Final Ice Report

[ratsotail]

I had a chance to fish on the hard water Friday, for probably the last time this Winter, in my neighborhood with two friends and a new one from the board, OneIceHole. It was a pleasure fishing with you Jeremy...please tell your wife that purchasing the gas auger was a prudent decision  . We encountered some of the best ice conditions this year north or Vandalia and we proceeded to turn the small lake into Swiss cheese; fishing drop offs, flats, shallows, and everything in between. The fish were really on the bite as I wonder if they are sensing Spring right around the corner. Lots of numbers today and it was common to look among the four-man ice team and see someone with a hook set almost regularly. I think everyone had their limit of gills and it was a great way to end the hard water season! Here's a pic of the nicest Redear on the day (10 1/4").

It's a funny feeling...the season has come to and end for me and all I can think of is next season  !

tight lines,

ratsotail

[Oneicehole]

I will tell her and I had a great time with you guys also!!! We will get em on the open water when we meet up!! That picture does not do that fish justice lol it was truly a hog!!!!

[KDK]

Jeff, Thats a nice looking gill. Wish I could of met up with you and ED, If I only knew you where heading over there. I'm sure you had good 6 inches of ice. Kevin and I headed out to Bush yesterday put in a couple hours trying to get some of the stocked trout.  Managed to take home 4 nice trout, missed a couple too, and lost one nice large mouth at the hole, couldn't get hold of him to pull him through the hole. The ice was about 5 inches of milky ice, a lot of people where out on the ice too, seems this ice fishing thing is starting to catch on in the area. Its sad to see it come to an end already, was hopping it would last at least to the end of the month so we could get one more long weekend in. Well heres looking to next year, making a list of thing to get already.

Ken

[ratsotail]

Jeff, Thats a nice looking gill. Wish I could of met up with you and ED, If I only knew you where heading over there. I'm sure you had good 6 inches of ice. Kevin and I headed out to Bush yesterday put in a couple hours trying to get some of the stocked trout.  Managed to take home 4 nice trout, missed a couple too, and lost one nice large mouth at the hole, couldn't get hold of him to pull him through the hole. The ice was about 5 inches of milky ice, a lot of people where out on the ice too, seems this ice fishing thing is starting to catch on in the area. Its sad to see it come to an end already, was hopping it would last at least to the end of the month so we could get one more long weekend in. Well heres looking to next year, making a list of thing to get already.

Ken

Ken,

Regretfully, Ed and I both mentioned we should have given you a call....after we were driving home  . I know how you don't like fishing the skinny ice. Friday's conditions were perfect with about 8" of white and clear though. Again, thanks to Jeremy for bringing the gas auger out and saving my old shoulders  ! Who's in for a Devils Lake or Minnesota trip for next season? I still have the itch for a GOOD Perch bite.....and it wasn't satisfied this year  .

tight lines,

ratsotail

[blufloyd]

Gonna try to get to Spirit Lake for late ice perch in next few weeks.

[Oneicehole]

We should go here next season or if we could swing it late this season??  I know nothing like the last minute lol. If not this, then lets get serious and pick a date and get our deposit in!! Let me know what everyone thinks.  [url][http://www.perchpatrol.com/index.htm/url]  

[Oneicehole]

I don't think my stupid link worked but just google it and let me know, sorry about my computer stupidity

[blufloyd]

Spirit is closer and the perch are good enough.

[Oneicehole]

blu give up some info on spirit where is it, how much, website, you going for sure interested in a group going with? ya know details man. might be fun a group of us then we can spread out and locate faster!!!!

[ratsotail]

Gonna try to get to Spirit Lake for late ice perch in next few weeks.

Take some picture and give a detailed report Floyd...love to relive the experience through you  !

tight lines

ratsotail

[ratsotail]

Is this heaven...."No this is Iowa"...Field of Dreams (Kevin Costner). I believe the Spirit Lake Blu talks about is in heaven...er Iowa  !

http://www.iowagameandfish.com/fishing/icefishing-fishing/IA_0207_02/

ratsotail

[KDK]

Was thinking about hitting that next weekend, but my sons 4 day weekend got shorten to 2 1/2 days do to snow day off from school, plus this warm weather. Its about 550 miles from here. Go to the Iowa postings, there is some helpful info on there.

[blufloyd]

I checked out the Patrol's rates. Your talking a grand for three days counting train fare. Ouch, I know how to fish. And I know what shanties look like. 

[tbirdbassr]

Does that include room and food??? We went out on mille lacs in a sleeper for $400 it wasn't more than $800 for the whole trip with the gas, casino, hotel, and cabelas lol

[blufloyd]

Supposed to include everything. Then you look at extras and that is Vex etc at 25 a pop a day.
Not that rich yet.