WKTY OUTDOORS

A good conversation today about ice fishing today with Alex Welter of River Bent Outfitters. 

We talked about current ice conditions and how the fish are biting. Both have been challenging at times.

Alex also discussed some of the locations he's been fishing this season in the area within an hour or so of the La Crosse area and what he's been using to find success. 

You can find good information about what he's using and how to contact him on his website at River Bent Outfitters.

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In the first show of 2026, I talk about winter fly fishing, plus the history of fishing and why using a something that looks like a leaf spring isn't a good idea for a fishing rod. 

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I'm talking today about where to find winter crappies. I'll share a couple of ideas on ways to find the most aggressive ones.

I also discuss the news this week about a CWD positive deer found in La Crosse County and what that means for baiting and feeding and testing in the area.

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New products and ice fishing tips in the conversation today with Tackle Terry Tuma.

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A discussion on ways to prevent hypothermia and frostbite. 

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Talking about early ice fishing and preliminary gun deer hunt numbers from Wisconsin's recent season. 

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It's getting to be that time....

Tackle Terry Tuma and I talk about getting ready for the upcoming ice fishing season.

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Today's show features some things to keep in mind as deer hunting season 

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I have an interview I did with Nick Trim of Galesville, winner of the BASS Nation Championship last weekend in La Crosse. I also talk about safety for the upcoming hunting season and a way Wisconsin hunters can help out the less fortunate. 

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Talking about different types of casting techniques and why they're important to success when fishing. There's also some comments on the BASS Nation championship here in La Crosse this week. 

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Talking about fall fishing and sauger fishing today. 

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Tackle Terry Tuma joins me for a discussion on fall fishing.

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As the weather gets cooler, they get easier to find. 

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Keith Braunreiter joins me to talk about the 1st annual Make A Difference Fishing, Coulee Region Tourney. It's an event for children and adults with disabilities. It happens September 13 at Arctic Springs Park in Galesville. Keith talks about how the event came about, who can participate, and how to sign up. The link is below.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1st-annual-make-a-difference-fishing-coulee-region-tourney-angler-reg-tickets-1485163496999?aff=oddtdtcreator

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Sharing some thoughts on where to find late summer crappies.

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Talking about bass fishing today as the Bassmaster Elite series is here this weekend. Rooting on the Wisconsin anglers-three in the top 10 going into Saturday.

I also have a conversation with Gina Jacquart Thorsen, the CEO of Stormy Kromer, the iconic Midwest hat brand, about a new line which features a custom UW-L hat. 

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Tackle Terry Tuma and I discuss the best way to catch fish as we move into late summer. 

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I go over some ways to make your voice heard when it comes to the management of the outdoors by Minnesota and Wisconsin natural resource departments. 

Starting out though, with the fishing report. It's been a good week. Most everything is biting well, from Panfish to Walleyes. 

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Good fishing this week....there's a bass tourney this weekend with a different twist...plus deer hunting isn't that far away.

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Marc Schultz with Sustain Our River talks about how federal cuts would impact the Mississippi River region. We discussed the importance of places like the Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center and how cut may affect the economy. They're holding a news conference on August 4 at 11:30 a.m. at the Black River Beach House in La Crosse where members of the group will discuss different aspects of the impact of the cuts. 

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Today, I talk about the ways you can use long fishing poles to precisely target fish in weeds or brush when casting or trolling won't work. Tenkara fishing is also covered.

I mentioned that the fall hunting forecasts are available from the Wisconsin DNR for deer, waterfowl, and more. The links are below.

Have a great week-stay safe-and enjoy the outdoors!

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Tackle Terry Tuma and I have a conversation about staying safe in the warm summertime weather and what you can do to protect yourself. 

We also chat about ways to overcome the challenges presented when the water goes high and current goes up. 

Of course, there's the latest fishing reports and news for you as well. 

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My guest today is Capt. Alex Welter of River Bent Outfitters. We talked about the early summer conditions, some places to find a variety of species of fish, and what to use to catch them. A good educational conversation. 

