In the video “Ultimate Ice Fishing Challenge – BACKCOUNTRY BRAWL (7 Species, 1 Day)” by Jay Siemens, a group of hardcore ice fishermen set out to catch seven different species of fish in just one day. The challenge includes categories such as stock trout, verbit, walleye, pike, whitefish/Cisco, lake trout, and perch. The team, consisting of Mac Mulligan, Clayton Chick, Josh McFadden, and Kevin, must catch all seven species within the day to win a free night at Bakers and a day with Mac Mulligan. The video takes you through their journey as they fish for each species, sharing their bait and technique choices, and discussing their progress. They even contemplate adding additional nights to their stay at the lodge and encourage viewers to subscribe to their YouTube channels.
The team starts by fishing for walleye, whitefish, and perch in the first lake. After successfully catching those species, they move on to the second lake to target lake trout and Cisco. With just two species remaining, pike and stock trout, they switch lakes to find them. The team is confident in their ability to complete the challenge within the day, and their adventure showcases the thrill and camaraderie of ice fishing.
The Ultimate Ice Fishing Challenge
Table of Contents
Are you ready for the ultimate ice fishing challenge? Get your fishing gear ready because we have an exciting adventure to share with you. In this challenge, a hardcore group of ice fishermen set out to catch 7 different species of fish in just one day. Inspired by the popular GAME OF INCHES, this challenge includes the same 7 categories. Let’s dive into the experience of Jay Siemens and the rest of the team to see if they can conquer this backcountry brawl challenge.
About the BACKCOUNTRY BRAWL Challenge
The BACKCOUNTRY BRAWL challenge is all about catching 7 different species of fish in just one day. The goal is not to catch the longest fish, but rather to check off all the categories as quickly as possible. The challenge includes species such as stock trout, verbit, walleye, pike, whitefish/Cisco, lake trout, and perch. If the team successfully catches all 7 species, they win a free night at Bakers and a day with the legendary Mac Mulligan. There’s just one catch – they must be guided by a professional throughout the challenge.
The Experience of Jay Siemens
Jay Siemens, a renowned ice fisherman and videographer, takes us on this exciting journey. Joined by a group of skilled anglers including Clayton Schick, Mac Mulligan, Josh McFadden, and Kevin, Jay chronicles their experience tackling this ultimate ice fishing challenge. Throughout the day, Jay shares his thoughts, strategies, and interactions with the rest of the team, giving us a fascinating insight into the world of ice fishing.
The 7 Categories of GAME OF INCHES
The 7 categories in the GAME OF INCHES challenge form the basis of the BACKCOUNTRY BRAWL challenge. The team must catch stock trout, verbit, walleye, pike, whitefish/Cisco, lake trout, and perch. Each species presents its own unique set of challenges and requires different techniques and bait. The team must work together and adapt their strategies to catch each species as quickly as possible.
Meet The Team
Before we delve into the fishing adventure, let’s meet the team of experienced ice fishermen who are taking on the BACKCOUNTRY BRAWL challenge.
Introduction to the Group of Ice Fishermen
The group consists of Clayton Schick, Mac Mulligan, Josh McFadden, and Kevin, all passionate and skilled ice fishermen. They bring their individual expertise and knowledge to the challenge, making them a formidable team.
About Clayton Schick
Clayton Schick, known for his popular YouTube channel, Clayton Schick Outdoors, is an experienced angler who specializes in ice fishing. His videos are loved by fishing enthusiasts, and he is well-versed in different fishing techniques and strategies.
Mac Mulligan: The Pro
Mac Mulligan, the lead guide at Baker’s Narrows Lodge, is a seasoned professional in the fishing world. With years of experience under his belt, Mac brings valuable expertise and guidance to the team. Winning a day with Mac Mulligan is the ultimate prize for completing the challenge.
