a fishing buddy and I hit West side of Rockport this A.M., fishing in 48 FOW from 0800 to 1300....ice is still solid 13 to 14" thick...edges at entry point were questionable going out, so we headed a little North to a point, where distance from shore to solid ice is narrower, but we still used our 6' plank....perch fishing for 8 to 10" ers still VERY GOOD. I've recently reported on tactics/lures/bait, and that worked again today....Only 2 other groups on ice (1 by ramp, 1 closer to dam)..bite done by noon....coming off plank definitely needed, same area, no problem....be safe, have plank, catch perch (and rainbows of you want them) Guluk....
[signature]
Another great perch report Joe, do you think the ice will hold up with all this rain? It has got to raise the water level.
[signature]
Hey Curtis...1 week ago we were in 46.5 FOW, and yesterday, same spot, it was 48'....major ice was still very clear, so I think the ice sheet will be strong for awhile yet, but how long? Edges will be the problem, but 6 to 8' plank should get you on solid ice, at least on the West side, and closer to that point North of the first latrine parking area...I don't know what 3 or 4 more days of warm rain/snow will do, and I couldn't get back to look again 'til next Tues...Still, perch fishing can be addictive.....I might take 1 more look....but I may have a longer plank, and ice testing gear....
[signature]
I've been down to the ice a little East of that location, not too bad there but how steep is the trail down to the ice where you are talking about?
[signature]
Not steep at all, so it's a bit longer hike down, but that's ok....us old guys take at least 3 good breaks coming back up the hill so we don't have a heart attack! Before this year, my last time ice fishing on this West side was 10 years ago, for perch, and my grandson, his dad, and I caught over 75 out in deeper water....We had quite the fillet party in their kitchen sink...lasted all nite, but my grandson sure learned how to fillet.....
[signature]
Wow 75 is a good outing but ten years ago there were a lot more perch in RP. Is there still snow on the shore line or has it all melted? Ck your PM's.
[signature]