Veikals OTTO - Fishing journal

Small rod. Thoughtful winter kit.

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 20:59:00 +0000

Get to know ice-fishing rods, lures and useful tools before planning a winter session.

Ice-fishing equipment is compact, but choosing it still starts with a question: what are you fishing for, and how do you want to present the lure? A simple, well-matched kit is easier to understand than a bag full of unfamiliar tools.

Choose the rod around the presentation

Small jigs and heavier balancing lures do different jobs. Look for a short rod with a tip that gives useful feedback for your chosen lure. Pair the line and reel with the rod and target fish, rather than treating one setup as suitable for everything.

Try a controlled lift and pause when learning how a balancing lure moves. Different lures respond differently, so follow the manufacturer's advice and adjust the movement rather than copying one fixed rhythm.

The tools around the rod

A skimmer for clearing loose ice from a fishing hole.
A tackle box that keeps small hooks and lures organised.
Pliers or a suitable unhooking tool.
Warm layers and spare dry gloves.

An auger is a separate equipment choice: ask about size, transport and maintenance before buying. Sonar can help you interpret depth and fish movement, but it is optional equipment, not a requirement for starting.

Plan the day before packing the tackle

Frozen water can be dangerous even when it looks solid. Equipment does not make ice safe. Check current local authority advice and restrictions; never treat a photograph, footprints or another angler's presence as proof of safety. If conditions are uncertain, stay off the ice.

Bring your questions to OTTO. We can help you compare winter rods, lures and accessories before you choose your kit.

Browse winter rods → Explore winter lures → View augers →

Further reading: Rapala on balancing-lure movement and VUGD winter-safety information.

Read the tip. Find your rhythm.

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 20:58:00 +0000

A clear starting point for feeder fishing: rods, feeders, groundbait and the small adjustments that matter.

Feeder fishing brings your hookbait and a small parcel of feed into the same area. The sensitive rod tip helps you see what is happening below the surface. It is a method worth learning slowly, one cast at a time.

Start with the water in front of you

A quiet lake and a flowing river ask different things of your tackle. Choose a feeder rod and feeder weight for your distance and current. Remember that the load you cast includes both the feeder and its contents. Stay within the rod manufacturer's casting guidance.

A reel, suitable main line, hooklengths and a feeder rig complete the basic setup. You will also want a stable rod rest, bait bowl, landing net and unhooking tool. If the rig is new to you, ask the team to explain how the parts fit together before fishing.

Feed with a purpose

Cage feeders can carry groundbait; closed feeders can contain loose feed such as maggots. Match the feeder to what you are using and how quickly you want it to release. Mix groundbait gradually, following its instructions, rather than pouring in all the water at once.

Learn what the tip is telling you

Set the rod securely and watch the tip. A sustained bend, repeated movement or a sudden slackening of the line can deserve attention; not every tiny tap needs an immediate strike. Wind, flow and fish brushing the line can also cause movement. Observe, make a small adjustment and try again.

At OTTO, tell us whether you are fishing a lake or river, and the distance you have in mind. That makes it easier to choose a sensible rod and feeder combination.

Explore feeder rods → Browse groundbait →

Further reading: Drennan on river tackle and feeder-fishing technique. Follow current rules for your chosen water.

One rod. A few lures. A better day by the water.

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 20:55:00 +0000

Start lure fishing with a balanced setup, a small selection of soft baits and a retrieve you can repeat.

You do not need a tackle box full of choices to enjoy your first lure-fishing session. Start with a rod, reel and line that work together, then learn what a few lures do in the water.

Build a balanced starting kit

Choose a spinning rod whose stated casting range suits the combined weight of your lure and jig head. Pair it with a reel that feels comfortable on the rod. Line and leader choice depend on the fish and the water: tell us if you expect pike, because their teeth call for a suitable bite-resistant trace.

Add a landing net, long-nose pliers and a small tackle box. A few soft lures in different sizes are easier to get to know than a large collection you change after every cast.

Make the lure work for you

Soft plastics on jig heads offer several ways to fish. Begin with a slow, steady retrieve where the lure can swim clear of snags. On suitable ground, try short lifts followed by pauses. Watch the line and keep enough contact to notice changes as the lure falls. Vary one thing at a time, so you can understand what changed.

Before you buy another lure

Check that the plastic sits straight on its hook.
Match the tackle to your fishing spot and target fish.
Inspect the line, leader and hook after snags or damage.
Bring pliers and a net so you can handle fish with care.

Not sure what belongs together? Tell OTTO where you fish and what you hope to catch. We can help you compare compatible options.

Explore spinning rods → Browse soft lures →

Further reading: Rapala on soft-plastic presentations. Check current local fishing rules and access requirements before your trip.