By Bob and Ginny Riege

This past weekend we had the opportunity to attend the St. Paul Ice Fishing Show and we saw a lot of items that you could be used as stocking stuffers this Christmas. Here are some items that we highly recommend this year. We will start out with items that are small in price, but big on the idea of giving.

You can now become an Ice Team member for FREE! All you need to do is click the link below, fill out the quick form, and you’re in! Ice Team members are granted access into all the various forms of media and educational tools the website has to offer, as well as entered into prize contests and receive discounts on Ice Team merchandise. You can now become an Ice Team member for FREE! All you need to do is to go to www.iceteam.com/membership/fill out the quick form, and you’re in! Ice Team members are granted access into all the various forms of media and educational tools the website has to offer, as well as entered into prize contests and receive discounts on Ice Team merchandise.

Our next selection is one of the ultimate gifts for an outdoors person. I have written articles before about custom rods; Kris Kristufek builds one of them that is the very best here in Minnesota.

Kris builds award winning functional custom fishing rods “As Individual As You Are.” At LakeLady Custom Rods, he offers handcrafted fishing tools that are custom-fitted to your individual measurements. Using premium blanks and components, each rod is crafted with care, distinction and attention to detail, creating a unique fishing rod for the discriminating fisherperson. Check out LakeLady Rods at www.lakeladyrods.com you can always get a gift certificate for a rod and your special someone can develop their own rod.

If you are looking for a unique stocking stuffer you can’t go wrong with the Gulp Gripper from www.kasswinns.com. This device will take your favorite Solo cup and put an attractive handle on it. Or they have developed the Stackit. It is a can coolie holds one 24 oz. can or two 12 oz. cans. Both of these are great for the person that has everything.

The longer you stay outside, the more fun you have. Next time, take a Zippo® Hand Warmer along to the campsite, stadium, ski slope, deer stand or fish house.

It provides up to 12 hours of gentle, consistent, odorless heat more than disposable warmers and they’re refillable with Zippo Premium Lighter Fluid, so they don’t end up in landfills. Each Hand Warmer features all metal construction and comes with a fleece warming bag, so the heat is always gentle on your skin.

Check out everything you need to know about the Zippo Hand Warmer and all the products from Zippo Outdoor at www.Zippo.com.

While at the show we had the opportunity to visit with Kevin and Karen McQuoid who own and operate Mac’s Twin Bay resort on Mille Lacs Lake. Kevin said that they would probably have their ice houses out the week between Christmas and New Years, this will be one of the first times in a very long time that they would be open for business during that week.

At Mac’s Twin Bay they have some of the best fish houses on Mille Lacs Lake. Their deluxe fish houses are as cozy as your living room. They are equipped with flat panel TV’s and DVD players. They have a bright interior that is carpeted, sleeping quarters, radio, and they provide a 12-volt battery-no generator needed. A private bathroom, clean porta-potti, table and chairs, gas furnace, and rattle reels. A 2 Burner hot plate is provided or you can drive into Buzzie’s on the Bay, a bar and restaurant onshore. Buzzie’s has a full menu where you can find a steak dinner or a quick burger. While onshore they also have 2 clean shower houses that the guest may use before retiring to their deluxe sleeper cabin.

Their roads are well plowed and clearly marked and can be accessed with a car, truck or four-wheeler. All you need to bring is bedding, towels, cooking utensils, bait and your fishing license. If you want more information contact them on the web at Kevin & Karen McQuoid, 43469 Vista Road Isle, Minnesota 56342

www.macstwinbay.com. or call them at 320-676-8709.