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Marshindian has it right. Three hours before the high
It's been my limited experience that you want to be sitting on the ice when the ice lift's, when the water clears it's game time!
Just curious why you both say 3 hours?? I know incoming tide is better, but what if I don't get there until say, 1 1/2 hours before? I've but my auger in the mud before, and I didn't like it one bit.
I'm also going to give River Rd another try on Sat as the access getting on/off the ice (at least at lower tide) is easy. Been caught a couple of getting off the ice when the tide was still up and it can be very slippery and under water...I have a 2 man clam 5600 and my usual fishing buddy can't make it, so if anyone is interested in joining me let me know.
You will be sore if you chisel a new one I had probable 14 inches there
Couple reasons, you want your lines in the water and fishing when they show. Also if you show up during a bite and cut in spooking the school you may not be welcomed with open arms......
Ill join your. Let me know when and where and Ill let the wife know. What time? I need to get some rigs / bait. This would be my first time saltwater smelting. Can I use the same stuff as freshwater. I use a small jig and just jig w/ my hand, no pole. I have ajig pole just like doing it by hand. Let me know.
Hi Phisingnh - Still hopeing I will hear some good updates on River Rd before finalizing my plans for tomorrow. The tide is not great, high around 4 pm which should mean enough water around 1:30 - 2pm and fishing until close 6 - 6:30. Typically like a night time incoming tide better but you never know. .I stopped at Wildlife in Manchester and reports there are that the Bay is starting to cool off a bit. Generally speaking once the bay cools off the fish begin deeper into the rivers, although I also heard River Rd has been spotty for the last several years. If anyone has any updated reports where the fish are hitting strong I would consider going else where. Are you close to Exeter? I live in Chester so it's about 40 minutes from home if I have to up to Suds to get bait.
I've had to re-stock twice on creepers this year. Either the ice is extra slippery or there are a lot of new ice fishermen learning the hard way creepers can literally save your butt!