As winter approaches and the temperature begins to drop, it is time to start preparing for the upcoming ice season. Whether you ice fish a few times a year or daily, being prepared for the season can have a huge impact on your success. Staying organized and making sure all your gear is ready to go when the ice hits can ultimately make the season more enjoyable and make you more effective on the ice. There is nothing worse than getting to your spot and seeing that your ice auger blades are dull, or your flasher’s battery won’t hold a charge anymore.

Ice Rods, Reels, and Line

After the ice is gone and it’s time for open water fishing, most of us just find a safe place to put our winter gear until it’s time to ice fish again. The hope is that everything is exactly how we left it, but there’s always the possibility that equipment broke and needs to be replaced before the season starts.

Rod, Reel, & Line Checklist:

• Make sure all rod guides, blanks, tips, and reel seats are in working condition

• Make sure reels are in working condition (Oil if they feel sticky or stiff from sitting)

• Depending on the feel of the line and how much you ice fish determines the urgency of whether you need to change your ice line out or not

• Line Test: Run your old line through your fingers and if it feels like the line is nicked or rough, it’s better to play it safe and just replace it. If it feels smooth, then you should be alright for another season.

• In the winter, your line is more susceptible to nicks from sharp ice edges and is spooled on smaller reels leading to more coiling and memory issues. So, if it is in your budget to replace your line every year, it’s beneficial.

Pro Tip: Record/write down what line you have on your reels (lb test, color, type) so you know what you need to order if you run out.

Tip Ups: Running Tip Ups on the ice is a highly effective way to cover water and catch fish that are keyed in on live bait. Although a tip up has just a handful of parts, they do require maintenance and a yearly check to ensure they will function properly.

Tip Up Checklist:

• Inspect each tip up and ensure there are no parts/bolts missing (If there are, order replacements and always get extras)

•For cross style tip ups such as Heritage Lakers or Frabill Stick Tip Ups, always make sure to pull lightly on the spool to ensure it hasn’t become loose (I have had spools fall off when fish take hard runs, or the line gets wrapped around the reel).

•Make sure the tighteners/nuts aren’t rusted out and you can still tighten them down (you can also make a bag to bring with you on the ice with extra tighteners just in case one falls off).

•Inspect the trigger mechanisms and reels; grease if they don’t move freely (for fish like lake trout and Atlantic salmon you want there to be as little resistance as possible when they are taking line).

•Check your flags to make sure they are still intact and will not fall off

• Tip Up line test: Do the same thing you did with your ice line to your tip up line to make sure it feels smooth and check for wind knots

Tackle Organization

Tackle Organization can be extremely important so that when you need to make quick lure switches, you know exactly where they are. It also helps you see what lures and tackle you need to get for the upcoming season.

Tackle Checklist:

• Check over your lures and make sure the hooks are still sharp and nothing is rusted

• If there are specific lures that are proven fish catchers, it is a good idea to have at least 1-2 extras because chances are at some point you will lose one

• Have a variety of hooks, split shots, and swivels for live bait applications such as tip up fishing and slip bobber fishing (I also keep some extra treble hooks in my tackle box for when treble hooks get bent out)

• Organize different tackle boxes depending on what you’re using them for or even the species your targeting

• Write down the lures you are missing and what you need to get for the upcoming season

• For tackle boxes the best ones I’ve found to stay extremely organized are the Rapala Utility boxes that have slots for tungsten jigs and the Plano Edge boxes (these seem to prevent rust the best)

Ice Augers and Ice Blades

Having sharp ice blades can make setting up on the ice a lot easier and can get you fishing faster. There are a lot of variables that determine when you need to get your blades sharpened and some things you can do to improve their longevity. Power Augers are becoming increasingly popular and simple, battery/auger maintenance will ensure they will run right.

Ice Auger and Ice Blades Checklist:

• Make sure you have an Ice auger blade cover (using your ice auger as a walking stick without a blade cover can dull your blades extremely fast).

• If you’re using a power auger, you want to make sure you can start it a few times at home before thinking about using it on the ice. If it’s a gas auger, make sure it has fresh fuel (you want to run the highest octane if possible). If it’s an electric auger, make sure the batteries are charged and will hold a charge.

