North Dakota Ice Fishing: Chester's Folly | MeatEater

Only three episodes of MeatEater never managed to see the light of day, tune in and find out why this one just wasn't meant to be. #fueledbynature #meateater
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[@geoffmiller8695]

The irony is, this was great to watch in this format! Looking forward to more

[@hughten]

If all ice fishing shows were in this format, well, there still wouldn't be any ice fishing shows.

[@TrentWilliamsOutdoors1]

The guys at MeatEater are genius's. Even when there's not a show, they can find a way to make a show.

[@dragonrider712]

YES!!! YesYesYEEEESSS!!!!!!!!!

[@robertschuitema1577]

I came to the comments to say the same thing.

[@Galvinar]

For what it's worth. We appreciate the failures as much as the successes. Thank you for putting this up, even though "there wasn't a show there"

[@justinmadair]

Steve and MeatEater helped revolutionize hunting videos by showing failure in hunting as well. Now, they're doing it again by showing failure in filming. The honesty and humility that can be found in failure proves just as entertaining and interesting as success. AND it reminds me of something Steve has talked about over the years that I can completely agree with: the echoes of difficult times become the sweet sound of laughter which binds us together and entertains us year after year.

[@lokei1326]

The guy is pretty great with words...and a rifle.

[@broomstickcowgirl]

Nicely said and so true!

[@justinmadair]

@Kelly Appreciate that! :)

[@brandonswaney_88]

This was just as good as a full episode!

[@TheJesse1515]

Jay, Clayton, Aaron and Justin Jenkins all make ice fishing enjoyable to watch

[@JakeBarr17]

When even jay looks defeated, you know it was a tough trip.

[@JDMAC608]

Funny thing is... You have Jay Siemens there, who is the king of making compelling ice fishing content. Should have taken a play or two out of his book. Picture in picture of the flasher screens, underwater cameras to film the strikes/hook ups. Next time just give him the riens.

[@gabrielkranjcar474]

Hard to do any of that in -30 blizzard conditions

[@JDMAC608]

@@gabrielkranjcar474 Not if you know those conditions are coming. Go watch some of Jay's videos. With modern electronics and gear this episode shouldn't have been lost.

[@sheldonbarrett6316]

@@JDMAC608 you are correct. Jay knows what he is doing. Like your lens is going to definitely fog up, plan ahead. 😊

[@JoeIsOut2lunch]

Why no props for Jay on this video? I was disappointed, I watched it twice thinking I missed it. What I got out of this is that they lived the real experience and caught their target species (I saw at least half a dozen perch), enough MEAT to eat… why not enough for a show?

[@tday99]

100% correct. Just watched Jay's awesome vid btw

[@masonmohney5555]

Chester’s enthusiasm for fishing is all time, man needs his own fishing show for the KZbin and just let the guy go nuts it will be a hit

[@lancet.346]

Cal is funnier than most comics I've seen.

[@twillison8824]

His BHA talks are pretty funny

[@JoshSDshot]

You are right but Noone beats Tom Segura! Lol

[@maniachill3069]

Honestly, this is the first meat eater episode that I didn't like

[@lokei1326]

Dude is pure gold. His podcast is amazing.

[@Lafingfatman]

I'm sure Jay gave it hell. That dude makes some great ice fishing videos on his channel.

[@macshatchetman13]

Dang. That was a great non episode! You do know that the failures and struggles are what make you so relatable. While we're all out there grinding for 45 days straight trying to see a good deer or whatever, it's nice to see that other, better hunters also struggle.

[@donaldspaulding5817]

I would still watch it! The worst day of fishing still beats the best day of work hands down. Cheers from So. Calif

[@markrossow9598]

North Dakota winters can be brutal…as you found out. But this 10 minute video was great. Well done.

[@chadfischer446]

This behind the scenes video cut was awesome. Last winter in ND was brutal and you can't give up. The Fur Hat tour was a pleasure to watch.

[@dominoperk2873]

It was pretty miserable, updated all the gear this season, got the new clam xt thermal and the insulated floor, new 28k btu heater, man I can't wait

[@jamesburke8681]

we need more of this boys!!!

[@WoodsNorth]

I find this experience to be alarmingly relatable

[@NHyslop1]

Janis was talking smack recently on the podcast about how he thought this breakdown would be boring to watch - man, what does he know, this was great! What he didn’t realise is that most viewers of Meateater love finding out how the sausage is made.

[@oldschoolboyscout]

That was by far the best ice fishing video ever. Thanks for sharing.

