First trip of the '11/'12 season

[woody38]

Was unsuccessful but it felt good to punch some holes and fire up the marcum again.  Marked fish but couldnt get them to commit. Hard to find bait right now so I was just using untipped jigging raps for the most part. Forecast looks pretty crappy for the next week for us hardwater lovers.  This is the earliest I have ever made it on the ice, besting last years date of Nov. 26th!

[UP jigstick]

Congrats on getting on the hard stuff. By the looks of that hole there wasn't much ice. Marquette county?

[woody38]

Yes I was in Marquette county. 3 inches of ice.

[referee]

I hope you weigh about 85 lbs.! Seriously, be careful.

[Iceassin]

Yes I was in Marquette county. 3 inches of ice.

Any jobs up there?...Think I might be moving...

[woody38]

I'm about 175 fully dressed and I didnt even hear any pops or cracks while I was out there so it wasnt too spooky.  I have been on less and heard the ice talk a lot more.

[chasepalosaari]

I love ice fishing on thin ice!

[vexvision]

If I had an inch of ice right now Id proly be on it!!!!!

[Blaine]

Congrats on scratching that itch! Very jealous here in CT... No signs of freezing temps here yet 

[woody38]

Suppose to be almost 50 here on Thursday so the itch won't get scratched again for a little while.

[dylan8351]

Sweet! As a tip, I use uncooked bacon fat when I can't find bait. Works just as well as spikes and it's always available!

[woody38]

Might have to give it a shot. I was kind of unprepared and not expecting there to be fishable ice so I boogied home and grabbed some stuff quick. I was a little excited to say the least.

[backwoodswalker]

Good God where have you found ice that will hold you?  I see some of the smaller lakes are skimmed over, But only a inch or so at best. Went up the grade yesterday and arfelin is open yet. Please be careful. Fish are not worth drowning over. By the way I live in Marquette county too. Over by Witch Lake. To anwer Iceassin,s question. There are no jobs up here unless you want to work at walmart or fast food. We are losing business at a alarming rate. All my kids had to go south to find a good job. Economy is bad here.    Steve

[woody38]

finally got a chance to do an ice check since we got the rain and warm weather.  atleast an inch of ice out there yet but there is open water about 2 feet out from shore. hopefully with cold temps this week i'll be able to get out there again!

[woody38]

Couldnt fish this weekend so I decided to organize the shop instead!

[acrawfor]

Couldnt fish this weekend so I decided to organize the shop instead!
(Image removed from quote.)

I aspire to have a dedicated area like this one day. Looks a lot nicer (and more organized) than my storage situation.

[Mr. Jitterbugger]

very impressive my ice stuff is still in my plastic sled which looks like a handgrenade went off in it! But with all the killer anticipation of the ice season building I will be organizing/ re-spooling/ and sharpening hooks all wknd!  Bring on the ice...!

[stephensonswille]

Decided to take a ride today since rifle season is all over with. Walked a little ways out on my favorite lake but knew not to push my luck to far. expect to be in the honey hole on the lake by mid week.

[Icefisher40]

Im jealous as can be...