River Bent Outfitters

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Tackle Terry Tuma joins me for a wide ranging conversation about lures, color, current conditions, and much more. 

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A conversation about fly fishing in the Coulee Region with Matt Wagner of the Driftless Angler in Viroqua. We talk about stream conditions and what to use when you put those waders on and get in the water. 

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Talking today about finding early season crappie and some techniques you can try to catch them. 

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A discussion today about the results of the spring hearings. Marc Schultz joins me later in the program to talk about some of the questions and where they go from here with the process. 

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Nice weather is here, we're a week away from the inland opening, and much more on today's program. 

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Joining me in studio are Steve Cibulka and Bob Juen with the Stoddard Bergen Fire Department to talk about their annual Big Walleye and Northern Tournament Fundraiser coming up on May 31. 

More details: https://stoddardbergenfd.com/events/walleye-tournament-20240420-1

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Marc Schultz joined me today to talk about an upcoming hearing looking for input and possible changes to duck hunting zones and splits for the next five years. 

There was also talk of turning the Mississippi River green for St. Patrick's Day. 

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I talk about what to do when the ice starts to melt and the water gets dirty-some things you can do to help you bring in more fish using their senses other than their eyes.

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I talk about some of the ways people can give back to their favorite sports-mentoring, coaching, teaching-all opportunities to share knowledge with others. 

I also talk about the state ice fishing championships happening here in La Crosse ad the World Ice Fishing Championships in Michigan with the USA team.

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My guests today are Keachen Abing, who is talking about the next set in the La Crosse Adventure Films series coming up on Feb. 21-22. Expect some great stories at the festival...

I also talk to Ted Bonde of the Wisconsin Interscholastic Fishing Association about next weekend's Ice Fishing Championships for high school students next weekend here in La Crosse. We talked about how high school fishing has grown and the positive impact it is having on students, coaches, parents, and the community.

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Today's show features an interview with Alex Welter of River Bent Outfitters. We discuss ice conditions, places to look for fish, and what he uses to help catch them. 

Find out more about Alex and what he offers. Click here for the River Bent Outfitters website. 

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Besides conditions, I talk a bit about how writing down what you do on your trips on the ice or water can help you repeat success. 

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Tackle Terry Tuma and I talk about the latest conditions along with how noise, light, and technique can impact your ice fishing success. 

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I share some ideas about early ice and what you should do to stay stealthy plus a look at how outdoor recreation affects Wisconsin's economy.

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The conversation centers around early ice fishing-some tips and suggestions to help find and catch fish now that the decent ice has finally arrived.

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Now that some early ice has arrived, I talk about being careful on where to go when heading out this time of year. 

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As the cold weather of December arrives, it might be time to finally put the boat up for the season and start thinking about ice fishing. There's also part of a Wisconsin DNR news conference talking about the opening weekend of deer hunting season. 

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Terry and I talk about early ice, new gear for ice fishing, and the upcoming St. Paul Ice Fishing Show the first weekend in December. 

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Marc Schultz joined me today to remind waterfowl hunters about a survey they can take to provide input on several items related to hunting such as seasons and locations. 

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Today we'll hear from members of the Wisconsin DNR about the upcoming gun deer season in the state. 

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My guest today is Captain Alex Welter from River Bent Outdoors. We talked about his guide service, early ice fishing, and getting ready for the season. 

https://riverbentoutfitters.com/

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Terry and I talk about fall fishing-what to look for and what to use, plus tips on getting your gear properly stored away for the winter.

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A conversation with Keachen Abing from La Crosse Adventure Films about their Adventure Festival coming up October 16-20 in La Crosse. 

For ticket info, go to https://www.lacrosseaf.com

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Talking a bit about some ways to fine tune your presentations for big fall perch. 

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We get a preview of what to expect for fall colors from the Minnesota DNR, plus tournament news, learn about a unique running event, and of course, a look at what's biting this week. 

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My guest today is Tackle Terry Tuma. We talk about early fall fishing for panfish, a great program that helps veterans, and some things you should be doing with your boat to enjoy the rest of the season and looking ahead to winter. We even take a few minutes on this warm weekend to talk ice fishing!

