ICE TIPS.  Today may be the only day you want to take back during your holiday stretch as a wintry mix of snow, sleet and ice slink over the region. The power of the new moon may help combat the shift in systems, but there’s no return on the gifts we provide in the form of tips for your ice fishing adventures in today’s Outdoors Roundup.

Featured Photo:  RIGHT ROUND.  A round reel is ready to deploy for panfish.  Simonson Photo.

WEATHER (Bismarck Forecast):
Today:  Thu 12/26 – Wintry Mix – Hi 23, Lo 18, Wind NE@6,
Tomorrow: Fri 12/27 – Clearing – Hi 26, Lo 10, Wind SW@7

SOLUNAR (Bismarck Times):

Sunrise        Sunset
8:27AM        5:00PM

Moonrise         Moonset        Overhead       Underfoot
8:54AM           5:34PM           1:14PM            12:47AM

Moon Phase:  New Moon

EDGE HOUR:   5:00-6:00PM.  Moonset following sunset and decreasing winds and clouds will provide a better bite in our new moon Edge Hour.

DAY RATING:

OUTDOORS ROUNDUP:

YAW.  Especially with early season’s thinner ice, consider giving your auger a quick twist at the end of the hole to create a concave bottom.  This slight yaw will help widen the base of the hole, making it easier to steer fish up the slight angle and into the main cylinder.

GO LONG.  If you’re walking your sled house on the ice, consider replacing the standard length of rope used to tow it with something a bit longer.  Longer ropes make for an easier pull over the ice and any compacted snow.

DOUBLE UP.  Winter cold saps batteries like little else.  Make sure to have a spare available for your sonar, your electric auger and other on-ice electronics. Also be certain that the backup is fully charged before hitting the ice.