• Check your auger blades for visual defects like nicks or burrs (Usually ice blades will stay sharp about 2-3 seasons if used properly).

• Drop off old blades at your local bait shop to get sharpened before the season starts

Fish Finder/Electronics/Batteries

Fish Finders and flashers on the ice have become somewhat of a necessity and can be a useful tool to locate and stay on fish. It is extremely important to put them away properly at the end of the season to ensure they will be ready to use next winter.

Fish Finder/Electronics/Batteries Checklist:

• At the end of the season you want to unplug your batteries from your sonar units, so they are not pulling a charge throughout the offseason.

• You want to leave your batteries fully charged before unplugging them (If you can, charging them every 60 days or so when not in use can ensure the batteries will always hold their maximum charge).

• Make sure you charge your batteries with the recommended charger (New flashers are coming with lithium batteries that need to be charged with a specific charger to prevent damage to them).

• Check over your fish finder/ flasher to ensure they have no parts missing, so if there is you can order it in time (Check over your knobs, cords, screen, battery connections, and transducer).

• Clean the fish finder/ flasher screen with a soft cloth and a mild detergent to ensure the screen has no scratches or dust. 

Warm Gear & Safety Gear

I cannot stress the importance of wearing the right gear on the ice to ensure that you are comfortable while ice fishing in the harshest conditions. You want to make sure you cover all the places where heat is likely to escape your body. Having the proper safety gear with you will also give you the reassurance that if something went wrong you have the tools to save yourself or someone else while on the ice.

Warm Gear & Safety Gear Checklist:

• Go through all your ice clothing (bibs, jackets, gloves, hats, boots) and make sure there are no rips or holes from last season (make sure all ice clothing is stored in an area where mice cannot get into it)

• If your gear needs to be cleaned this is also the best time to clean it (certain bibs and jackets require handwashing).

• Try on your boots and if they are waterproof, make sure they are still waterproof because keeping your feet dry is crucial.

• Make sure all your early ice safety gear is in order and functioning (spud bar, ice picks, ice cleats, throw rope, extra warm clothes, etc.)

Drew Ziehnert is owner/operator of ZiehnertGuideService.com

SARATOGA SPRINGS —The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame will play host to the second annual “Countdown to the Triple Crown” fundraising event on Saturday, Feb. 3. This winter fundraiser, scheduled exactly three months prior to the 150th Kentucky Derby in 2024, will feature dozens of silent auction items and an online auction of unique items and experience packages to benefit the Museum. 

The Museum, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is asking for support from the thoroughbred racing industry and businesses throughout the Saratoga Springs area and nationally to help make this event a success. Businesses are encouraged to donate an item, experience, or gift card. Contributing businesses will be promoted by the Museum leading up to the event through the Museum’s social media channels and through database distribution. Additionally, the Museum will provide contributing businesses with two complimentary tickets to the event. All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

On Feb. 3, guests can attend the event in person at the Museum from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. or bid on special packages online. The early-bird event at the Museum will feature beer, wine, soda, light refreshments, and entertainment. Cost to attend the event is $15 for Museum members and $30 for non-members. Many of the auction items will be displayed throughout the Museum galleries during the event. 

For more information about the event or donating an item or experience, please contact Maureen Pasco at 518- 584-0400 ext. 109 or mpasco@racingmuseum.net.

ALBANY — For the second consecutive season, PBR’s (Professional Bull Riders) elite Unleash The Beast will compete in the Capital Region, bucking into MVP Arena in Albany on Dec. 29-30.

For two nights only, 40 of the best bull riders in the world will go head-to-head against the sport’s rankest bovine athletes, showcasing the ultimate showdown of man vs. beast. 

As one of the initial events of the 2024 season, riders will be vying for crucial points in the early race for the 2024 PBR World Championship and accompanying $1 million bonus. Tickets, go to: MVParena.com.

GLENS FALLS —The Adirondack Thunder return home Friday, Dec. 15 against Newfoundland and Saturday, Dec. 16 when they will face off against against Worcester. 