[@davboll]

"Cold and Wind" Welcome to North Dakota in the winter!!! I sometimes wonder why I live here.... 🙂

[@GabrielCoxYouTube]

THIS was awesome, which you guys already knew and why you put it up for us to enjoy. MORE of this stuff between the polished stuff, guys. Love it.

[@derrickdennert4363]

This is so great to watch and makes me laugh. I live in north western North Dakota and pretty much live on the ice every minute I can during the ice season. It's not that bad during the winter lol.

[@ameliamacneil3772]

LOL! Steve trying to keep a straight face the whole time and overall sense of being underwhelmed. Too funny!

[@taylorclark9881]

I'm still holding out hope for a proper ice fishing episode! The demand is there!

[@collinmc90]

Just moved to a region with ice fishin. Really excited to go for my first time. This whole area is a sportsmans paradise. Had a very busy fall now I gotta go have fun in the snow and ice.

[@staggerinstanton56]

To us who love ice fishing. That would be an awesome episode.

[@reubenpatience9977]

Oh lordy that was a good one. I love it. Some of the fishing films you put out are the best going around and I feel like this is up there with Steve and his guides with hand reels going up the river in South America. You found a way to make sitting in a tent staring at a screen fun and engaging. Chester is a winner.

[@mattbattyo]

With most of my relatives being on the western half of ND, I couldn't help but chuckle at the problems. Electronics failing, cold, wind and getting stuck... Just part of being out there sometimes

[@thefishfin-atic7106]

That's icefishing. Those who know, will watch these outtakes and think, yeah, that looks like a good trip to me. If the editor didn't think there was a show there, it's either because he has never icefished in his life, or he wasn't trying hard enough. I saw a pile of Perch on the ice, a Pike being speared, and a chunky White Bass being pulled out, and I'm sure there was lots of other content that was left out. Chester, don't be discouraged, keep doing what you love, and don't worry if they can't make a show out of it - it would probably put more pressure on your fishing spot anyhow. To me, an episode of hiking all day up a mountain just to see a ten second kill-shot of some game animal, is far less entertaining. Hey, to each their own.

[@OutdoorsintheMitten]

Yeah this little video was actually great. Just goes to show even if Chester failed, it was still a good KZbin video. Maybe he should get a raise.

[@bensappington7625]

I remember fishing that same cold front. It was tough but ended up with some walters on red . I think we were the only ones catchin fish that weekend too.

[@exempt9055]

Love the idea of an ice fishing video from you guys. Please keep the idea alive. 👍

[@DanomaticXDM]

If you want to film ice fishing do it in Maine in like late February March when it's like 40 degrees out

[@justinwilhoit]

I'm from Texas. I hate the cold. I've only seen ice fishing on TV and have no desire to try it. BUT, this is great stuff. Chester is the best and I love watching your foibles. Thank you for this. Oh yeah, and Cal's sweetheart finally gets some screentime. He needs to seal the deal with the Lord and The state of Montana.

[@mofosoto]

You gotta do it on snowmobiles, and hitting different lakes each day for 3-4 days. Maybe even hitting 2-3 lakes in a day. Tryin for different fish and all that. You could have little trailers for the snowmobiles too.

[@KurtStatz]

Welcome to North Dakota 😂 where “the summers are nice” and “we don’t have hurricanes” and “it keeps the rip rap out” or “it’s the people”are how we justify living here. But seriously, some of the best people around live in North Dakota, you have to be a positive community involved person to keep your sanity here.

[@kevinclose6728]

This is what I've always loved about Meateater. You guys show hunting and fishing the way we all experience it. We don't get trophies every time out. Hell we don't even catch fish or harvest an animal every time. Bit we definitely have a good time and have a story to tell and a reason to rag on our buddy🙂

[@benjaminsteines]

Nailed it, great to hear the humility in this group and reminds me of my own failed trips. I always ended up with a good story either way!

[@BT.MediaCT]

Loved this behind the scenes look at production and the story behind the episode! I would love to see a run down on the other two!

[@trifepstar]

This was an awesome watch, great way to showcase the production adventure and still show the unreleased footage. Ice fishing is dope and I don't give Chester too much grief for things going sideways 😅 Another collab with Jay in the future would be epic!

[@damienslominski6455]

At least you have Jay on your side now that can make really good ice fishing content I've been watching his channel for a long time now

[@tigersbaseball1989]

Love the comedy of the meateater crew! Like one big family.

[@stevedesantolo6794]

One of THE best episodes for the comedy alone! Thanks, MeatEater Gang!

