Living on the edge.

[RapShack]

This is normal, but it's about 3 weeks early   I've been trying to keep the faith but it's undeniable this winter sucks.

[SLAYERFISH]

Good work hardcoreing it!  I know ice fishermen who'll be shaking in their boots looking at that pic!

[RapShack]

I know ice fishermen who'll be shaking in their boots looking at that pic!

There were still a couple of the really hard core guys fishing out there in the current two nights ago before it opened all the way up.  Fun fact, about 200 yards away is a bridge for the interstate.  Imagine the things the land lubbers passing by must think when they see a bunch of people lined right up on the edge like that.  When the ice holds until the perch and walleye really start running there will be all kinds of jon boats out there that people push across the ice, then a line of guys standing the edge casting with long rods, and then a bunch more on the ice in the bay.

[stripernut]

I always liked the expression; "If you are not living on the edge, you are taking up to much room"

[Hardwater2]

Hope you have a 6’6” medium action spinning rod in the shanty as well.
Cool pic!

[Splattypus]

How thick was it where you were set up on?

Pretty sure I'd be one of those shaking in my boots. Or at least loaded up to jump towards shore at the slightest crack

[RapShack]

How thick was it where you were set up on?

14" or so.  Falling through isn't a concern but you do need to watch the pressure cracks as the water starts to rise to make sure you don't end up going downstream on an iceberg.

[Splattypus]

Well I'd rather take a ride than a swim. Ive been in 35 degree water- in a wetsuit, hood, and gloves, and it was still unpleasant enough that I don't want to do it again

Can you hook a trolling motor to the ice berg, hit a couple spots an extra time or too on your way to the next boat launch?

[RapShack]

Can you hook a trolling motor to the ice berg, hit a couple spots an extra time or too on your way to the next boat launch?

I've heard stories of old timers back in the day that would spud chunks off and ride them downstream.  I've seen someone park a kayak on one get out and stand there jigging off the edge as he went by.

Here's a few more pics from that same spot over the years, I guess this isn't the only crappy winter we've had lately.

Feb. 2 2020

Feb. 18 2018  Even I think those guys on the left are a bit crazy.

A week later on Feb. 26 2018

Mar 7 2015 Looks sketchy but the whole town is there.

Mar 21 2013 Now this is how a proper winter should go.

[SLAYERFISH]

that's cool. Moving water gotta love it.  I'd be out there!

[IceDog88]

I’ve fished on the edge but not that close, maybe 25’ and there was no 14” of ice. Maybe had 6” and I was taking a chance. I don’t even think of doing that anymore

[RapShack]

Was back on the ice about 4:45 this morning.  Fishing was terrible, as is tradition, but what a great morning to sit out under the stars and watch the sun come up.

[walleyedan]

Enjoyed the pics. They do tell a story.

[RapShack]

This guy was pushing his luck a little bit going there without a spud but he didn't get wet.