By the Star Tribune: In an earlier time, ice fishing in Minnesota meant a lone figure hunkered down on a frozen lake. Only the heartiest stock, foolhardy even, took part. But 1,500 years after the first confirmed knowledge of humans making holes in the ice to fish, the pursuit has moved into the digital age — from survivalist sustenance to a gadget-rich sport that can be enjoyed in shorts and shirtsleeves in an insulated trailer.
Ice fishing has undergone a transformation, said Matt Teske, marketing manager at Dick’s Sporting Goods. “The days of sitting on a five-gallon bucket in a Carhartt jacket are going away,” he said. “It’s about technology and comfort.”
About $260 million was spent on ice-fishing gear in 2012, an increase of nearly 10 percent over 2011, according to the American Sportfishing Association. Minnesota and Wisconsin have among the highest number of ice anglers at an estimated 700,000 and 600,000 respectively.
But Minnesota remains ice-fishing central. Many local companies with ice-fishing ties thrive here, including Clam Corp. in Rogers, Rapala in Minnetonka, Otter Outdoors in Maple Lake, MarCum Technologies in New Hope, Vexilar in Bloomington and Canvas Craft in Rogers.
Five metro companies (Rapala, Otter, MarCum, Polaris and StrikeMaster) recently formed Ice Force, a partnership with a marketing emphasis on ice fishing. “It’s going swimmingly,” said Tom Mackin, president of Rapala. “We’re hearing from major retail partners that they’re having their best ice-fishing season ever,” he said.
Clam Outdoors in Rogers has seen steady double digit growth each year, said Nick Chiodo, director of marketing. Ten years ago, the ice-fishing accessories maker company sold eight items. Now it’s more than 500. “This isn’t just a guy out fishing with his buddies anymore,” Chiodo said. “It’s for women and the family. People drive by a lake dotted with shelters on it and wonder how they can get involved.” Continue reading….
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