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My guest today is Joe Barstow. We're talking about the upcoming Ducks Unlimited Banquet in Onalaska on August 22.

For tickets and information, call Joe at 608-769-5154 or go to their website www.onalaskadu.org

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Spoke today with Al Louis about this year's Al's Musky Challenge, where he raises money for community work by catching muskies. 

If you want to learn more about the challenge or to donate, you can go through his Facebook page by clicking here.

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Two guests on the show today....

First was Brad Berger talking about the Stream Girls event on August 10 for young women. He spoke on what's happening that day, the importance of teaching about the environment, and how to register. 

My second guest was Tackle Terry Tuma. We discussed the use and presentation of lead core line plus now that the heat has returned, how to protect yourself from the sun.

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The river is going down, ramps are opening up, it is time to get on the water. If you're having a challenge catching fish, I share a bit about the technique of wacky rigging. 

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Today, I chatted with Hunter Elsen from the La Crosse Parks and Rec. Department about the Youth Outdoor Fest on July 13 and what opportunities there are for kids to learn about some of the great outdoor activities we have available to us here in the Coulee Region.

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Tackle Terry Tuma and I talk about how, despite the high water and swift currents, you can still do very well out fishing. 

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A discussion today about invasive species and how to avoid contact and their spread in Wisconsin. 

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Talking about activities in the area this weekend and some upcoming ones, too, that are related to the outdoors. 

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The unofficial start to the boating season is this weekend. Tips on staying safe are covered along with where to find the fish. 

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It's a great weekend to get out and enjoy some fishing. I look at what's biting, places to go, and a favorite technique to catch panfish. I've also got information on some free outdoor activities and places you can enjoy in Wisconsin the first weekend in June. 

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Talking about being respectful of the resource and considerate of others who are also using the outdoors. 

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The Wisconsin Inland Fishing opener and the start of a new season. Tackle Terry Tuma and I discuss the challenges and courtesies we should be thinking about really any time of the year. 

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Marc Schultz joins me to talk about the results of the spring hearings from the DNR and Wisconsin Conservation Congress.

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Keatchen Abing is on the show today to talk about the Great Outdoors Gear Swap next weekend at Green Island Ice Arena in La Crosse. And the fish fries we have here are just as good as the ones in London. 

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Today's topic is the upcoming Wisconsin Conservation Congress and DNR Spring Hearings on April 8. Marc Schultz and I discuss what will be happening that night along with how the process works to get a question on the ballot.

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Talking today with Tackle Terry Tuma about getting the boat ready for spring and the open water fishing season plus what lure colors to choose once you're out there. 

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Chatting today with Russ Wilson, one of the organizers of the 31st annual River Clean Up in La Crosse on May 11. We talk about the event and how people can get involved. Go to https://www.rivercleanuplacrosse.com for more.

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Tracking down spring walleyes is one of the parts of this week's show. 

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On today's show, the fishing is starting to improve plus I'll share some tips on what to consider when choosing a lodge or resort to stay at for that big hunting or fishing trip. 

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My guest, Tackle Terry Tuma, and I talk about things to consider when buying a boat. From seats, to batteries, to electronics, to the trailer its carried on, there's a lot to think about when making that investment. 

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I spoke today to Ranger Steve Bodovinitz from the La Crosse Visitor Center out on Brice Prairie about a Backyard Birding event coming up on February 15. We also talked about how people can get out and enjoy seeing the multitude of birds we have in our area. 

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The focus of the show, other than the lack of ice for ice fishing, covers a news conference with the Minnesota DNR about their updated Invasive Carp Plan. 

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Talking with Tackle Terry Tuma today about getting out onto the ice now that there finally is some. 

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I talk about taking an evening trip on the ice for crappies and walleyes. 

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Some things to consider when making that first trip on the ice with the kids. There's also information on how much outdoor recreation impacts Wisconsin's economy along with a fishing tip from Tackle Terry Tuma about choosing the right color for your lure. 

