Breaking the Ice
number of fantastic fishing spots on Lake Champlain and the Connecticut River . While fishing with Vladyka , Genz introduced him to the Vexilar , which changed Vladyka ’ s entire perspective on ice fishing . Genz and Vladyka also formed a strong bond of mutual respect . “ He was a very down to earth guy who loved the sport ,” says Vladyka . “ I was doing the best I could to make sure he enjoyed it , and he saw me killing myself in order to show him a good time .”
Several weeks later , Genz called Vladyka and asked him if he wanted to be a sponsored promoter for Clam . Vladyka graciously accepted , and a fruitful partnership was born . In the months that followed , Vladyka and Genz appeared at various outdoor sports conventions together , such as the Yankee Sportsman ’ s Classic in Essex Junction , and various Bass Pro Sports and Cabela ’ s events in Maine , Massachusetts , and Connecticut . Vladyka shared his ice fishing knowledge with large crowds , which attracted scores of new clients to Fish Hounds Outdoors .
Since then , Vladyka has joined forces with several other prominent ice fishers across the country , who are united under the collective banner of “ The Ice Team .” They create fascinating content in multiple mediums , such as magazine articles and fishing videos , organize ice fishing events , and promote high-end ice fishing products made by companies such as Clam and Vexilar . “ Nothing would have happened the way it did if it wasn ’ t for Dave ,” says Vladyka . “ He backed me at a time when it mattered most . Beyond the publicity and sponsorships , I ’ ve been able to use his endorsement to make a name for myself in the industry . Vic Attardo , who is a fantastic outdoor writer , also helped me a great deal . I ’ ll always be grateful to have been able to work with them .”
As a result of Genz ’ mentorship , Vladyka has been able to use his newfound success to organize tournaments and events on a local level that spotlight Vermont ’ s ice fishing community . A prime
example of this is the Champlain Valley Hardwater Tournament series , which will take place in February 2023 . “ People are coming from as far away as Minnesota to fish here , and Dave Genz will be at my first tournament series this year . We ’ re going to give away lots of prizes and trophies , and there will be competition events from the northern end of Lake Champlain all the way down to Lake Bomoseen .”
A Trip for Every Season
Regardless of when you book a tour with Fish Hounds Outdoors , Captain Vladyka offers an exciting range of outdoor adventure options to choose from . The ice fishing season normally runs from late December to late February . After the ice melts , Vladyka takes clients to fish for pre-spawn freshwater crappies . He also offers bowfishing tours during the spring , where clients can hone their archery skills while shooting carp , gar , pike , pickerel , and bullhead with a bow and arrow . “ Vermont is also one of the only places where you can shoot pike with guns , as well ,” adds Vladyka . “ It presents a cool opportunity for my fishing clients to try something different .”
From mid-April to Late May , Vladyka travels down the Hudson River to Kingston , New York , where he holds striper fishing tours . He then returns to the Green Mountain State in the early summer , where he takes his clients on nightly bow fishing tours on Lake Champlain . When the autumn rolls around , he brings clients along for the early goose hunting season in September , then transitions into duck hunting in early October . Throughout the Fall , he offers duck and goose hunting tours , which run in line with the dates of their corresponding seasons . At the end of December , the cycle begins again , and he heads back out on the ice with his trusted spud bar to blaze a brave new trail .
“ The best thing about hunting and fishing in Vermont is that there are so many different things that you can try ,” says Vladyka . “ Families who book guided tours with me can book multiple adventures for several years in a row and never do the same thing twice . We are so lucky to have that kind of variety here . I take pride in showing my clients a good time regardless of the season — and I go above and beyond to put them on the best fish and game . There ’ s nothing more fulfilling than seeing the look on a newcomer ’ s face when they