Rockport Feb 9, 2021

[dubob]

Five of us hit Rockport yesterday for some perch fishing.  We all arrived from different locations about 8 AM to 32*F, mostly cloudy skies, and calm winds.  Edges were solid with planks frozen into edge ice and no visible water gaps at the launch ramp.  Two snowmobiles and a Snowdog (mine) made the transition from shore to ice with nary an issue.

We all proceeded to the catching grounds and set up camp.  Water depths were 27 to 30 feet.  As soon as I turned on the Vexilar, the bottom 6 feet showed numerous marks showing within 4 feet of the bottom.  This is a good sign.  Dropped a Hali with a small ratfinkee tipped with 2 spikes and BAM - fish on.  A 9 3/4" perch on the deck and I'm on the board.  

Second drop and BAM - fish on; 10 3/4" perch on the deck.  Dang - this is going to be a good day.  

I ended up with 16 total for the day and kept 5 perch over 8" for the ride back to my house and a perch dinner this weekend.  The rest of the group did as well or better.  I didn't get their totals, bit they were near 20 or over.  No trout were disturbed by anybody on this outing.

The catching tapered off around Noonish but a few were iced after that.  We called it a successful day at 2 PM and headed back to the ramp.  Edges were still in good shape and there were no issues getting off the ice.

The ice depth is close to being a foot thick and the surface had about 1/2" of snow covering about 98% of it.  My Snowdog pulled about 800 lbs of me, a buddy, and 4 sleds full of gear.  The track spun out a little on getting moving, but chugged right along after that.  I haven't studded the track yet, but think it will all but eliminate that after it is completed.

And now, here's the fish porn.  

   

[wiperhunter2]

Good day at RP Bob, we were thinking about hitting it next week and your report has given me hope that we might be able to get on the ice. My guess is that they are sending most of their extra water down to Echo to fill it up before starting to hopefully fill RP. That is why there is such a huge difference in the water level, with it raising at Echo and the gap between the shore and the ice there but not RP. Hopefully that trend will continue for at least another week or so.

[dubob]

I hope so Curt.  I'm not ready to quit just yet.

[Muskyon46]

Sounds like a good perch outing Bob, surprised no trout came to play. Lets hope the weather changes and the ice gives us more time.

[wyoguy]

Bob, was that you fishing with that extremely good looking guy from Wyoming?

[Zeroid]

Five of us hit Rockport yesterday for some perch fishing.  We all arrived from different locations about 8 AM to 32*F, mostly cloudy skies, and calm winds.  Edges were solid with planks frozen into edge ice and no visible water gaps at the launch ramp.  Two snowmobiles and a Snowdog (mine) made the transition from shore to ice with nary an issue.

We all proceeded to the catching grounds and set up camp.  Water depths were 27 to 30 feet.  As soon as I turned on the Vexilar, the bottom 6 feet showed numerous marks showing within 4 feet of the bottom.  This is a good sign.  Dropped a Hali with a small ratfinkee tipped with 2 spikes and BAM - fish on.  A 9 3/4" perch on the deck and I'm on the board.  

Second drop and BAM - fish on; 10 3/4" perch on the deck.  Dang - this is going to be a good day.  

I ended up with 16 total for the day and kept 5 perch over 8" for the ride back to my house and a perch dinner this weekend.  The rest of the group did as well or better.  I didn't get their totals, bit they were near 20 or over.  No trout were disturbed by anybody on this outing.

The catching tapered off around Noonish but a few were iced after that.  We called it a successful day at 2 PM and headed back to the ramp.  Edges were still in good shape and there were no issues getting off the ice.

The ice depth is close to being a foot thick and the surface had about 1/2" of snow covering about 98% of it.  My Snowdog pulled about 800 lbs of me, a buddy, and 4 sleds full of gear.  The track spun out a little on getting moving, but chugged right along after that.  I haven't studded the track yet, but think it will all but eliminate that after it is completed.

And now, here's the fish porn.  

   

I was just going to ask if anyone has been to RP this week.   I hope it stays safe for a bit. still lite bites??
Thank you!

[dubob]

Bob, was that you fishing with that extremely good looking guy from Wyoming?

I believe it was; why do you ask?  

---

still lite bites??

I didn't think so.  Most were solid hits with a couple hooking themselves.  I forgot to mention that I had 2 doubles (2 poles; 2 fish); first of the year.  Fun stuff. 

[JArner]

Sounds like a pretty good day to me. Hopefully the ice holds on a bit longer and I can hit RP next week while I am off during the day.

[Zeroid]

Bob, was that you fishing with that extremely good looking guy from Wyoming?

I believe it was; why do you ask?  

---

still lite bites??

I didn't think so.  Most were solid hits with a couple hooking themselves.  I forgot to mention that I had 2 doubles (2 poles; 2 fish); first of the year.  Fun stuff. 

Oh wow. That would be a riot! Never had a double.  Barely get singles! Planning on going up this weekend on sat and will report on the ice edges.