(02-12-2021, 02:25 PM)kentofnsl Wrote: Yep, it was indeed a tough day.  The truth of the story was that Hue gave it a little too much throttle, after he was already turned (I guess he was excited that his Snowdog was finally responding that he got anxious to get going) and that flipped me and my chair over backwards and out of the sled.  Lesson learned, purchasing the official chairs, from Snowdog, (assuming they can be anchored down) may not be a bad idea. 

I struggled to catch 13 (I know unlucky), lost two trying to get their heads up through the ice, and had about 8 long releases. 

With that wind, it was really nice being in a tent.

Great getting out again with Hue and we are used to every trip being a wild ride (in one way or another).

I have only pulled another person twice now with my dog.  They sit on a packer case and boat cushion in the third sled.  I always go slow to lessen the likelihood of tossing the passenger on the hard deck.  Older bodies don't take to that very well.  

Oh, and what Matt said about packing down the snow before setting up the tent.  NEVER clean off the ice when slush is present as it makes for a miserable experience.  Don't ask how I know this.  

(02-12-2021, 03:59 PM)BURLEY Wrote: After hearing about Musky and Jig also having Cutts attack their xducers, is it time for a new electronic lure that emits similar frequencies? TubeDude, here is a new lure to challenge your creativeness. 

I had problems staying hooked up to the fish. I just had a hard time setting the hook deep enough using too lite of rods I guess and they would shake off when I lowered the rod to start reeling. Needs more backbone on my rods.

Not sure that rigging an old 'ducer with trebles  would be very effective.  But a lot of guys who fish for aggressive meat-eating fish (like cutts) find it effective to jig with one rod...with a noisy rattling lure...to attract fish into a second rod with some sexy bait on another lure.  Really active fish will smack the rattling lure.


About the hook setting thing.  I have been on a soapbox for years about ice anglers using rods that are too short and too wimpy for effective hook-setting.  I like to use the example of putting a nail in a board.  You don't push it in...you HAMMER it in.  If you are fishing for larger fish...with tough mouths...in deeper water...you need a rod with some backbone.  And good non-stretch line.  Make a good hard hookset, reel down to bring the line tight and then give it a second hookset.  You will bring a lot more fish to the hole...with fewer long distance releases.

Oh yeah, having good sharp hooks helps too.

(02-12-2021, 09:58 PM)JArner Wrote: Sounds like you guys had quite the adventure out there. I was at the Berry on Wednesday under mostly sunny conditions and a bit of wind which wasn't bad if you had your back to it. No tents since it was a nice day and to avoid wearing a mask since I was with an old friend.

I also noticed that a fish was bumping my transducer, we were in 76' of water and I was around the 55' range when it happened. I hooked up with a fish just after it happened so I didn't reel in to catch the one bumping my gear.