The jig is up! Through the innovation of goldsmith Bob Giede of Menomonie, Ice Team Trap Attack qualifiers have something more to angle for at the first-ever North American Championship Ice Fishing Contest (NAIFC) to be held on Lake Henry in Alexandria, Minn. on Dec. 28.

Besides a $10,000 purse, a team of two winners will receive championship rings that rank right up there with Super Bowl memorabilia.

Hand crafted by Giede, also an avid ice fisherman, the band of 14k yellow gold is fittingly set with "ice"-a blue diamond of nearly half a carat, which glistens at the barb of a hook etched on the surface. Engraved on the sides, Ice Team NAIFC 2002 marks the commemorative for all time, while the winner's birthstone completes the showpiece that has all the curve and form of an auger blade.

"It's a nice solid ring," said Giede, of this catch he's sure no one would want to release.

Wearing the familiar jeweler's loupe attached to his glasses, Giede has been working diligently in his shop to complete the lengthy creative process with form, simplicity and function in mind: Designing the sketch, carving it into a wax model, completing lost-wax casting, then taking the rough casting through the phases of cleaning, filling and polishing before setting the gems. Microscopic cutting burrs came in handy to complete the intricate details of the barbed hook and the fish in the logo.

Now the fruit of his labor is ready for the big event, referred to as "the Super Bowl of Ice Fishing," by Ice Team Director Dennis Clark, who enlisted Giede as the ring designer.

In contrast to the sleek, smooth, modern lines in his creation, Giede, a graybearded baby boomer with character lines, once dubbed locally as "Lord of the Rings," as much for his appearance as for his avocation, is a seasoned outdoorsman with a penchant for ice fishing. Perhaps a diamond in the rough, the man of quiet charm and humor is also a member of the Ice Team. The NAIFC championship ring is an opportunity for him to blend his passions and offer up a prize he knows will appeal to a champion ice fisherman.

"Only two people in the world will wear this ring," said Giede. "It was a challenge for me to come up with the design, but it is a championship ring in every sense of the word. I want the winners to be proud of what they're wearing and what it says."

From art metals classes at UW-Stout to the tutelage of mentors, Giede, also largely self-taught, has learned from his past. Now he continues to learn from his customers, friends and hunting and fishing buddies. And like the fishermen who consider Trap Attacks learning experiences, Giede holds to that philosophy in his work as well.

"In this craft, there is always something more to learn," he said.

And as though it were yesterday, Giede recalled the memories that started his al fresco education and his fondness for the outdoors, where he "spent countless hours exploring woods and waters" near his boyhood home of Park Falls, Wis. His first ice fishing outing with his father was unforgettable.

"It was the biggest thrill to ride over the ice on a snow machine," said Giede.

At his dad's side, the six-year-old enjoyed the hot cocoa and hot dogs as much as chipping and scooping out the hole. But using a wedge-shaped bar with a loop of rope through the top for a handle presented its own challenge and his father admonished, "Don't let the chisel go through the ice!"

Remembering that quality time together and its value, these days Giede gives back to youngsters what he has learned and serves on the area youth committee at the Dunn County Fish and Game. His outdoor involvement extends even further as he is also a member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Ruffed Grouse Society, Pheasants Forever and National Wild Turkey Federation. Extensively active in the community, he also frequently sponsors the efforts of young entrepreneurs through his association with DECA, the local student marketing association.

For Giede, knowledge is serious business, but it leads to fun and satisfying outcomes. He doesn't have to be told to fish or cut bait.

In a return to an old tradition, he designed his building to house both his business and residence. Outside, even the architecture, amidst landscaping of boulders, metal sculptures and gardens, reflects a love of nature and individuality he shares with his wife, Laura. Inside, the blending of rustic and contemporary can be seen in the gallery and studio which feature an extensive precious gem collection, work by other artists and Giede's 26 years of jewelry experience.

Now an accomplished sportsman, Giede has developed a culinary passion and learned the art of preparing gourmet meals from the fish and wild game he brings home. He and Laura enjoy hosting small dinner parties where the cuisine often includes both.

A busy guy, Giede has yet another goal-to fish in a Trap Attack, something he hasn't had time for just yet. But he recently completed his registration for the Wisconsin Trap Attack to be held in Reedsburg Feb. 1-2.

"I'm really looking forward to that," he said with anticipation. From the map of a lake, to studying its structure and using a locator to find the best place for the catch, Giede enjoys all aspects of the experience. A true enthusiast, he is pleased that teams devise their own game plans and dig their own holes, while swapping stories on tactics and gear.

Make no bones about it-he enjoys the exercise and the camaraderie of ice fishing. Just talking about it is inspiring for the "iceman" who is also confident that Midwestern Wisconsin has some pretty good fishing. He mentioned that 50 years ago Menomonie held its first ice fishing contest, triggering his thoughts on how trying to hook the big one has changed over time. But like other Ice Team members, he appreciates the advancements made in the sport over the years.

"There's a method to it, rather than just hit and miss," said Giede, "It's nice if you're hungry for fish, but the philosophy of catch and release is a worthy ideal." He added, "There's integrity in the ice fishing world."

But there's integrity in Giede's world of jewelry as well.

"My goal is to design and create jewelry that is aesthetically pleasing, durable and elegant," said Giede.

Soon a team of two lucky NAIFC winners with the heaviest 15 fish will have the chance to discover that. On Dec. 28, 44 two-person teams (male and female) who qualified after five rounds of tournament competition this year, will vie to become the champions, take home the money and a ring of distinction.

For Giede, that has a "nice ring" to it, and he looks forward to ringing out the year on a high note. Familiar with accommodating customers all over the world while still aiming to provide personalized attention of timeless design and craftsmanship, he said, "No distance is too far,"-just like his quest for the best gems and the best outdoor activities.

For more about Ice Team, ice fishing, Trap Attacks and the NAIFC, check out iceteam.com

Reach Bob Giede at Robert Giede Designs, located at 2321 South Broadway, call (715)-235-7766