Josh McFadden & Kevin: Rounding Up The Team
Josh McFadden, from the popular YouTube channel Catch and Cook, joins the team alongside Kevin, whose fishing skills and expertise contribute to the success of the challenge. Together, they form a skilled and determined team ready to take on the BACKCOUNTRY BRAWL challenge.
The Fish Species of the Challenge
To successfully complete the challenge, the team must catch 7 different species of fish in just one day. Let’s take a closer look at the fish species they will be targeting throughout the challenge.
Overview of the Targeted Species
The challenge includes a range of species, each with its own set of characteristics and challenges. From stock trout to perch, the team must rely on their skills and knowledge to catch them all.
Stock Trout: A Favorite
Stock trout, a popular species among anglers, are known for their powerful and acrobatic fights. Catching a stock trout requires precision and patience, as these fish can be elusive in their feeding patterns.
Verbit & Walleye: A Tough Hunt
Verbit and walleye are two species that present unique challenges. They require a specific set of techniques and bait to entice them. The team must rely on their skills and experience to catch these elusive fish.
Pike, Whitefish/Cisco, and Lake Trout: The Triple Challenge
Pike, whitefish/Cisco, and lake trout make up the triple challenge of the BACKCOUNTRY BRAWL. These species require different strategies and techniques to catch, making the challenge even more exciting and demanding.
The Search for Perch: The Seventh Species
The final species on the team’s checklist is perch. While it may seem like an easy catch compared to the others, perch can prove to be quite tricky to locate and entice. The team must employ different tactics to successfully catch perch and complete the challenge.
The Time Trial Element
In addition to catching all 7 species, the team must also complete the challenge within a single day. Time is of the essence, and the clock starts ticking as soon as they drop their first line. The time trial element adds an extra layer of excitement and urgency to the challenge.
Time: The Eighth Challenge
The eighth challenge of the BACKCOUNTRY BRAWL is the race against time. The team must strategize and plan their moves carefully to catch all 7 species within the allotted time. It requires efficiency, teamwork, and a bit of luck to complete this challenge successfully.
Strategies for a Successful One-Day Catch
To maximize their chances of completing the challenge within the day, the team must employ various strategies. These may include starting with the species that are most likely to bite first, optimizing their fishing techniques, and making quick decisions to move from one location to another.
Chasing the Clock: Tensions Rise
As the day progresses, the pressure of the time trial element starts to build. Tensions rise, and the team must focus on staying calm and composed to make the right decisions. It becomes a race against the clock, and every minute counts in their pursuit of completing the challenge.
The Perks: A Night at Bakers and More
Completing the BACKCOUNTRY BRAWL challenge comes with its own set of perks and rewards. Let’s take a closer look at what awaits the team if they succeed.
Baker’s: The Ultimate Fishing Retreat
Baker’s Narrows Lodge, the base for this challenge, offers the team a serene and picturesque retreat. The lodge provides a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere to unwind after a long day of fishing. It serves as a perfect place to celebrate their accomplishments and reflect on their experience.
A Day with Mac Mulligan: An Added Bonus
Not only do the winners get a free night at Bakers, but they also have the opportunity to spend a day with the legendary Mac Mulligan. Fishing alongside a professional of Mac’s caliber is an invaluable experience that allows the winners to learn new techniques and gain insights into the world of fishing.
Guided by a Pro: A Mandatory Requirement
To ensure fairness and authenticity, the challenge requires the team to be guided by a professional throughout the day. This ensures that the rules are followed, the catches are verified, and the challenge is conducted in a responsible and ethical manner.
First Lake Experience
Now, let’s dive into the first lake experience of the team as they embark on their journey to catch walleye, whitefish, and perch.
Target: Walleye, Whitefish, Perch
The team starts their adventure by targeting walleye, whitefish, and perch. These species are known to inhabit the first lake they visit, and they are the team’s primary focus at the beginning of the challenge.
The Successful Catch: Walleye, Perch, and Burbot
With their fishing skills and knowledge, the team manages to catch walleye, perch, and burbot. The successful catch gives them a boost of confidence and brings them closer to completing the challenge. The team celebrates their first achievements as they prepare to move on to the next lake.
