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Took a chance and went in search of ice on Saturday. Found it. Every lake by the road is capped. We fished Moosehorn on Saturday and caught 4 tigers and a bow. Ice was a solid 2.5”. Went back up today and fished Washington with no success. Ice was 3+” but a few seams had open water. Only saw a few fish on the finder. If you are an ice addict like myself go get your fix before the road gets shut down. Be smart. Ice picks, throw ropes, life jackets, waders. The ice season has begun!
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Cowboy Up!
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Nice going! That'll get a bunch of us riled up....Looks likely to have another 1 to 2" added to the layer after this weekend's cold spell....
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Looking forward to the cold spell. Hope that the snow doesn’t shut down the road for the year.
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Cowboy Up!
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Were you up there with Matt? Sounded like a fun day but still a little saggy for ice conditions. Thanks for a first ice report. Everyone be careful, used to be 4" of ice to start now this 2.5-1.5" on Henry's, no wonder folks are falling through. Everyone be prepared to get yourself out or have a buddy close by with a rope. If you try it now be prepared. It's fun but pushing that risk level way up there. Thanks for the report. Later J
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I was not with Matt.
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Cowboy Up!
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Oh okay, glad you had a good trip. Thanks for sharing. J
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Thanks for the awesome pics and post.
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Your wife must like you more than mine likes me. Mine pushes me out the door no matter what. She does say "be careful".
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I used to think age brought wisdom, now I'm getting some age I'm wondering if it brings complacency. When I started working at Thiokol being around a rocket motor full of propellant scared the heck out of me. In time that faded. When I started ice fishing a simple crack would make me run for cover. Now I find that I'm dumb enough to get on thinner new ice. Depends all upon the conditions but I've been known to Cisco fish 2" or less, but I knew it wasn't over my head and I could get out ok. As long as you're prepared and careful and willing to take that risk it can be rewarding, but if you don't have a clue and go out on the thin stuff it can get terribly serious in a hurry. Was at Bear Lake Marina last year the day of the polar plunge and there was a stiff current that was flowing out of the marina so the ice in the passage was only a inch or two. Next thing I knew there was a bunch of plunge spectators out for a joy walk going right across it. They had no clue how much danger they were in. I was sure we would be pulling them out, but luck was with them. Next day I returned and that area was open water. Anyway I guess what I was trying to say is there is a difference between being prepared and not. Sounds like you are doing things to be prepared now be careful and have fun. Later J
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Thanks for the report! As mentioned, use caution, be prepared, and here's to another ice season with family and friends!
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[quote SkunkedAgain]... Anyway I guess what I was trying to say is there is a difference between being prepared and not. Sounds like you are doing things to be prepared now be careful and have fun. Later J[/quote]
I also agree with and commend Jedidiah's preparedness. I too carry flotation in the sled and 100 feet of paracord and ice climbing screws on my person. I mostly ice fish alone, but not by my choice. Others mostly choose not to accept my invitations to, from their perspective, be cold and miserable on the ice, though I tell them we'll have a great time catching fish and I have plenty extras of warm clothing that I always bring and I can set up an ice fishing tent for them though I seldom use it myself and only used it twice to become familiar with setting it up and practiced with the two types of ice anchors. I even bring Thermos bottles with warm beverages and chili to share.
A healthy part of preparedness which is also beneficial for all aspects of life is to be fit and healthy by the many aspects of healthy living. I live that way and combined with being blessed with the gift of phenomenal health and genetic advantages, I've noticed little things like ice cold water doesn't prevent me from swimming in it. That's why the flotation isn't on me. Without being hindered by it, I can have plenty of swimming momentum to pop up onto the ice, so the funny YouTube video was only partially a joke and why it would just be fun and adventurous to ice fish on thin ice.
The flotation and paracord are for helping others who might fall through the ice. I can also attach the paracord to an ice climbing screw to get close to a fall through in broken ice as well as use them to get out, if needed, as bulky clothing inhibits swimming ability. I've never gone swimming wearing bulky clothing, so I like having that alternative of having a sure thing ability to grip the ice. When I did go swimming in icy water, I was only wearing scuba diving fins for a good workout and won't have them should I fall through ice while ice fishing. Though it was the only time I swam in icy waters, I would routinely use the fins for a good workout in the heated swimming pool to continue fitness in the winter when the roads are too icy for safe bicycling.
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