Anyone Gonna Hit the Hard Water?

[streamfisher]

I'm seeing ice everywhere I drive now. A little earlier then typical this past decade - but it looks like we'll have ice fishing soon. Anyone hit the hard water when it comes? I'll be out there.

 

[Trout Fever]

heard there is 8 inches of ice in sullivan county

 

[Andy B]

Sorry but for me it's time to settle in and start the all night long tying sessions on the weekends.

Andy Brasko

 

[Werloc]

The wife and I plan to fish Sunday. I hope we get that snow which would make it fun.

 

[Trouser Trout]

I have never ice fished, I never needed an excuse that elaborate to get boozed up. But, within a few hundred yard walk of my home are two small lakes/ponds that are LOADED with big large mouth, pickerel and crappie, so I am going to give it a shot this year with one of my buddies who has all the shit. I will be supplying a grill, wood for a fire on the ice, a cooler full of beer and stuff to eat and a quart of Jim Beam. I think that is pretty much what ice fishing...... and life for that matter are all about.

 

[WBDluver]

I tried ice fishing but my bead head nymph just keeps bounceing on the top?? I cant seem to get deep enough?

 

[Trout Fever]

lol ice fishing is tough i think its about good times food and friends doesnt really matter if i catch anything just enjoy seeing the flags going up and running like hell to find a little perch or pickerl on the end

 

[streamfisher]

I have never ice fished, I never needed an excuse that elaborate to get boozed up. But, within a few hundred yard walk of my home are two small lakes/ponds that are LOADED with big large mouth, pickerel and crappie, so I am going to give it a shot this year with one of my buddies who has all the shit. I will be supplying a grill, wood for a fire on the ice, a cooler full of beer and stuff to eat and a quart of Jim Beam. I think that is pretty much what ice fishing...... and life for that matter are all about.

I guess you're not married to a Sicilian like I am! You did describe it well, though. Ice fishing doesn't have to be done in arctic conditions. You can get a sunburn on a sunny 35-40f day with the snow/ice reflecting on you from every direction. With 10"+ of ice you can be comfortable out there on a 65f day. I use an ice pick in 4-8" of ice to make five holes. A live minnow on each tip-up - and then as you say... it's all about the food and drink.

note: i know this isn't fly fishing stuff.. just some off-season alternatives for both fishing and chitchat

 

[golden beetle]

I tried ice fishing but my bead head nymph just keeps bounceing on the top?? I cant seem to get deep enough?

Dluver, are you affiliated with Drift Away Pontoon Boats? Looks like a nice company.

Try to sell me a pontoon boat. You might be surprised-- I'll probably buy one some day.

 

[Joe D]

I have never ice fished, I never needed an excuse that elaborate to get boozed up. But, within a few hundred yard walk of my home are two small lakes/ponds that are LOADED with big large mouth, pickerel and crappie, so I am going to give it a shot this year with one of my buddies who has all the shit. I will be supplying a grill, wood for a fire on the ice, a cooler full of beer and stuff to eat and a quart of Jim Beam. I think that is pretty much what ice fishing...... and life for that matter are all about.

Sounds like a good plan, but I don't think a quart of JB is quite enough. To really add to the excitement, you might want to bring some curling stones with you. don't forget the brooms too. They could come in handy to clean up the hurling too.

 

[Trout Fever]

haha some people talk about fishing and some people go fishing

 

[streamfisher]

haha some people talk about fishing and some people go fishing

Awesome! Are those from this year? Here's a pic and a video. Yes, in the pic I have my two month old with the rest of my crew.



This is a video bringing pickerel out of the ice from last year. Pay no mind the to dictating by the commentator!