Web Bio - Dave Genz.com

DAVE GENZ ICE FISHING’S TRUE PIONEER
Winter Fishing Systems, Inc.
St, Cloud, MN 56304
Rarely is a true pioneer fully appreciated in his time. But
Dave Genz, because he so thoroughly changed the way all
of us fish through the ice, has been recognized for his vision
and accomplishments while still adding to them.
To put his impact into perspective: What did Dave do to
revolutionize ice fishing?
He brought mobility. In the B.G. (Before Genz) Period,
many generations of ice anglers struck a frozen pose over
one hole in the ice and stayed there whether they caught a
fish or not. Some sought comfort inside permanent shacks.
Which took several people (with lots of energy) to move.
But Genz built a better Fish Trap. Borrowing the concept of
a fishing boat and adapting it for use on the ice, he developed the now-famous Fish Trap instant set-up shelter. Skidding sled, carpeted dry storage, walls that rise with the flip of the wrist. Because, he wanted mobility, he
didn’t rest until he made the right tool for the job.
He brought electronics. In the B.G. Period, people used the depth finder on their boats all summer, and
then fished blindly all winter. Again the same innovated mind that built us a better Fish Trap brought us the Ice Box (now the Vexilar Genz Pack), an ingenious
portable sonar holder that customized depth finders for the use in the same hole
we fish out of. Ice fishing became a whole new ball game.
He brought a change in ice fishing philosophy. To understand Dave’s impact on
the sport, you have to realize he is first and foremost a fisherman, someone who
fishes constantly. Winter, spring, summer and fall. From boats as well as through
the ice. He knows what it means to study contour maps, to make a lifetime study
of fish habits, to know good equipment when he picks it up the first time or to
design it if doesn’t see what he wants. Dave’s designs have contributed – and in many cases led directly- to the latest generation rods, lures, line, augers, live bait and even clothing.
He is the first to stress that many close friends on his Winter Fishing Systems team have contributed
support and ideas along the way. But the clear leader of the movement that modernized ice fishing is
Dave Genz.
DAVE’S ICE FISHING ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Inventor of the Fish Trap and Ice Box
Developer of modern ice fishing methods
Designer of several lines of modern ice fishing gear (signature series ice jigs and rods)
Field Staff member, In-fisherman
Co-author of In-Fisherman book “Ice Fishing Secretes’
Silver medalist of the 1992 World Ice Fishing ChampionshipTeam USA
Captain of Ice Team
Author of ‘Bluegills” the book and DVD
Co-author Pro guide Series “Ice Fishing with Dave Genz and
Jerry Carlson”
Travels from Minnesota to Maine to Manitoba teaching the modern methods of ice fishing
Inducted into the Minnesota Hall of Fame
Wall Street Journal Feature Story