Shorter days longer nights

[waterwhipper]

Shorter days and longer nights. This time of year can seam to be some of the longest waiting times for the upcoming ice fishing season. Remember those days when we were kids,how long it seamed between Thanksgiving and Christmas ? Then before you couldn't take it any longer it was here. Thats the way it is for many ice fishing anglers across the nation.
Now is the time to go through your gear and make sure you are ready. First thing get the auger out make sure the blades are sharp and replace if necessary. Mix a fresh can of gas with the right oil to gas mixture and start her up. If you find that your auger is running rough and may need a tuneup, get it into a small engine repair shop now so you won't be stuck waiting for a fix once the ice season starts.
Next lets get out our sleds and shelters . Inspect for worn out pull ropes, broken or missing poles and repair ant holes in the fabrics. If you are looking to upgrade you shelter now is the time. The latest and greatest shelters are coming in. And with ice fishing gear they seam to sell out fast and the retailers may have a tough time restocking some items. Mostly due to the fact that these things are very seasonal and the manufactures usually only do single production runs. So once they are gone they are gone.
Lets get out our ice rods and reels . Replace any that may be damaged. Clean and reline those reels . Chances are the line has been sitting on those small spools and are frayed and full of line memory. My choice of line for ice fishing is Seaguar Abrazx fluorocarbon . 2- 6 lb test for trout , 10 - 12 lb of Lakers in shallower water , and Smackdown braid in 20 or 30 lb Pike and deep water Lakers.
One of the MOST important things for ice fishing is safety gear. Ice Picks , Check . Spud Bar , Check . Throw rope or bag , Check.
Whistle or signaling device . Check . And a First Aid kit , Check.
Now Lets check out our electronics . Charge the batteries and make sure they are holding the charge. If not replace what needs to be replaced.
Get out the lure boxes . Go through reorganize them . Make a list of what new things you want and of what needs to be refilled.
Lastly lets check our cold weather clothing , Hats , gloves ,bibs , jacket , boots. Did they work well for you or are there anythings that need to be replaced or upgraded.
So now we are ready because before you know it the season will be apron us.

[Westsloper]

Here's my ice prepping for today



Laker and pike bait!

[Beerslushy]

Nice Westsloper!  I just stocked my freezer with suckers and salmon spawn for this season.  Now all we need is some ice.  Good fishing!

[stinkyfingers]

Ah, beautiful Golden Trout.

[lefty2053]

Those are Sewer Trout.  Nothing Golden about them. Lol.

[Westsloper]

Ah, beautiful Golden Trout.

Yes! The elusive Colorado River golden sucker trout!

[SLAYERFISH]

Good meat right there!

[stripernut]

The longer nights are great, more time for these;

I still have a couple more shots for some more tuna;

Sorry, but there is still to much open water fishing to do before I start working on ice gear... The Walleye and Trout fishing around here are just getting going, I still have as much as 2 more months of great open water fish! I love to ice fish, but not until I can't find open water...

[Bigassbassman]

Wow, nice fish Stripernut --- yeah, I remember living out there in MA it would be a while until ice starts creeping into your mind...you guys don't get fishable ice in October like we often do here in Colorado!  Bring on da ice!!  (soon).

[stinkyfingers]

A good serving suggestion for those Buglemouth Bass would be to dip them in egg wash, then roll in a mixture of panko and seasoned cornmeal. Deep fry to a golden crispiness. Serve on a large platter on your back patio and watch Slayer battle the raccoons for them.

[SLAYERFISH]

Dem coons won't stand a chance!

[Westsloper]

Stop drooling Slayer, these funnel mouths are already spoken for!

[Westsloper]

A little more prepping via Cabelas. Bargain Cave was loaded down with ice jigs today!
Spent $15....big spender!!

[ShuMugen]

Nice Haul! ive been stocking up myself in the bargain cave as well..

[IFF]

Sheeze, Im going to have to put all my projects on fast track front burner.