[@jimmiewd]

That shot on the pike though, was a really really nice shot! 😆

[@svenngunnarrustgard1228]

This is normal ice fishing temperatur in norway and we dont use tent's well some have started to it look so much more enjoyable 😂 more fishing content please 👌

[@scarebrow7234]

I love how Steve’s seat is just a liiitttle bit higher than Sam & Chester The Divestors

[@sheltonjames1978]

Ironically, you've made the best show that involves ice fishing.

[@dakotaland4972]

i enjoyed this more than a regular episode of meat eater.

[@durrelloverholt6293]

Loved this video !! Very entertaining !! I would love to see more ice fishing videos !

[@ryanreynolds3630]

Flasher cams are hugeee for ice fishing vids. Better weather always helps too haha. Hope you guys give it another shot this season!

[@LittleC24]

I enjoyed this as much as any other episode! very entertaining😂

[@schmidtycent2388]

I live along the Saskatchewan/manitoba border. There's a dozen great fishing lakes and rivers within a 90 minute drive. I can't wait for hardwater. Pretty soon I'll have my blazer fixed up and I'll be ready to hit the ice. Can't wait for it

[@awc91]

tbh i watched every episode of the fur hat ice fishing tour. loved every minute. That and das boat should be annual shows.

[@alexs1725]

Welcome to North Dakota winters! I will say that while you say the episode was a failure, I agree with many other commenters that this was still fun to watch - failures and all. I always like watching well-known outdoorsmen and women taking a crack at hunting and fishing in my neck of the woods, even if there isn't luck to be had. It's always fun watching hunting/fishing content, but it's even more fun when the action is taking place on my stomping grounds. If you come visit again, I would suggest checking out open-water fishing on the Red River - There are some well-known guides that could put you on 20+lb Channel Catfish. They make for a great fight! Keep up the great content!

[@ronlongwellphoto]

Honestly, I’d have watched that episode and probably loved it. Call it a documentary and release it! Who’s with me??!!

[@Yuvattar]

Poor Chester... But making this video out of that was a big win. I loved it, keep them coming.

[@ynot2881]

They say, oh he got a pike. Then they show him gig’n it! 😂 omg… how hard that is dude, even in the cold.

[@chrishughes8362]

Chester, that was a sweet white bass! Meateater should make a bloopers show and just add it to the end of the season. You know all of us would watch it!

[@travischaplin6272]

Of all the episodes this ends being the best. Nice one guys good save!

[@jamesrobbins2708]

Looks to me like you captured the essence of Ice Fishing quite well. Reminds me of going out on the Saginaw Bay growing up and freezing my butt off. You should've aired this episode, showing how bad things can get is fun to look at laugh at. Remember half the fun is the adventure, even if things don't go well. One of my best Ice Fishing stories was when the ice cracked (which sounds like thunder for those that don't know) my very large uncle who couldn't swim, laid down on his back and spread out. My dad asked him what the hell he was doing? He said "if I go in it's going to take a g-dam big hole." The funny part was behind him about 50 yards away was a motor home parked on the ice. We were approximately 2 miles offshore. 😂

[@johnnybuckbrush]

Welcome to North Dakota. Glad you had a good time! hahaha

[@jaredtew3164]

This may be the best thing meat eater has ever put out haha😂

[@307icefishing6]

Devils lake has ate my lunch for years. Catching 16in perch is a total thrill

[@Mjhedges21]

I would of loved to watch these episodes !! Ice fishing is awesome and some of your long elk hunts should have never been aired lol! Hope Chester can get ya to air this would have been sweet!!!

[@tommyrq180]

FWIW, I did the Devil’s Lake Triathlon back in the 80s. Lake temps in 50s. Summer-like. No wetsuits back in the day. Absolutely dead-flat bike and run, though, if you survived the swim. I remember guys diving into the lake at the start who stood up gasping and withdrew from the race immediately. I grew up in Minnesota and was assigned to Grand Forks, ND (USAF) and even I thought no human was meant to live there. And we didn’t have synthetic oil then so people used block heaters (if you had a plug-in) and lit sterno cans under the engine block. With synthetic oil much of the problem of oil turning to slush was overcome-huge revolution in Nodak arctic affairs.

[@paddleandhook]

So many episodes don’t get released from other shows, it’s awesome that you were able to share this with us on youtube 💪🏻😎👍🏻

[@Gonefishing701]

This was awesome!!! I would LOVE to actually see this episode though!!!