Saturday is also Teddy Bear Toss Night in conjunction with the Saratoga Fire Department to benefit The Salvation Army. Watch the Saratoga Fire Department battle the Worcester Fire Department at 1 p.m. The Thunder take on the Railers at 7 p.m. Bring your Teddy Bears to throw on the ice when the Thunder score their first goal. 

After a pair of road games on Dec. 17 and Dec. 20, the team returns to home ice at Cool Insuring Arena to host games on Dec. 22, 23, 30 and 31, when a special New Year’s Eve puck-drop at 5 p.m.     

For more information and tickets, call the front office at 518-480-3355 or go to: echthunder.com.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Skidmore College has unveiled a newly-expanded locker room at the Saratoga Springs Ice Rink. The 3,200-foot facility includes a changing area, training room, and coaches’ office. 

“The new locker room provides a much more professional space for our team to get ready for games and practices,” said goalie Tate Brandon in a statement. “The locker room is a microcosm of how far our program has come, and just how far it will go.”

This season, the Skidmore Thoroughbreds are off to one of their best starts in decades. The team is currently ranked 13th nationally in NCAA Division III.

The city also plans to make additional improvements to its ice rink on Weibel Ave. Earlier this year, new LED lights and automatic sliding doors were installed.

GLENS FALLS — “I don’t think anyone’s going to be satisfied unless we win a state title,” said Adirondack United Head Coach Jeff Willis. “I think that’s a pretty bold statement to make, but I know for the girls, that’s the target for them.”

The team’s goal is certainly not unrealistic. Last season, the United fell to Clinton 2-1 in the state championship game. On the whole, the girls’ hockey squad finished its season with a 19-2-0 record. All this despite it being United’s inaugural season.

“Being a first-year program, you’re hoping you can compete,” Willis said. “I could never have expected that we would reach all the way to the state championship final game. We far exceeded any expectations we had in year one.”

Much of the United’s core group will be back this season, including leading scorer Bayley Duffy. “She’s probably the best high school hockey player in New York State,” Willis said. “She had a tremendous year.” 

Also returning are forward Lillian Willis (the coach’s daughter), and goalie Ava Reynolds. “She was our number one goaltender last year,” Coach Willis said. “She was the one that got the majority of the starts when we got down to the state playoffs.”

Before competing for this year’s state title, the United will have two opportunities to avenge last year’s loss against Clinton. The rivals will face off on December 22 at the Glens Falls Recreation Ice Center, and then again on January 6 at the Nexus Center.

The team’s first game is on Saturday, December 9 against Beekmantown.

The Adirondack United girls’ hockey team is comprised of players from the Saratoga Springs, Glens Falls, South Glens Falls, Hudson Falls, Queensbury, and Corinth High Schools.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — As the Saratoga Springs varsity hockey team prepared to hit the ice for the first game of the season on Tuesday, Head Coach Tim Horst said that the Blue Streaks’ goal this year was to “come together as a unit.”

“We’re really big on team building and culture, and also representing our school the best way possible,” Horst said.

Last season, the team’s juniors and sophomores gained considerable experience playing together consistently. This year, Horst intends to focus on the things his players can control, such as attitude and energy.

The Blue Streaks’ season will be competitive early on, with two non-league games this weekend against Saint Mary’s and Penfield. Both games will be played at the Saratoga Springs Ice Rink on Weibel Ave.

On December 20, Saratoga will play against Shenendehowa at the Clifton Park Arena for “Stick it to Cancer” night. At the event, both teams will raise money to donate to the American Cancer Society. 

