Ice Season Prep

[Mr. Pike1]

The Turkey has been cooked and the tree is up so time to start to focus on the hard water.

The check list so far is:

-Boat cleaned and winterized. Always a sad day but the hard water will be here soon.

-Portable has been set up and tested for the season. Every season I seem to notice a few new ventelation holes courtesy of my heater. Each year I tell myself one more year for the shack. This year will be no different. Definatly good for one more year.

-Ice auger gased up and started third pull. I should probly check or change the blades but hey it drilled great the last time out so I expect the same first time out this year.

-Trip to Gander, Fleet, Joes to check check out new items and stock up on favorites. This included a few ice magazines. One freebee from Gander where Mr. Matt Johnson had a nice two page spread on the ice season. Way to go Matt.

-Speaking of new items I added a LED light/fan that appears new to the market this year. There were two sizes. I got the smaller as the other seemed a bit bulky and I like to travel light.

-Ice bag inspected (new bag last year and simply love it)and essentails added. To many to list but I am sure I forgot something important and the first time on the ice is when I will realize this key item is missing like gloves, hat, or lighter for heater. Can't wait though to get out and find out what I forgot.

-Favorite ice plastics little atom nuggies and gulp waxies ready to go. If you have not tried these I recommend you give them a shot.

-New batteries for headlight and other essential electronics.

-Seven poles rigged and ready for action. This was at 6 but a trip to Gander resulted in another one being added. Hey a guy has got to keep current on the technology and field test and do his part to keep the economy moving.

-Propane tanks and Mr. Heater tested but need to be filled.

-Vex and Aqua view on the charger as I type.

-Snowmobile trailer tires air added.

-Snowmobile in to have carbs cleaned and needles replaced. Note to self when summerizing sled one must drain gas entirely from the carbs not just stabalize gas and think all will be good.

Anyway can't wait for another season on the hard water to hit some of the usual spots and explore a few new ones.

Hope to see you the ice and Go Vikings !!!!!

[NCLaker]

Sounds like you got it covered ... Since there won't be enough ice in the cities for at least 2 weeks, I would add stop in at the St. Paul Ice show