|
This section allows you to view all posts made by this member. Note that you can only see posts made in areas you currently have access to.
Messages - Bowhunter57
1
« on: January 21, 2014, 11:17:21 PM »
I've noticed a consistent fish activity with wind direction during open water. An example is, "least from the east", is an open water standard pretty much all the time. Some fish will bite, but not as much as they do on days with a west wind.
East and North winds usually slow, if not shut the fishing down. I was out yesterday with an east wind and couldn't buy a fish.
Does this apply to ice fishing, since there are no direct wind influences on the water?
Your opinions and experiences are appreciated.
Thank you, Bowhunter57
2
« on: January 19, 2014, 09:18:37 AM »
If you're going on Lima Lake, I suggest picking a side and walking out from that bank. For example: If you wanted to fish close to the west bank, then you should walk around to the west side and enter the ice from the west. I do not recommend walking across this lake, at this time.
I was on this lake yesterday and it has thick and thin spots, due to snow drifts and the recent thaw and refreezing. I walked out from the boat ramp and 6' off shore there was 2 1/2" of ice. Walking out another 20 yards and there was 6" of ice. If it's like that all over it would be hard to predict what's good ice and what's bad ice.
Be careful...VERY careful out there!
Bowhunter57
3
« on: February 10, 2013, 07:33:30 PM »
Well, I have to agree with you guys...about keeping my ice fishing gear. It ain't eatin' nothing, so I'm going to put it back in the attic until next winter. 
Now...I need to get back on the treadmill and keep hitting the free weights, so that I'm ready when the waters open up and I can get my kayak back on the water. 
Bowhunter57
4
« on: February 10, 2013, 10:44:26 AM »
I started ice fishing in 2010 and it was a great year for a beginner. That year I purchased a Cabelas Ice Shelter, which is VERY nice. Among my many ice fishing purchases was a 6" Eskimo auger, a tackle pack of jigs, 1 rod & reel, a Sheppell Jet Sled and a 12 lb. spud bar.
I've had my share of fun, but since last year's "global warming trend" and this year's freeze/melt season, I'm wondering what's the likelyhood of my continuing to ice fish. I'm actually thinking of setting all this stuff up, taking some pics and selling it. 
My question, since I've not paid that much attention to how much ice fishing is available in past years... 
How much ice fishing is available, on the average?
Is it worth keep the gear around for a couple weeks or days of fishing?
Your thoughts and opinions are appreciated.
Thank you, Bowhunter57
5
« on: January 28, 2013, 04:30:21 PM »
My brother and I fished Lima Lake, on Sunday, but it sure was a huge dissappointment. The water was extremely cloudy/murky and the fish were not biting on anything we offered.
Perhaps it'll settle a bit with the thawing weather and the next big freeze will show some better waters.
Bowhunter57
7
« on: January 22, 2013, 09:10:15 PM »
Ferguson has ice around the edges, but all the high winds has kept the water moving too much for ice growth.
Since there's no listing for Metzger or Lost Creek reservoirs:
* Metzger is only half covered with ice and it's about an inch thick.
* Lost Creek is completely froze over with about 1 1/2" of ice.
Hopefully, the ice growth will continue and we'll be able to get on it by this weekend. I plan to go back out and check these reservoirs again, Friday evening.
Bowhunter57
8
« on: January 22, 2013, 09:05:39 PM »
Lima Lake is getting there...slowly. Approximately 2" of clear ice, so far. Hopefully by this weekend we're looking at 4" or more.
I plan to go back out Friday evening and check all the reservoirs again, to see how much ice growth we have.
Bowhunter57
9
« on: January 10, 2013, 09:46:55 PM »
Ntoiceman36,
As much as I like walking around in a Cabelas store, I have to agree with you, about the pricing...and the mom & pop stores.
The Bargan Cave is another issue. I've found some very good deals there.
Bowhunter57
10
« on: January 06, 2013, 10:04:42 PM »
wis2ohio,
I had a Shappell Jet Sled Jr., but sold it to my brother so that I could upgrade to the standard Jet Sled 1...which is a little larger. About $25 for the Jr. and about $35 for the standard, at MC Sports. The Jr. is 43" x 21" and the JS 1 is 54" x 25" and both have about an 8" depth with a ribbed bottom. These sleds are tough as nails.
Bowhunter57
11
« on: January 06, 2013, 09:40:08 AM »
What do you wear kayaking in this kind of cold weather? jmsteele187,
The same insulated stuff that I wear when I'm in a treestand. I have a neoprene life jacket that adds to the warmth. I don't fish on windy days...no matter the weather.
This time of year, I tend to jig fish, much like ice fishing...due to the slower fish movement. Actually, I say that, but the fish certainly seem to be alive and well when they do hit.
Banker,
Thanks for the video. That certainly is a motivator and makes me want to make some travel plans for an out of state trip.
Bowhunter57
12
« on: January 05, 2013, 09:10:42 PM »
OhioFisher19,
That is an interesting historic weather article and it could happen, but only time will tell. The big melt will be a good thing, as it will allow for a fresh start with the ice...clear hard ice. We can hope for a second chance.
If not, I still have my kayak on stand by. 
Bowhunter57
13
« on: January 05, 2013, 08:15:11 AM »
I'm reading too many stories of guys going through the ice and some losing their lives over a chance to ice fish. I'm not seeing any long (week to 10 days) range forecasts that are showing the temps staying below freezing to continue good ice growth.
I checked my gear and had it loaded in the truck, ready to go, but have taken it back out and put it in the garage. Around the Lima area, it's either open water or 2" of ice...at best. I am not trusting my life to anything less than 4" or 5" of ice. It's just not worth it!
Even in 2010, when there was good ice for a long period of time, once the temps got over 45 degrees the ice quickly melted and became unstable.
On the less windy days, I'm leaning toward getting my kayak back out and going fishing.
Good luck to all and be extremely careful out there!
Bowhunter57
14
« on: January 01, 2013, 06:56:40 PM »
My brother and I were just out at Ferguson and it's as open as it ever was, without so much as edge/shore ice. Looks like it's going to be another couple of weeks or so. 
Bowhunter57
15
« on: January 01, 2013, 06:53:31 PM »
My brother and I went out for a lttle road trip to check some of the local reservoirs and ponds, to see how much ice is out there. Lost Creek, Metzger and Ferguson reservoirs are still open...and I mean WIDE open. Not so much as edge ice on the shores.
Just 2 miles north, on S.R. #81, is Lima Lake and the ice is 2" thick, but it's white ice with several wet spots that have 1" of ice.
Schoonover Lake had the same type and thickness of ice that's on Lima Lake.
I didn't get over to the west side of Lima to see if Bresler had any ice, but I'd have to assume that it's as open and not frozen as the others.
Looks like it's going to be at least another week before there's any decent and/or fishable ice, in this area.
Bowhunter57
| 
|
|
Show Posts
It's NOT thick enough, for me and I don't know if we're gonna get enough cold weather before it all starts thawing again. 