the season has started

[Brochet]

today was my first day on the ice this season...

3" of ice


4" of pumpkinseed (its always good if the fish is longer than the ice is thick  )


and a hammerhandle pike, caught with the exact same morsel of nightcrawler & pug-bug jig that I'd previously caught the 'seed with


I put the pumpkinseed to work as a baitfish, a task at which it failed miserably, so I sent it back to its school at the end of the day.  The pike was also sent back to grow bigger.  Overall, not a bad start - nobody fell through the ice, and fish were caught !

Forecast is calling for cold weather all week so I am looking forward to next weekend out on the ice again !

[Dieseldog]

I call BS, that Punkinseed is no more than 3 3/4” long. Glad you got out.

[troutcrazy]

Nice!  I'm (im)patiently waiting for 4 inches.

[sonny88]

I went by south bay in newport today and there was a fisherman out there. I didn't have time to stop and see how much ice but most of the main lake is frozen too.

[Fish Farmer]

I drove by Lake Dunmore today and it looks like the south end has locked up.

[fence fisher]

was nice meeting you sunday

[perch bait]

Always feels great to be back out on the Hardwater! I'm assuming this is Monkton Pond, correct? I'll be out there after finals week for sure!! Tight lines.

[Brochet]

was nice meeting you sunday

Fence Fisher - good to meet you too, and Welcome to Ice Shanty ! 

[Brochet]

Always feels great to be back out on the Hardwater! I'm assuming this is Monkton Pond, correct? I'll be out there after finals week for sure!! Tight lines.

Yeah, its great to walk on water again, even if the fish that are biting are tiny !!

Hope you get a chance to get out soon !

I didn't mention the lake in case the place got overrun with everyone on the internet coming to catch such exceptionally-sized  pumpkinseeds but I also made another post with the top-secret location revealed , in the Vermont Reports and Conditions Page so IS members who contribute can find out where the early ice is... I'm sure there is better ice in other VT lakes further north and at higher elevation too

[Adam.love05]

What flaaher is that?

[Brochet]

What flaaher is that?

Flasher is a Lowrance Hook4x.  I got it because it comes w/ an ice transducer and another one that mounts w/ suction cup for open water, so I can use it year round and its totally portable.  Its been great in open water but this was my first use on ice and I need to play with it more before knowing if I'd recommend it yet...

[OldChumBucket]

It was a great day for the hardwater season today overall!!

The ice is still setting up so take caution when going out. I felt several pressure cracks throughout the day pass right below my feet which is an excellent way to get the blood pressure up. It did feel safe, and it’s good to be aware of early ice.

That said, the Perch today were hungry. The bite was timid at times and also aggressive. Early ice can be a great time for that bite.

Im glad to be back for the hardwater season with y’all.

[fishingidjit]

Chum , Nice batch of fish,congratz on getting out!

[troutcrazy]

Nice catch, old chum!  I can't wait to get back out. 
I got out once before the warm rain, but found only dinks.