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Since there isn't any ice to go fishing, I talk about some alternatives we may be able to enjoy this time of year. The conversation also talks about things to do once there actually is snow. 

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Tackle Terry Tuma joins me today to talk about what anglers can do ahead of ice fishing season-prepping gear and hitting the books or maps to learn about a new body of water. 

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A look at the numbers from this year's gun deer season in Wisconsin, CWD news, and a few fishing tips thrown in to round out today's program. 

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On today's show, deer hunting traditions and first weekend figures plus how color plays a role in how fish see objects.

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Spending some time today talking about the start of the gun deer season in Wisconsin, spending time with family and friends in the outdoors, and finding panfish during early ice.

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Terry and I talk about what to do to find those late fall walleyes. We also discuss the St. Paul Ice Fishing Show coming up the first weekend in December. 

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Covering what to use to catch late fall walleyes along with a preview of the upcoming Wisconsin gun deer season. 

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Sharing thoughts and ideas for late fall bass fishing, which can be a pretty fun time-less pressure and still hungry fish. A good combination!

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Today's show discusses finding crappies in the fall-where to go and what to use for best success. 

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A conversation with Tackle Terry Tuma on a number of topics including prepping the gear for winter storage and a look at some of the new items coming on the market for Clam Outdoors for ice fishing season. 

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Speaking with Keachen Abing about the upcoming La Crosse Adventure Film Festival

The festival is at the Rivoli Theater on October 12-13. The link above has more.

I also played a portion of a Wisconsin DNR briefing on what hunters can do to help prevent the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease in the state as we approach hunting season. 

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On today's show, I talk about the upcoming hunting season, waterfowl season, and the importance of preparing your electronics for the upcoming ice fishing season.

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Today I'm talking about the beginning of the fall fishing season plus we hear from the Wisconsin DNR about the start of the archery/crossbow season for deer in the state.

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Tackle Terry Tuma joins me today to talk about strategies and planning for dealing with not only the hot weather we have right now but also looking ahead to the coming fall season. 

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It won't be that long before fall is here, and with it, some of the best fishing of the season. 

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Onalaska Ducks Unlimited's Joe Barstow joins me to talk about their upcoming banquet. We've also got a pretty good fishing report and other outdoors news on today's show. 

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An update from Al Louis, who is fishing up on Lake Vermillion catching muskies for his annual muskie challenge. We talk about how it's going and the story behind his monster 55" muskie he caught last month. 

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Tackle Terry Tuma joins me today to talk about low water fishing and dealing with fishing conditions along with fishing for northerns.

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Centered on youth activities in the outdoors today. I talked about a new study that shows fishing is up, how people can get involved, and some youth-related activities are happening today. 

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Al Louis is my guest today. We're talking about Al's Muskie Challenge-money is raised every time he catches a muskie on Lake Vermillion. We also provide details on how to donate to helping out local organizations that are benefitting from Al's fishing. 

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My guest today is Russ Wilson, one of the creators of the River Clean Up in La Crosse. We talk about the upcoming event on June 3. It was moved to this date because of high water in the La Crosse area. We discuss how the past events have gone, what's been pulled from the river system, and how volunteers can sign up for the event. 

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My guest, Tackle Terry Tuma, and I talk about dealing with fishing during high water. We cover where to go, what to be careful for, and how to adjust your gear to deal with the challenges of fishing high water. 

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My guest today is Keachen Abing from La Crosse Adventure Films. We're talking about an outdoor gear swap coming up on April 29/30 at the old Shopko store on the south side of La Crosse. We also talk about an upcoming film night at the Rivoli Theater on April 28 as well as the next adventurer night at the Pump House in May. 

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I talked today to Marc Schultz about the upcoming Wisconsin Conservation Congress and DNR Spring Hearings early next month. Find out more about the process and how the public can help shape laws pertaining to the outdoors in Wisconsin. 

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Things to think about when planning that big outdoors trip.

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Terry Tuma joins the show today to talk about ice conditions, having multiple rods, and replacing your ice fishing line.

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