Coach Horst shared his team’s final roster heading into the season…

1 Barber, Matt G 2025 

2 Coryea, Ben F 2026 

3 Chartrand, Brandon D 2027 

5 Corcoran, Declan F 2025 

6 Tolan, Eddie D 2026 

7 Nelsen, Andrew D 2024 

8 Durant, Brody D 2027 

9 Chartrand, Liam F 2025 

10 Lucia, Brandon F 2025 

13 Yankowski, Luke F 2026 

14 Nadolny, Tyler F 2026 

15 Murauskas, Jack F 2025 

16 Emmitt, Erick D 2026 

17 Bradley, Hunter D 2024 

18 Hamilton-Jones, Jude F 2027 

19 Carpenter, Jayson F 2025 

20 Temple, Patrick F 2024 

21 Harvey, Aidan F 2026 

22 Bryson, Jacob D 2027 

23 Montelone, Cameron F 2027 

24 Poutre, Landon F 2027 

25 Walker, Carson D 2027 

26 Klochaney, Daniel F 2025 

28 Mina, Carson F 2027 

29 Sarver, Mason G 2026 

30 Clarke, Xander G 202

SARATOGA SPRINGS —The Saratoga Springs boys cross-country team captured a state championship this year, but still has its sights set on a bigger prize.

At the beginning of summer training, the team’s two primary goals were to win the state championship and qualify for nationals. They accomplished the first goal, but not the second. Last weekend, the Blue Streaks finished third at the Nike Cross Country Regional Qualifier, just one spot away from a trip to the national championship.

The team “believed certainly they were capable of qualifying,” said Coach Shane Zanetti. “We had just beaten the two teams that qualified at states a couple weeks before.” 

“I think it was mostly a matter of us just almost going out and being too aggressive to start off the race,” Zanetti said. “We were probably winning at the mile mark; we were at second place at the halfway point, and then we just weren’t able to keep it together through that last mile and finish where we wanted to.”

Despite the disappointment at regional qualifiers, the team is still proud of its season as a whole, especially the six-man tiebreaker victory at states. “The state meet was an awesome, awesome experience and awesome race,” Zanetti said. 

The tiebreaker finish supported Zanetti’s belief that every runner is valuable. “We really like to emphasize that everybody has a purpose, from the top guys down to the final runners on our team,” Zanetti said.

Nonetheless, it would be hard to think about the Blue Streaks’ season without mentioning standout sophomore Thomas Isenovski. “From our first couple races of the season, Thomas definitely emerged as a frontrunner,” Zanetti said. “He’s very quiet but you can see that he’s very confident in himself.” At states, Isenovski helped capture the Blue Streaks’ first team title since 2012.

Now, Zanetti and his squad are tasked with developing a strategy that will get them above and beyond the success of 2023. “We talked about the idea of maybe training a little harder through the local meets and building things up a little bit more and not cutting back until we get to the state meet next year,” Zanetti said.

The coach also wondered if the team believed a bit too much in its own abilities. Zanetti said that next season the Blue Streaks might be “a little bit more conservative in developing a race plan, especially for the course that regionals is at.” Zanetti said his team will work on managing emotions and “learning how to kind of keep them in check until you’re really ready to make that big move.”

As the preparation for next year begins, Zanetti indicated that the emphasis will continue to be on the importance of the team over any one individual. “I think there’s a lot of trust and respect between everybody, so we’re very proud of that part of our program,” he said. 

GREENWICH — When New York horse racing veteran Glenn DiSanto died in 2017, his son Brendon decided that his father’s legacy should live on.

The elder DiSanto was a horse trainer and breeder for more than thirty years, credited with being one of the first people to use the Oklahoma Training Track at the Saratoga Race Course during the offseason. In 1984, DiSanto purchased Summit View Farm in Greenwich. It was here that he raised his son Brendon, who still lives on the property.

“I currently have three retired horses, all of which my dad trained on the farm,” Brendon said. 

Brendon launched the horse syndicate Summit View Racing about a year ago. The venture started with a few friends but has since expanded to “people who are interested in getting into racing at a more affordable cost,” Brendon said. “Our goal is to keep it friendly, fun, and for everyone; keep the legacy of my dad alive essentially.”

Brendon is currently a project manager for Plug Power, but is eager to make a permanent jump into the horse business. “I see this being a full-time business within the next two to three years,” he said. “We want to make money, obviously, but we’re in it for fun.”

Glenn DiSanto won his final race at Belmont Park in 2015. His son hopes more victories will follow, but emphasized that the horses themselves are a top priority. “We want to win and we want to continue to grow,” Brendon said, “but the legacy that [my father] built was horses come first, then it’s the business side of it. I want to keep that point alive as we continue to do this.”

To learn more about Summit View Racing, visit summitviewracing.com.