Fished the buoy line on 2/13 but the ice was very thin for the first 100 yds. but gets a little better the further you get out "but" located several holes that only had skim ice on them as this was were the guys having been "going thru the ice." Very "unsafe" right now but "hoping" with colder this week it will get better.

Fished on 2/9 and had between 4" - 5" out of Manning Beach - however fishing was slow. The tackle shop indicated that there are several areas that have not had good ice this year like Tuttle point - so stop in and check with tackle shop on current conditions as she seems to know a couple guys that fish that keep her updated.

Checked ice on 2/1 alot of open water on south end especially on the west shore down by the dam and a little on the north end & on 2/02 open water closed up on south end for the most part and north end still has open water in the shallows - ie not fishable. I will check/fish the north end out of mecca on 2/04 and report.

I owned two bulet over the years. I first purchased a 2000 20XD with 225 promax and then I purchased a 2004 21XD with a 250 XS.

I would not recomend the 20XD fo anyone unless you fished rivers and small lakes for 90% of your fishing as it is even hard to run full out on lakes like Alum Creek on the weekends.

However, the 21XD was a good all around boat vs. what I used thbat for which was fishing th bassmaster opens which were Champlain, Oneida and Lake Erie.

I pride myself on being a pretty good bass boat driver as I have been doing it for over 30 years -  so I would recomend the 21XD unless you primarily big water all the time.

I have changed to the Triton 21ft. boat so I am prepared more for big water - however I do miss the speed and more so the incredible ride and handling that comes with that big 21ft. bullet boat.

Any questons send me a message.

At Alum this will be an issue this winter esp. as hollenback and new galena are supposed to closed for repairs and the state campground will be having the light show.

I just cannot believe how they restrict access during the winter on alum ie. the beach access, the sailboat bay road, etc.

I fished pymatuming alot last year and they leave alot of access roads open including boat ramps and campgrounds.

fished misquito last night "on the north end " and had a good six inches, but stay at least 100 yards away from the opening in the causeway.