SnoBear Ice Fishing with Ted Takasaki
When the lakes freeze solid across South Dakota, that's when the real fishing action begins. Join National Walleye Tour Pro Ted Takasaki for a top-rated ice fishing adventure that'll have you pulling yellow perch through the ice all day long. This isn't your average hole-in-the-ice setup – we're talking about fishing with one of the most renowned tournament pros in the game, using his decades of knowledge to put you on fish when others are going home empty-handed. Our custom SnoBear will get you to the hottest spots on the lake while keeping you warm and comfortable, even when the wind's howling and the temps are brutal.
What to Expect on the Ice
Ted's got this whole ice fishing thing down to a science, and he's excited to share his secrets with small groups of just three anglers per trip. No crowded boats or fighting for elbow room – just you, a couple other serious fishermen, and one of the best guides in South Dakota. We'll fire up the SnoBear and cruise out to Ted's proven honey holes, where he's been stacking up perch for years. The heated cab keeps you toasty between fishing spots, and Ted's always got stories from his tournament days that'll keep you entertained while we're moving. Expect to learn more about reading ice conditions, fish behavior in winter, and presentation techniques in one day than most anglers pick up in a season. Ted's not just guiding – he's teaching you how to become a better angler, whether you're brand new to ice fishing or you've been punching holes for decades.
Techniques & Tackle Setup
Ted brings the same tournament-tested approach to every guided trip, starting with his arsenal of custom jigs and presentations that have won him countless walleye tournaments. For perch fishing, we'll be working primarily with small tungsten jigs tipped with live bait, but Ted's always got a few secret weapons in his tackle box that he's refined over years of competition fishing. The SnoBear lets us move quickly between spots, so we can stay on active fish rather than sitting over cold holes like most ice fishermen do. Ted's got all the gear you need, from quality rods and reels to electronics that'll show you exactly what's happening below the ice. He'll teach you how to read your flasher like a pro, understanding the difference between fish, debris, and bottom structure. You'll learn his jigging cadences, how to detect the lightest bites, and when to switch presentations to trigger stubborn fish. Ted's approach is all about efficiency – maximum fish through the ice with minimal time wasted on unproductive water.
Species You'll Want to Hook
American Yellow Perch are the stars of this South Dakota ice fishing show, and for good reason. These feisty little fighters are absolute blast to catch through the ice, and they school up tight during winter months, meaning when you find one, you're likely sitting on a whole pile of them. Yellow perch in South Dakota waters typically run 8 to 12 inches, with the occasional jumbo pushing 13 or 14 inches that'll make your day. They're most active during low-light periods – early morning and late afternoon – but Ted knows how to keep them biting even during the bright midday hours when most anglers struggle. What makes perch so exciting to target is their aggressive nature and the way they compete for food when schooled up. You'll often see multiple fish on your electronics at once, and it's not uncommon to have doubles or even triples when the bite's really on. The meat quality is world-class too – sweet, flaky, and perfect for a fish fry after your trip. Ted's spent years patterning these fish, understanding how they relate to structure under the ice and what triggers them to feed. December through February is prime time, when the fish are fat and hungry, schooled up in predictable locations that Ted's mapped out over countless hours on the ice.
Time to Book Your Spot
This is the kind of ice fishing experience that sells out fast, especially when word gets around about Ted's success rates. You're not just booking a guided trip – you're investing in knowledge from one of the most successful tournament anglers in the region. Ted's techniques have been proven on the National Walleye Tour, and now you get to benefit from his expertise on your home waters. The SnoBear makes this adventure comfortable and productive, letting us cover water and stay on fish all day long. Whether you're looking to improve your ice fishing game, introduce someone to winter angling, or just want to catch a mess of perch with a proven guide, this trip delivers. Ted's passionate about sharing his knowledge, and you'll walk away with techniques and insights that'll make you a better angler for years to come. Don't wait until the ice gets sketchy – book your spot now and get ready for some of the best perch fishing South Dakota has to offer.