What I call and find most exciting about ice fishing, is the chase. Sure anyone can find the group, make a phone call and figure out where the fish are. To do your own homework, look at maps, go out the day before with a spud and vex, makes catching fish that much more rewarding. I have spots I know of that doesn't draw the crowds but produce fish 75% of the time but I am always looking and searching out the next honey hole. Most of the time my ideal areas don't pay off, but you never know till you try, who knows the next spot I try may hold nothing but 10lb eyes, then all those days of catching small crappie in a spot I thought would hold eyes will be worth it. Don't get discouraged if you don't find THE SPOT right away keep trying eventually you'll find THE SPOT you've been searching for. Just a thought, good luck and be safe.
