Another season means another new boat, but this one will be different

The open water fishing season will soon be upon us, so if you're not ready you better get there.

For me that means it's time to get a boat. I believe I'll be running a new boat this spring, but I haven't signed the deal yet. The boat I'm most likely going to get is one that hasn't been used by any area guide, at least not that I'm aware of. I won't let the cat out of the bag just yet because I'm not 100 percent sure the deal is done. But I've discussed it with a few people and I'm pretty sure it will happen.

Next week I'll explain what the boat is and why it's different. Sometimes you must fish outside the box. I've always said it really doesn't matter what kind of boat you have, it's how you use it that matters. In other words, if you put a very good fisherman in a 14-foot boat he will probably out fish the guy in a fancy 20-footer. I can't run a 14-footer because I need room for clients, but you get the picture.

I've used the saying myself and heard it many times, too: "There's no perfect boat." And that's the truth. There's always something we wish was a little different: more storage, better livewell placement, different seating arrangement, the list goes on.

I've run a different boat each of the past three years and no matter what I've had I've learned to adjust. If it floats and it gets you from point A to point B, you're good to go.

Q: Walleyedan, with all the melting snow there's a lot of water on the ice. Is this dangerous?

A: It can be in certain areas, such as river mouths, pressure ridges, reed beds and spearing holes. On the other hand, there are spots where you can safely fish for another few weeks. Keep tabs on the ice conditions and be sure to wear your Arctic Armor.