I don't claim to be an expert fisherman ... just a guy who loves to fish and has been blessed for his efforts. I learned a long time ago that in fishing, and in much of life, you get out of it what you put into it. I work hard when fishing, I study a lot, and always try to learn something on every outing. I hope you can use the information I post on this blog to learn something as well. Thanks for following along!



Saturday, December 18, 2010

Frustrating Day!

Did not lack for action today ... had 14 bites, 4 hook-ups, 3 broken lines, and caught one smaller steelie. Didn't end up fishing the virgin territory we hoped to because whitefish boats had opened up that stretch of river. Ended up traveling 90 miles south to more familiar territory. Unfortunately the water in that river was 2' lower than normal. Ended up in a marina where we had most of our action. The vast majority of our bites were extremely light ... they were tasting, not eating. Lost 2 fish on break-offs at the hole and another large fish on a strong run. Days like today remind you of why they call it fishing ... and not catching.

8 comments:

  1. Frustrating as it may be, sometimes the fish win! At least you had some winter action. Thanks for sharing.

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  2. Good you saw action. My couch provided me none!
    I'm between soft and hard water seasons...soon, just not soon enough!
    Love the pic...

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  3. you made out better then us! One is still a win...

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  4. Thanks guys! The frustrating part is twofold ... 1) you see your float move a half inch and know there's a fish sniffing and tasting it ... and then they just swim away, and 2) fighting a 6-7 pounder and seeing it under the ice, then having it break off at the hole (especially when its a female and you need eggs DESPERATELY! But it was still a blast, and Raz ... you're right ... it beats the couch!

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  5. Im gonna be giving ice fishing trout just after christmas... Do you use automatics on all the rods you have in the water?

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  6. Yes, when I can. I own 4 and when my son fishes with me we set up all four ... then just put spawn on two more jig rods with floats. We will "lift and drop" the jig rods ... lift about a foot and let it settle again. We do that about every 30 seconds. Just watch your floats ... sometimes they only go down 1/2". Looks a lot like a crappie bite.

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  7. Do you use fiberglass rods? I heard that it was important so your rod doesn't snap on hookset. Any rod recomendations Todd?

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  8. I'm actually going to Fleet Farm on Friday to buy a couple of these for my Automatic Fisherman ...

    http://www.frabill.com/rods-reels/rods/ice-hunter-series-38-medium-icerod.html

    They run about $29.99 each. Just be sure to secure them when using them ... I had one in a simple stand holder last year that got pulled down a hole! About $80 with the reel ...

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