Author Topic: "New England" Ice Fishing Gathering? (Read 4918 times)

stripernut · « **on:** Nov 18, 2012, 09:43 AM »

I am throwing out the idea of a "New England" Ice Fishing Gathering. I have lived in two of the great states of New England and have fished in all of them and best of all I have fished with anglers from all of them and they (you all, at least most of you!) are great company (even some of you grumpy old guys!).
I also know that as a whole ice fisherman are a frugal lot (some would say CHEAP) so when looking at places to meet I looked at which state would have a "Free Ice Fishing day" and at this point all I could find was Maine (in the past seasons) having one the 3rd week end of February. February is a good bet for safe ice and by then many of us might like to try some new waters with some new faces! Southern Maine would be the better bet being a little shorter drive for many... One area can not make everyone happy.
I have had great luck on Great East (many call great least), but; 1 it is BIG and in the past at gathering, if it is a big place, many anglers don't find each other... 2; it is a border lake and we would need to check on how the free fishing day works (if at all) on a border lake.
So, what does every one think? Do you have other suggestions of states and lakes? Maybe the Maine anglers, just want to pick on the flat landers and keep them out? Is there some other event on that day I have not thought of that would keep many from coming? Not looking for your honey hole, but suggestion of waters to fish would help?
I look forward to seeing where this idea goes and I hope I will get to fish with many of my fellow New England Ice Shanty Members!!!
Tight Lines,
Allan

Oddfish · « **Reply #1 on:** Nov 20, 2012, 09:38 AM »

Great East sounds good to me. Keep us informed.

OD

stripernut · « **Reply #2 on:** Nov 20, 2012, 09:42 AM »

I have posted in each state and have only had a few reply's, most are positive... Maybe as the season progresses???

Oddfish · « **Reply #3 on:** Nov 20, 2012, 10:08 AM »

I would repost after the holidaze and after Winni is fishable, there will be many more views at that point.

OD

stripernut · « **Reply #4 on:** Nov 20, 2012, 11:22 AM »

Thanks!

james · « **Reply #5 on:** Nov 20, 2012, 01:39 PM »

Sounds like a great time! We will be there.

I will sticky this.

lavaman · « **Reply #6 on:** Nov 29, 2012, 07:30 AM »

great idea alan. i go up for the free weekend every yr. it would be nice to have some company.

KP9 · « **Reply #7 on:** Dec 02, 2012, 03:49 AM »

I'd be down for that! I know the area very well

I'd come with 3-4 guys most likely also!

Maybe we could have our own little derby?

stripernut · « **Reply #8 on:** Dec 02, 2012, 07:16 AM »

Most of the time if you do a "Derby" you need permit and have a bunch of rules to follow... For me, I like the competition to be between me and the fish and the "Gathering" to be more about meeting people.

NHSlabbinCabin · « **Reply #9 on:** Dec 03, 2012, 08:14 AM »

We did a gathering last year on Winni, even with the poor weather there was a great turn out. I think getting a derby together is probably a bit of headache. There will be more activity on this in a month or so. If it comes together it will be pretty sweet.

Riverat · « **Reply #10 on:** Dec 04, 2012, 05:32 AM »

I like it. "Team New England" for a day.

stripernut · « **Reply #11 on:** Dec 04, 2012, 06:14 AM »

I will keep plugging at it... I think it will work out!

KP9 · « **Reply #12 on:** Dec 07, 2012, 01:37 AM »

Im not saying any offical derby, just something between the people that show up.

JustForTheHalibut · « **Reply #13 on:** Dec 07, 2012, 11:38 AM »

as a member of team maine i can tell you we have some great fishing and even better guys and gals to fish with so hopfully it works out.

stripernut · « **Reply #14 on:** Dec 07, 2012, 12:44 PM »

I think that it will!!!!

Big Dee · « **Reply #15 on:** Dec 07, 2012, 04:16 PM »

Wow that's awsome....keep me posted ill be there.....

sincityrednek · « **Reply #16 on:** Dec 08, 2012, 10:00 PM »

Great East sounds awesome, just post a date.

jethro · « **Reply #17 on:** Dec 16, 2012, 07:49 PM »

I like the idea and the possible location! 3rd weekend in Feb works for me (at this point in time). Will be watching this thread!

stripernut · « **Reply #18 on:** Dec 16, 2012, 08:44 PM »

I am waiting for a email back from Maine F&G to make sure that on a border the "free" weekend still applied...

Bozeiceman · « **Reply #19 on:** Dec 25, 2012, 04:24 AM »

Is it a good place for ice?

stripernut · « **Reply #20 on:** Dec 25, 2012, 06:16 AM »

It is big and I doubt that it has ice yet, but by Feb. I think that it will have safe ice!

whitewing · « **Reply #21 on:** Dec 25, 2012, 08:26 AM »

Both Maine and NH licenses are valid on Great East.

stripernut · « **Reply #22 on:** Dec 25, 2012, 09:50 AM »

I got a email back from Maine Fish and Game and the Free Fishing Weekend of Feb 16th and 17th also includes Border Lakes! So We can fish Great East for our New England Gathering with out having to buy a fishing license!
We have had many people say "Count me in" and I hope that we can have a good size group!

winnisquam guy · « **Reply #23 on:** Dec 25, 2012, 03:58 PM »

great idea man, i will try to make this, it may coinside with the newfound derby though

smelt stalker · « **Reply #24 on:** Jan 01, 2013, 06:28 PM »

i was just thinkin the same kind of idea im all for it sounds like fun

tip up 603 · « **Reply #25 on:** Jan 06, 2013, 10:42 AM »

great idea

Rando5512 · « **Reply #26 on:** Jan 06, 2013, 04:04 PM »

They also run a derby on Great East, not sure of the date though.

stripernut · « **Reply #27 on:** Jan 06, 2013, 05:27 PM »

Well there has been lots of great feedback for a “New England” Ice Shanty Gathering!
The Date will be Feb. 16th with a snow date of the 17th. This is during the free fishing weekend in Maine, so NO FISHING LICENCE is necessary!

We should have plenty of ice by then... I have done very well for Lakers thru the ice on this lake and I am sure with the skill level of the anglers of Ice Shanty, we will get some great photos!

Please post a reply if you think you are going to make it and I can keep a running tally!

There is access and parking at the NH / Maine Ramp.

Map Link; http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/bathy_maps/greateast_wakefield.pdf

As we get closer to the date I will add a “Meeting Point” on the ice, as my favorite spot is a ways from the ramp...

I will be driving up from MA and will be getting a room (most likely in Rochester NH) for the weekend so I can fish another day! If anyone want to share a ride and a fishing MARATHON. please feel free to PM me.

Bossanooga · « **Reply #28 on:** Jan 17, 2013, 12:38 PM »

Sounds good.

maniac · « **Reply #29 on:** Jan 22, 2013, 11:53 AM »

Great east derby is feb 2, so daye is good, they r already fishing there, and after this week will b even more ice, caught some nice lakers up there, and a few nice rainbows, this idea is great, my group and i would love to b there

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Author Topic: "New England" Ice Fishing Gathering? (Read 4918 times)