Author Topic: Tell Us What Kinda Year It's Been For Ya (Read 1547 times)

Smitty71 · « **on:** Feb 29, 2008, 09:41 AM »

Well guys and gals, I'd have to say that before this year I was a novice out on the ice. I found this website in early January (right when our ice in Iowa was getting good) and it has taken my game to a whole new level. Went out and bought a few things, tried some new presentations, and have met a few good guys on the ice that I probably wouldn't have met. So first I'll say thanks for such a great site filled with great people! It really has made a difference.

As for my fishing, well lets just say that I've caught more this year than any other. Mostly crappie, gills and largemouth here. I also finally got the crappie that I've been searching for. Took it to the taxidermist a few days ago and can't wait to get it back. All in all, I'd have to say it's been great and I'm really looking forward to late ice. It can only get better from here on out!

Smitty

fish_finder · « **Reply #1 on:** Feb 29, 2008, 09:49 AM »

Havin an alright season i guess, we had ice early but a lot of rain and snow made it messy and it hasnt goten any real thickness. Pickerel have been slow this year but the perch have been crazy, have gotten out after burbot and smelt only once which is a bummer

perchhogslayer · « **Reply #2 on:** Feb 29, 2008, 09:51 AM »

This year started with the aquisition of an old, used power auger. That was the single biggest reason for a great season for me. Its just so easy to get out now and drill a bunch of holes, move around the lake if I need to, but most importantly, I'm fishing now, instead of just drilling holes all day. 1 or 2 holes isn't a big deal, but when you can have 6 poles per person, and 4 people come, thats a lot of holes, and I don't care who you are and how nice your hand auger is, after 3 or 4 holes I'm ready to be done. Now I can pop 30 holes in the lake in just a couple minutes. Its a little loud, but I don't think it really affects the fishing much since what we are targeting is 50 plus feet down.

The Second biggest reason for a great season has to be this board. Its an awesome mid week fishin jitters fix. I can only get out on the weekends typically, so its great to have something to keep me interested during the week. Usually I'll pick up a tip, or a new way to do something, or a new place to go, and by friday night it feels just like Christmas eve with all the anticipation built up. By the time I get out on the lake I could care less if I catch anything, its just such a blast to get out and try new things every week.

If I have another year like I had this year, I may just break down and buy a flasher, not because I'm not catching fish now, but just because I'd like to know at those times when I'm Not catching fish, is it because they aren't around, or are at a different depth, or are they just being picky that day and I should try a different lure.

funk380 · « **Reply #3 on:** Feb 29, 2008, 10:08 AM »

We have had ice longer than normal here in Iowa. Ususally it gets cold /warm..cold/warm and the ice is not good. This year we have had great ice. I found a new fishing partner that is actually reliable and dedicated to catching fish.I have caught more crappies this year than i ever have. I have been reading allot of magazines and reading allot of post on this site.I also have spent more money on equipment , so i think all those things combined are paying off.

chimo · « **Reply #4 on:** Feb 29, 2008, 10:11 AM »

This has been kind of an off year for me. My favorite lake form last year has been drawn down for most of the winter with fluctuating water levels making it hard to get on. That and an increased school work load, girlfriend and ice that has come and gone a few times has made it hard to get out as much as I would have liked. On the plus side, I did get a week and a half of ice fishing in over xmas break (was in the boat last xmas), I've gotten some really nice perch out of a lake I had just about given up on for perch of any size, and I've got to fish a couple new lakes. Next up is spring break, hopefully I'm not to busy helping my dad tap out the sugar woods and helping my brother surveying to get on the ice and get some nice gills and crappie. good fishin

chimo

frosteespoon · « **Reply #5 on:** Feb 29, 2008, 10:20 AM »

Presque Isle fishing has really been tough,our ice conditions have been like a roller coaster. Few jumbos being caught. Bluegill bite as been astounding. Crappies hit or miss. A few steelhead also being caught. Expect 3 weeks of ice left. Like to see jumbos turn on. The amount of shiners,smelt in the Bay this year is incredible, Do believe that this is hindering us a little. Oh well just keep moving and jigging.

GOTICE? · « **Reply #6 on:** Feb 29, 2008, 10:56 AM »

Here in Columbus Ohio the ice season as been almost none existant. What ice we do have is iffy and always having to wait for a new freeze to get just enough ice to safely fish. As for fish its been slow. Got into the eyes only a couple of times. Even our trip to Presque was a downer. looks like after this weekend we'll be done for the year.

rgfixit · « **Reply #7 on:** Feb 29, 2008, 10:58 AM »

NY perch have been berry berry good to me. The fishing has been steady and with my new job....I actually get to go out and fish.

