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This newsletter is for anyone who's ever Googled, "How cold is too cold to fish?" or "Is my ice thick enough… or am I being dramatic?" Whether you're stepping onto hard water for the first time or braving cold currents with numb fingers and a thermos you trust with your life, Ascend is here with tips, honest stories, and the kind of energy that says, "You're prepared… and if not, we've got you." |
This month's issue includes: |
🤰 Wait! What?! She went into labor on the ice?!
🪝 Hard-water (ice) fishing or cold-water fishing? Which will it be?
🚴 The woman behind the trails that are impacting communities ☕ YETI Cup Giveaway! |
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"I have a hot take...I don't think it's hard to find women's gear. I think it's hard to find cheap women's gear, that fits." |
—Maggie Williams, Public Figure |
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Fish Slow, Think Smart, Stay Warm
Cold-weather fishing comes with two big challenges: fish that don't want to move and bodies that don't want to stay warm. Whether you're standing on ice or fishing open water in winter, rushing the process is a fast way to end the day early. The solution? Slow everything down and gear up intentionally.
Under the ice, fish are sluggish. think tiny jigs, soft movements, and long pauses. Subtle lifts beat aggressive action every time. In cold open water, the approach is the same: downsized baits, slow retrieves, and patience over power. |
BOTTOM LINE: You're not weird for loving winter fishing; you're just the kind of woman who thrives where most people bail. |
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She Stayed on the Ice In 2021, Skylar stepped onto the ice with her first child, and it cracked. The fear stayed with her for years.
In February 2025, she faced it. Nine months pregnant, Skylar volunteered at her first Ducks Unlimited Fishing for Ducks event. Midday, contractions began. She timed them. Kept going.
She finished her shift, stayed for the after party, and welcomed her son, Thomas, the next day—reclaiming her confidence in the process. This is Ascend... women facing fear and finding strength together. |
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Fishing for Ducks · Feb. 21, 2026
Mille Lacs Lake, MN |
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"Dry Pocket Gear redefines waterproof performance. Each product is expertly built from durable TPU with magnetic seals that keep contents dry, even underwater. Tested for flotation and real-world durability, these bags combine security, comfort, and versatility. Perfect for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts who demand uncompromising protection and smart, reliable gear." |
—Adrian Jessen, Host of Review This Thing |
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| Editorial Director, Rails to Trails Conservancy and
Editor-in-Chief, Rails to Trails |
RTC works to bring the power of trails to more communities across the country. Its goal is to connect the nation by trail, and I focus on telling the story of America's trails nationwide, and their impact. |
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What's one moment that made you think, "Yes, this is exactly why RTC exists?"
Every time I go into a trailside shop or come to a square or downtown area built around trail access where people are congregating and connecting, I understand the real impact of our work.
What's one green flag, and one red flag in an outdoors adventure partner?
Green flag: Adventurous with food. Red flag: Creating overpacked itineraries.
Describe RTC like a dating profile: three words. Bold. Compassionate. Passionate. |
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Catch up on the latest drops from Ascend.
🌩️ This Trip Was Almost Ruined by the Weather
Bowfishing in Maryland Watch → 🎧 This Podcast is Full of Outdoor Hot-Takes
Maggie Williams on the Ascend Podcast Watch & Listen → 🎣 "Everybody caught fish, everybody lost fish, and that's what made it fun."
Female DU Conservation Staff Go Fly-Fishing in Montana Read → |
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What's in, what's out, and what our followers are talking about... the part of the newsletter where the numbers speak for themselves. |
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DO YOU PREFER...
A) Hard-water season❄️
B) Cold open-water season🌊
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LAST MONTH'S RESULTS
Looks like this one was almost a toss-up! 44% of you are team hard-water, while 56% are riding with cold-water fishing. Close call!
Follow Ascend on socials HERE and share your opinion in next month's Ladies Vote! |
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That's it for now. Let's close the phone and get outside. |
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1 Waterfowl Way, Memphis, TN 38120 |
1-800-45DUCKS | DUCKS.ORG |
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