Went ice fishing for the first time

Unknown

Hit some local ice with two of my buddies. One ice fishes all the time so had plenty of stuff for us to borrow.

It was a blast. It helped that the weather was perfect, maybe even too warm. I still don't have the proper cold weather gear so I had to improvise. Since the ice was going to have some slush I just used my waders and normal fishing boots. It worked well and my feet stayed warm enough.

The fishing was good. Didn't keep an accurate account, but I know I landed at least 6, with most in the 15-17" range. And since I was late getting to the party I know my friends caught more than I did. We all 3 caught one each that were 20".

It was a great first ice experience and I hope to do it again.

Juliet

How long a trench did you have to cut to cast that fly rod?

yatahey

Dude what time is it? What? June?

Juliet

greenman wrote: »

How long a trench did you have to cut to cast that fly rod?

For once not being able to cast far really paid off.

Shawn C.

Let me be the first to say that I am glad you enjoyed your time in the ice hole.

FishTX

jbilly wrote: »

For once not being able to cast far really paid off.

I can't cast far either, but I don't think I'll take up ice fishing. I don't think I can make the fly land in that little hole.

ricinus

I went ice fishing once- alcohol was involved- that's all I remember..

Mike

FishTX

ricinus wrote: »

I went ice fishing once- alcohol was involved- that's all I remember..

Mike

Isn't alcohol a prerequisite for ice fishing? What sober person wanders on to the ice to make hole for fishing?

Juliet

Here when the ice is thick enough you can drives your vehicle out on the ice. This is a big deal cause most Minnesotans are now so fat they can't walk more than a mile.

Juliet

FishTX wrote: »

Isn't alcohol a prerequisite for ice fishing? What sober person wanders on to the ice to make hole for fishing?

Hard to believe, but not a drop amongst the 3 of us. The guy with all the gear is who I fish with a lot. He hardly ever drinks and never when he is fishing, not that he minds if I do. But actually fishing with him I hardly ever do now until the day is over. He is kind of crazy; I think he dreams about his indicators being hit on a nightly basis. It is funny because of the 3 he is still single and has no kids, so we kind of live vicariously through him since he gets out far more than us.

Actually come to think of it I didn't see anyone drinking and there were about 6-8 groups fairly close to us. But then again we were off the ice by 2 since they both had to run by work for a bit...suckers.

Juliet

Oh and just to clarify, yes, I am the devil. We did use bait! Oh the humanity. We used a jig with a meal worm on it. Worked great.

All fish were released (matter of fact the first one I hooked into had been caught by Scott earlier. The fish had a bit of a growth/mark of some sort on the very back of his jaw. When I got him in they were all excited and were sure that Scott had him earlier).

Juliet

Sounds like you caught the fish equivalent of BrianDs mom.

FishTX

You can't be the devil if the fish were released.

Wetdog

Mandatory for ice fishing...Schnapps or Blackberry Brandy. Without either of them, it's not ice fishing.

ouzelpro

Wetdog wrote: »

Mandatory for ice fishing...Schnapps or Blackberry Brandy. Without either of them, it's not ice fishing.

I was about to say...

ricinus

Don't forget the Butterscotch Ripple.

Mike

Wetdog

ricinus wrote: »

Don't forget the Butterscotch Ripple.

Mike

Mango flavored is a real hit as well.