Ice Team U

[captkev]

I just thought I'd put this up, I'll be headed up there this weekend to help with the classes... Any of you that are looking for a last min. trip to some great fishing where you can learn from the pros at the same time...? Take a look at this link and forget about the posted dates! Both clases were changed to this weekend (16th-17th & 18th) $400.00 is the price, but ask yourself what kind of a trip you can get where you have room & meals included with a guide for three days not to mention all the gear you will recive at the outing;)

Link to I.T.U.
http://www.iceteam.com/university/index.html

also...
http://www.forum.iceteam.com/viewtopic.php?t=1009

Let me know if you have any questions.

[Timotha7]

That is AWESOME Kevin
Bring us back some Pics an reports
and don't forget to hand out some WIF cards if you got em :-)

[captkev]

I don't have any left! If you can get some more here by Friday noon I'd be glad to! (With my referal name on the back of course;) ) I'll be sure to take plenty of Pic's

[Timotha7]

PM Schoe your addy, I bet they can get there by Friday no problem

Tim

[captkev]

Reality set in as I turnend down the small dirt path that was the entrance to Deep Portage Learning Center www.deep-portage.org (http://www.deep-portage.org) On a map it looks to be a short drive to the end of the road, but it is a trail that sets you back in time to wonder when the first people might have taken a nap under some of those same trees. A couple miles back off the main road is a building that holds lots of storys and a place to gather and make new friends. With wildlife right out the front door and thousands of lakes within reach this place is perfect place for Ice Teams Ice fishing University.
As I got settled into my room and headed for the conferance room I met many faces that I had see before and others I had not, but everyone seemed to have the same smile on their faces and a look that I had just seen on my own in the reflection of glass to the room for the rock climbing wall as I passed. I know everyone was happy to be there.
Randy Havel kicked off the welcome and introduced the first speaker Cindy Tomcko. Bluegill Biology and Management was her background and she had lots to share. I know lots of info went home with the others, but I'm sure next year she would be welcomed to stay for fishing and help identify some of the many differances she had explained in her talks. I had many people ask if they had a "Sneeker" the next day.

Then we head for meal number one. As we weaved our way to the east side of the building I felt like a shark keying in on the cone and I knew what ever I was smelling was going to be good.
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A feist fit for a King. Turkey, Stuffing, Mashed Taters, Gravy, you name it and you would have thought you were at home for the holidays. I was so full I thought I was going to need someone to get the lugage cart and wheel me back to the conferance room.
Dave Genz started off with info on Principles of todays ice fishing. It was more info than your note book could keep up with. Tricks from the pro himself that I had not yet read in most of the many books I have read. Tweaking the System with new little tid-bits of info if you will.
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Then came the 30 Minute rotations with more info. Pat Smith and the Art of Jigging. This man knows his stuff. You can find him at Thorne Bros or www.thornebros.com (http://www.thornebros.com) Any thing and every thing you ever wanted to know about some of the best rods on the market.

Brian "Bro" Brosdal on finesse rigs and what a hands on display this was. Live bait rigs and all. Bro also introduced Lindy's new Rattl'n Flyer Spoon. It's a first veiw to the public of a jig/spoon that has been being tested for two years now. Watch for these to hit the market next fall. They are a Non-lead product in 6 colors and Techni-glo eyes with three sizes 1/8th, 3/16th and 1/4.

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Bro showed how well they work the next day...
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Mr. Genz gives details on Mastering Electronics with more inside Tips as how he goes about customizing every thing he has and work with the manufactures to make these products better for all.
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We ended the night with talks about the lakes we about to fish in the morning and key locations that had been pre fished.
I woke the next morning to the hall ways filled with the smell of breakfast and once more it was a huge feist with all the fixings. Then it was off to the lake. We started out slow and there was great info shared by all. Steve Baumann from Vexilar even stoped by to share some tips.
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Woody Sankey scored big on a Lindy Genz Worm and a White Wormi from Maki Plastics...
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I almost fogot to add the Lunch... WOW Moose chili and Venison Hot-dogs, Brownies to die for and all provided by Randy Havel from Strikemaster and the gang. Now more food talk, the day was done on the ice and there was lots of fish yanked threw the holes. It was back to base camp so we could eat some more. Chicken Keiv, Pork loin, Mixed veggies that called out for a second helping with cake and any thing you wanted to wash it down with. Then back to class with Adam Johnson from www.adamjohnsonoutdoors.com (http://www.adamjohnsonoutdoors.com) on Ice Biology. Talk about some great tips on reading key areas and what to look for both above and below the ice.
More Seminars by Pat, Dave, Bro, and Adam Questions and Answers this was the time to pick their brains and we did. Meat and cheese along with beverages were always within view. Then it was time to hit the rack to be fresh for Sunday.
Once again the smell of breakfast was the first thing on your mind, food, food, food and more food. They did not want anyone to loose weight on the trip. After we were done eating again we all headed for the lake. Fishing was more than to be expected as I pulled up to the spot I seen Mr.Genz reeling one in, before I could get parked and out of the truck I seen him set the hook again. The fish were there and within a short time my hands started to prune from being wet. Then I got a break, I heard a drag screaming and knew there was a battle not far away. And here she is...
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And a few more fish from the day...

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Lets not forget more food, This time its phesant and rice soup with pulled venison and corn bread muffins that melted in your mouth. Also Smittys Birthday cake as well. My hat goes off to Randy for all the hard work on the food. Thank you much!

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I had a blast and look forward to next year. Anyone who has not been mentioned like Missy Davis, Kathy Roberts,Kristina Sezeck, Scott Seibert, Dennis Salmela, Kody Seibert, Brad Buys, Howard "The Duck" Underwood, and the Staff at Deep Portage along with the many Sponsors that may not have been mentioned here in this post need a big pat on the back as well. Well done by all of you. To the many who may not have been mentioned or pictured here, you are all welcome to contact me anytime. I made many new friends over the weekend and look forward to the next time on the ice with all of you. I know many of you plan on returning next year, some of you it will be three years in a row. You must be getting your moneys worth.

[capt.kirk]

Kevin,Thanks for the detailed report and the Great pictures,this sounds
like a fantistic deal for the ice fishermen/women,The lodge and the food
look to be worth the trip even if you dont learn anything more than you
already knew.:cool: Kirk
PS Moose Chili & Venison Hot Dogs sounds like that would be a great thing to put past
the lips.Yum Yum

[captkev]

You bet Kirk. For the price, there is no way you can find a package deal like this. I'm sure it was $400.00 for 3 days and 2 nights with all meals included. Then throw in top notch prefished lakes that the fish begged to be cought and big fish at that. Some of the best anglers in the Ice Fishing industry on had to fish with and pick their brains made for one heck of a weekend to remember.

[Schoe]

Wow Kevin, what a great time. I will be 100 % honest if I wasn't going to be in Fla. the winter of 07-08 I dang sure would be at some of your great events.

Is your ice about done or will you still be able to get out in April. Schoe

[captkev]

I'm about to head out the door to goto work or I'd be a little better detailed, but yes... I should still be on the ice the first of April in the north part of the state.

[Timotha7]

Great presenation and pics Kevin!

Ice U needs to be on the "to do/wish list"