We haven't had any ice close by this year, but I've been fortunate enough to get out a few times. Usually, I drive between an hr. and 45 min, to 2 hrs and 20 min. north to find decent ice. Last Sat. was the first time I specifically targeted crappie, and it was a lake I had never fished before. We punched a lot of holes and I iced the first one at about 3:00. Caught up with a school at about 4:15, and had a great bite for a little while. I forced myself to stop and take a picture while there was still good light, and of course, lost contact with the fish. The fact that every dink perch and gill in the lake went on a tear, made it tough as well. Got enough for two good meals foe my wife and me, and auto released a couple of very nice fish, too.