[@dmaxm2498]

I can’t wait for the new season! Wish Netflix had all the videos instead of KZbin

[@peterhrkal8165]

still pure quality and entertainment!!

[@earlshaner4441]

Hi from Syracuse NY brother and everyone else thank you for sharing your adventures

[@isador4784]

As others have stated already, it was actually a very entertaining episode. Thouroughly enjoyed it!

[@shaneedwards367]

Chester oh Chester! any constellation that is usually how my planned vacation days go down!!!! Especially ice fishing

[@gamedinnah]

20 years after my latest Chico Hot Springs visit I STILL make Chico martinis at home. Great place.

[@nic4573]

Jay is awesome, wish this full episode worked out!

[@Mike-ur1yp]

This was awesome! Good job Chester!!

[@erikbute212]

Take a trip to lake Winnipeg in mid March, you’ll get the fishing out on the ice with nice size walleye, temps are more bearable. ND and northern MN in January can be a tough month to ice fish and especially pick a date to fish more than a week out can almost be a disaster, just gotta fish when the weather lets ya.. ehh

[@LuckyCJ]

This is the closest to a video recorded podcast episode we might ever get to see!! so fun

[@TheMelaniebarber1]

This video is AWESOME! LOVED IT

[@KK8701ND]

🤘🤘 ND represent!

[@mattwilliams3573]

I ice fished out in ND a few times when I lived there for 3 years. Most trips were cold like that. Being a Yooper, I wanted to throw a tip-up out to catch pike. Well the small towns close by didn’t have any bait shops but so one in a grocery store mentioned using hotdogs. I bought a pack and took them out. My friend who was local thought I was nuts for even trying a tip-up since the hole would freeze quickly, which it did, but I caught a keeper pike on a hotdog!

[@dominoperk2873]

You can get smelts anywhere in devils lake, or frozen suckers

[@InertiaDriven07]

I feel like if you came to Maine to go ice fishing, it would make good content. Most people fish with tip ups, so you won’t have the boring shanty time watching a flasher. You can fill the dead space with no flags with the bbq, beers and banter. You could go to Moosehead Lake and catch lake trout all day, with plenty of history around the area. I think it would make a great episode

[@AGirlFromMaine]

Cookie ice fish in Maine in March we’ll give ya a good time! Sometimes hunting and fishing doesn’t always go to plan, love seeing videos like this!

[@beaubellamy2999]

There was an ice fishing show on the mini series that was great!

[@andymicka9065]

Love the show and I love ice fishing.

[@thenati2938]

Love this!! Create more of these…please!

[@erikamundin2901]

janis is wrong and steve is right. we need more of this type of behind the scenes content. love to see it!

[@zonadeaventura_]

excellent video, you are an inspiration for me and my new channel thanks

[@user-xs2kh1ne6c]

It's all my fault.......it really is 🤣🤣🤣 darn good episode 👏

[@amatzek]

Go to LOW Baudette MN You will have no problem filming an ice fishing show no matter the weather. The folks up there know how to get things done and catch fish. Walleye capital of the world.

[@coats3727]

Too short...that was GREAT

[@connorpatton1919]

Hook Shots made a great ice fishing video with Joe Cermele and Ross Robertson on Lake Erie going for walleye and perch.

[@thenewhumandesign]

I loved the fur hat series and Jay's ice fishing season though

[@WarWraith_01]

That's life and what makes this show more relatable. Things rarely go the way you plan. If everything was easy and worked every time, people wouldn't do it. Personally I enjoy it all, the good and the bad.

[@jbercier67]

We need more ice fishing!!

[@whousley]

This from a guy who made a show out of a black bear hunt where all he saw were some grizzlies and had to make the whole thing a "back when my brother and I" trip down memory lane. That was still a decent show. With ice fishing you pretty much have to also have cameras on the sonar screens. Also do a catch and cook. Also catch more fish. More underwater cameras too.

[@antr7493]

I would still watch it😎🤟

[@TheDrowningDucky]

Gotta go to upper red lake or lake of the woods as soon as you can walk out...best ice fishing you'll have. constant walleyes all day

[@xDIK86x]

interesting and entertaining. glad you shared this!

[@sherlockbonez]

Dont want to wish the hunting season away, but went to the basement last night and looked at all my huts and sled and got super pumped and couldnt sleep. Now i am dragging ass at work.

[@brando8016]

Trying ice fishing South Dakota in the waubay area! Lake Bitter for the perfect size walleye and jumbo perch. It won’t disappoint

[@tekman5]

You should of came to Cascade, Idaho. I've caught some huge yellows in there every year.