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That's a tough one Lefty. They are definitely in there...if my assumption is correct. Had a similar experience through the ice 15 years ago. Some of the blue and red spots were the size of dimes. The biggest Brownie I have ever hooked up with. Any chance it was in the In the vicinity of IB?
They're not much use on the ice, but for open water I suggest you have a net that will accommodate the largest fish you hope to catch. Kinda like drillin' a hole big enough to get the biggest fish through the ice.⫸<{{{{{ ⦇°>
Not sure what IB is! So no it wasn't.
Iola Basin
That's a nice fish! The guys I fished with always give me crap for always bringing a net. I don't care if it's for crappie fishing or catfishing. A net is must for me. How many times did that big one at the tip of my fingers, boat edge or a few feet from shore got away. And yes, sometimes I thought I had the fish securely lip held and they somehow still wiggle away. Not anymore with a net.