What I learned ice fishing 2010/2011
If this weather wrecks the ice, it will have been an interesting ice fishing season.
The two big things I learned this year was Conneaut Lake is a great place to fish for nice bluegills and big pike! The other is the Genz Worm. Never used them before, picked some up at Gander in December and its about the hottest new thing I've ever used. It was extremely successful at Presque Isle, Conneaut and Simcoe. Got quite a tray of colors and sizes now. Something about a horizontal riding jig...
First ice was good, late ice was great, between was work. I wonder if January's tough fishing was because of the trillions of shad in the bay.
Fished the season with my new set of Thorne Brothers custom rods - especially love the Quiverstick. (http://www.thornebros.com)
After 10 years had to get a new carb on my Strikemaster. It was a trick with Tecumseh being out of business, but Alan at Pro Auto and Lawnmower in Saegertown fixed me up. New blades too, works like new.
Also, first time using Seaguar InvisX line. Expensive, but I like it very much. I usually outfish my buddies, could that be part of the reason?
Woodcock was a disappointment this year. I had high hopes for walleye after what I observed there the year prior.
Had some fun in a neighbor's farm pond. Next time take my snow shoes, what a walk across the fields to get to the ponds...I'm not a spring chicken anymore!
Well, off to Simcoe Wednesday for the rest of the week. Maybe by some miracle the bay ice will survive, or Edinboro for some late crappie fishing. Not that I need the meat...my freezer is crammed!