LIFE IS GOOD!

RG

maineduckhunter · « **Reply #8 on:** Feb 29, 2008, 11:57 AM »

Smitty71 · « **Reply #9 on:** Feb 29, 2008, 12:20 PM »

That's GREAT!!!!!!! Nice lookin fish!!!!

pooley · « **Reply #10 on:** Feb 29, 2008, 01:17 PM »

i've had an ok year. not much ice in southeastern new york. had to travel, but i got my first walleyes, 2 keepers, as a result of traveling. i'm going back upstate this weekend to sacandaga on sat., lake george on sunday. in the snow.

crappieC · « **Reply #11 on:** Feb 29, 2008, 07:58 PM »

So far this year its been good. I haven't been on Pa ice but once. I have fished Michigan and New York a lot. Done real good on Perch in NY.

john t. · « **Reply #12 on:** Feb 29, 2008, 08:04 PM »

This year has been awesome the fishing has been OK . and i got to meet some I.S. members . that was the best part.

Lobes · « **Reply #13 on:** Feb 29, 2008, 08:07 PM »

This has been an outstanding year! Last year I only got out once. Don't see any end in sight for this year and this is NOT a problem.
Mainduckhunter -
Great photo's! My wife say's you need to invest in a snowmobile suit for your wife. She said she got cold just looking at her.

Having a wife for a fishing partner is a great privilege. I know I appreciate it!

NBG

PCB · « **Reply #14 on:** Feb 29, 2008, 08:09 PM »

Very depressing... with the terrible weather and lack of time. But the good news is I just got some Ice Shanty gear in the mail today and I met a few members this year that I have been chatting with online for a few years. Im ready for a fresh start again next year... well after one last outing tomorrow

Sven936 · « **Reply #15 on:** Feb 29, 2008, 08:25 PM »

It has been a slow year. Not enough time, to much work, and not enough play. Oh well, will hopefully get at it next year.

boblee · « **Reply #16 on:** Feb 29, 2008, 09:05 PM »

well this has been by far my best ice fishing year in a long time. i didn't do a lot of tip up fishing like normally. this year i targeted the illusive slab crappies. 17" one this year. i often rely on my uncle to find the crappie spots, but this year ive ventured off on my own and have absoultely slayed the crappies. all thanks to my summer purchase of a vexilar and camera. all i need now is my ice castle.

just_me · « **Reply #17 on:** Mar 01, 2008, 11:03 AM »

This year has been a pretty slow year for me.. Not sure why or what the problem is.. Most the people I have talked to have had the same issues.. Trying different baits presentations lures.. And nothing seems to matter.. Im hoping that with the warm weather comes the bite..

Pajns · « **Reply #18 on:** Mar 01, 2008, 11:07 AM »

Due to my disability haven't got out as much as last year. BUT all in all I have enjoyed everytime out. Didn't catch limits but brought a few home to eat. Met a few Shanty members from my area....Great guys. Guess on ending I would say I have been Blessed once again this year.

Tomhusker · « **Reply #19 on:** Mar 01, 2008, 12:28 PM »

It's been a learning year for me. Started out with me getting new gear, top to bottom. This is the first year where I made an effort to become an icehad, instead of just going ice fishing a couple of times. It started out rough, I got skunked a few times, and was very frustrated. But the last few times, as I have learned how to read the Vex and read posts on here, my skils have improved and I have managed to ice a good number of gills and crappie.
I am thoroughly addicted to ice fishing now, and I hope that Iowa has this kind of ice for many years to come.

Pasquatch · « **Reply #20 on:** Mar 01, 2008, 02:20 PM »

Its been an alright year. First year where I really decided to get up and go every chance I could, even if I didn't have the cash to get to Saratoga or George, I still have managed to hit some local lakes, and catch fish, even if they don't run as big. I've learned alot about the fish I target, and I'm really getting proficient using the Vexilar.

bassinbrian_on_ice · « **Reply #21 on:** Mar 01, 2008, 05:01 PM »

Awesome year for me

, really got the itch this season ... been out atleast once every weekend, bought a flasher & a portable shanty this year (they have made it way more enjoyable), caught numerous species & decent sizes too. Only used tip ups once, i love moving around with the Marcum & just jigging'em up.

<<<< ------ The Laker in my avatar made my season complete !!!

News:

Author Topic: Tell Us What Kinda Year It's Been For Ya (Read 1547 times)

chimo