Bait & Techniques for the First Lake
To lure in walleye, whitefish, and perch, the team uses a variety of baits and techniques. Each species has its own preferences, and the team relies on their experience and expertise to choose the right baits and employ the most effective techniques.
Second Lake Experience
After their successful catch in the first lake, the team moves on to the second lake to target lake trout and Cisco.
Target: Lake Trout and Cisco
Lake trout and Cisco are the main focus in the second lake. These species are known to inhabit the deeper parts of the lake, and the team must adjust their tactics and strategies accordingly.
The Successful Catch: Lake Trout and Cisco
Using their knowledge and skills, the team manages to catch lake trout and Cisco. These prized catches bring them closer to completing the challenge and add to the diversity of their catch.
Moving From Creek to Spawn Bay: Strategies and Tactics
To locate and catch lake trout and Cisco, the team explores different areas of the lake, including the mouth of a creek and a spawning bay. They adjust their strategies and techniques based on the behavior and preferences of these species in different areas of the lake.
The Final Push: Pike and Stock Trout
After their successful catch in the second lake, the team switches lakes to find pike and stock trout.
Switching Lakes: Necessary Strategy
Switching lakes becomes a necessary strategy for the team to target pike and stock trout. By exploring different bodies of water, they increase their chances of completing the challenge within the day.
The Hunt for Pike: A Unique Experience
Targeting pike proves to be a unique and exhilarating experience for the team. They experiment with different baits and techniques to entice these predator fish, making every moment on the ice full of anticipation and excitement.
The Stock Trout: The Final Species
Stock trout, the last species on the team’s checklist, present a final challenge. Catching these fish requires precision and careful presentation of baits, challenging the team’s skills and patience.
Recap of the Day
As the day comes to an end, let’s take a moment to reflect on the successes and challenges the team faced throughout their ice fishing adventure.
Rewinding the Day: Successes and Challenges
The team experienced both successes and challenges throughout the day. They successfully caught all 7 species within the allocated time, accomplishing an impressive feat. However, they also faced obstacles and setbacks along the way, testing their determination and adaptability.
A Day of Variety: Different Bait and Techniques
The team’s success can be attributed to their ability to adapt their strategies, techniques, and bait selection throughout the day. Each species required a different approach, and the team’s versatility played a crucial role in their accomplishments.
Fishing in January: Pros and Cons
Fishing in January has its pros and cons. While the team encountered some difficulties due to winter conditions, such as cold temperatures and potential for thicker ice, they also benefitted from the usual abundance of fish in the creeks. Overall, the team made the most of the conditions and successfully completed the challenge.
Conclusion
The BACKCOUNTRY BRAWL challenge was an adventure packed with excitement, challenges, and rewarding catches. The team of skilled anglers showcased their expertise, adaptability, and determination as they conquered the ultimate ice fishing challenge.
A Look at Their Time on Multiple Lakes
Throughout the challenge, the team explored multiple lakes, each offering its own set of opportunities and challenges. Switching lakes proved to be a successful strategy, allowing the team to target different species and increase their chances of completing the challenge within the day.
Potential for Additional Nights at the Lodge
Completing the challenge not only grants the team a free night at Bakers but also opens up the potential for additional nights at the lodge. The serene atmosphere and excellent fishing opportunities make Bakers Narrows Lodge an ideal destination for ice fishing enthusiasts.
Subscribe for More Adventures and Their Future Ice Fishing Challenges
If you enjoyed following the BACKCOUNTRY BRAWL challenge and want to see more adventures from this incredible team of ice fishermen, don’t forget to subscribe to their YouTube channels. Jay Siemens, Clayton Schick, Mac Mulligan, Josh McFadden, and Kevin continue to share their fishing experiences and challenges, providing a glimpse into the world of ice fishing and inspiring others to embark on their own fishing adventures.