Tim Allard

2 months ago | oodmag.com | Tim Allard

Lead core is a sinking, colour-segmented line used to troll a presentation at a specific depth. It’s inexpensive and precise. Every colour of lead core let out (i.e. 10 yards) translates to roughly five or six feet of depth, give or take a foot or so, at typical walleye trolling speeds of approximately one and a half-to-two miles-per-hour (2.4-3.2 km/h). Achieving precise depth control is as straightforward as counting colours and doing a little math.

Feb 4, 2025 | oodmag.com | Tim Allard

Being strategic with your casting angle means more fish. Nothing’s foolproof in angling, but concentrating on casting angles is a great way to enhance a presentation and get more bites. A casting angle simply refers to the path of the fishing line between the rod and the lure’s target. It also describes where the line lies in relation to structure or cover. In either case, the casting angle affects where a bait swims during the retrieve.

Jan 22, 2025 | oodmag.com | Tim Allard

I’ve long been a spoon man for walleye underthe ice, but with each passing winter I become increasingly fond of the lipless crankbait. The action and vibrations of these hard baits are distinct from other presentations and catch walleye from first ice to the season’s end. There is a lot to like about lipless crankbaits. Their rattling chambers and hard-vibrating action create commotion perfect for attracting walleye.

Dec 1, 2024 | oodmag.com | Tim Allard

I’m a softie for soft baits during the winter. I’ve long been a fan of soft baits for ice fishing, but the last few years have really solidified my fondness for squishy artificials. I’m about to explain why, but what continues to impress me overall is how certain soft baits have an ability to turn lookers into biters when hard baits fall short. If you only take one thing away from this, I hope it is this — soft baits are good impersonators of live bait. They’re like Hollywood stunt doubles.

Dec 1, 2024 | oodmag.com | Tim Allard

Many factors influence fish behaviour. We know water temperature plays a major role, but a lake’s winter temperatures will only fluctuate a few degrees, if that. This prompts the question, what’s the next most-critical factor affecting fish beneath the ice? In my experience, the answer is food. This might not be earth-shattering news, but consider that predatory fish evolved to assess hunting opportunities based on the potential energy gained versus lost when choosing whether or not to pursue prey.