Ice Fisherman open comments!!!

[tony "crazy goofy grampie" russo]

I love to be on the ice. Went from siting on bucket..canvas tent..wood hut..popup tent and now that I am 67 enjoy sitting on the bucket with no gloves and catching gills. I do love my vexilar. But at times like today when so many fish were lighting it up but only a few were hungry I realize that they will still be there another day for me to enjoy.

[Slip Sinker]

tony ... i had a pretty decent day out on the ice with 13 fish including a bonus 15.3 inch LMB. first ever from the ice. fishing micro lights tungsten in about 15 ft of water. had a blast.

i found a new nice little lake last summer with easy on and off access. i have everything in one little sled. keeping it simple.

[tony "crazy goofy grampie" russo]

Yep thats me assimple as possible. Even lately I watch were other guys have cut holes and just spud them open to fish. I fish a small 32 acre lake thats 35' deep. Some days I catch as many 11" to 12" bass as I do gills. Fun on light Frabill rod and reel. The rod is like a noodle and both the gills and bass put up a good fight. No fishing today was painting the bedroom. I'll be back next monday. I stay off the lakes on weekends.

[Tony Livingston]

My ice fishing season consisted of two days this year. Probably won't see safe ice again till next season. Bummer!

On the plus side, I'm pleased to see what I think is an upturn, or increased interest in ice fishing here on the forum. I've harped and preached about it's virtues for so long, talked gear and tactics, methodology, safety. I'm glad that there are more anglers getting out and having a go at it.

[Slip Sinker]

my dad tried to get me into ice fishing when i was a kid... but i just didn't get it... but with todays electronics i am now totally in it. i just need to reduce the repetitive bending somehow and i could probably get out their and stay longer

[tony "crazy goofy grampie" russo]

where do live that you only get a coupe of days to ice fish?

Our ice is 12" to 15" thick on most lakes. Usually I would be driving out. But we have  had lots of ups and downs with temps and rain. Season will also be shorten by the weather. Good luck fishing.

[Tony Livingston]

Southern Indiana. I've got open water right now, never got over 4.5" of ice at its best this season, and it lasted for two outings. It can be 20 degrees here one day, and 50 the next. Hard to make safe ice that way.

Good fishing to you also!

[Jim Gronaw]

Sorry to hear that, Tony. We actually have plenty of safe, 5 to 7 inch hard ice on the Mason Dixon, but I'm here with a neck brace and tying jigs. Would love to be able to hit any number of local spots.

[Slip Sinker]

oh yeah while on the ice today i talked with an older gent and asked them how they were doing on the fish... later the old gent came by my area i was fishing to see how i was doing and what i was using. i ended up sharing some mustache worms with him... he thanked me and he pulled his tackle box out of his jacket to secure the worms... it was a Sucret box... i havnt seen one of those since i was a teenager... talk about simplicity!

[carl hendrix]

hey crazy goofy;; you need to meet David Eitius;; join in on his;; pond bums forem;; and his;; old farts club  ;; bet you will fit right in!!

[Steve Taylor]

We've all kinds of ice here in n/e Ohio, 12-14 inches and building with days on end of below freezing temps with single digit and below zero nights. Rat Finkees in a 6 or 8 size work well for just about anything. Remove the sleeve and slide on a waxie. I like to open the hook about 5 degrees and file down the barb . A number 12  Moon-Glo jig tipped with a mag works very well when things get finicky. The redears love 'em. Some guys go micro, micro with 14, 16, and even 18 size scud patterns. Some even go with smaller spade end style hooks.

Just wondering, has anybody tried those Reel Weeds? The vids look impressive. Can't say I've tried them, however I figure if they'll attract and hold fish that would minimize cuttin' and runnin'.

[tony "crazy goofy grampie" russo]

Steve I am a pretty plain ice fisherman. 1/32 jig with wax worm. And when I go over to the St Criox river on the Minnesota /Wisconsin. Plain #10 treble hook with minnow for jumbo crappie.

[tony "crazy goofy grampie" russo]

Now why would a young guy like me fit into an old farts club. I only tell fish stories to anyone that will listen. I try to get my morning coffee guys to try my nightcrawler cupcakes ( and not one made with gummy worms). See I am just your normal crazy( granddaughters nickname) goofy (grandsons nickname) and well a------- (wifes nickname) Thanks I will have to meet David.