out with the spring bobber.
I have several rods rigged with spring bobbers and it is a good thing. Many times I have had to lend a rig to someone that was struggling with the outfit they were using. Quality spring bobber rigs have been around a long time. I find them to be simple to use and efficient.
I started using tungsten jigs as soon as they came out. Longtime friend, Dave Genz, felt they helped him catch more fish. That was good enough for me.
Although I don’t have dozens of different varieties and colors, I do have an amply supply of the ones I have the most confidence in. I know what works great for me and stick to it. I like to keep it simple.
Fishing is one of those sports that a person can make as complicated or as simple as they want. Both methods will produce results for the right people.
For me, I like to concentrate on the basics. I like my ice fishing uncomplicated and simple. I find that simple frequently leads to efficiency, as well. The combination of these two characteristics helps me be successful.
More From AM 1240 WJON
![Protect Yourself From Ticks This Summer](http://townsquare.media/site/66/files/2021/04/GettyImages-51093187.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![What’s This Non-Biting Mosquito-Looking Flying Bug In Minnesota?](http://townsquare.media/site/65/files/2024/05/attachment-syed-ali-via-unsplash-and-Canva.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![How to Protect Yourself From the Minnesota Tick Explosion](http://townsquare.media/site/66/files/2024/04/attachment-BOOM.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Every Cabela’s in Minnesota – Except One – Has Been Sold](http://townsquare.media/site/66/files/2024/03/attachment-GettyImages-2504741.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![What An Adventure! Photos Of Ice House Being Pulled Up From MN Lake](http://townsquare.media/site/65/files/2023/12/attachment-Ice-House-multiple.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![This Year’s Ice Fishing Season May Be the Worst in MN](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2023/11/attachment-Glen-Schmitt-ice-fishing-2023.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Resorts Urging Caution For Anglers Heading Out On MN Lakes](http://townsquare.media/site/65/files/2024/01/attachment-yiran-ding-Eg9EVNePdtg-unsplash.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![70-Year-Old Jeep Carries On Family Tradition On Lake Mille Lacs](http://townsquare.media/site/65/files/2024/01/attachment-GettyImages-1367590402.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Don’t Be Fooled: Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza Not Canceled](http://townsquare.media/site/65/files/2024/01/attachment-GettyImages-1203224614.jpg?w=980&q=75)