how to ask about ice conditions at bait shops?

[mrpike1973]

hi what is the best way to go about this. i know some of the bait shops are small and cant spend time on the phone long but is it annoying to call and ask about ice conditions. thanks

[Deitz Dittrich]

I dont know how miffed they would be.. I would guess they would be happy to answer your questions.. Just rememeber to patronize the ones whom have been most helpful.

[rugbymn]

Just ask them. If they don't know or don't like you asking, they'll tell you.

Or you could just ask on the regional forums. No matter where you fish in the state, there are other fishermen on this site keeping an eye on the lakes in that area.

[Ryan_S]

Maybe you could preface the question about ice conditions by saying "Before I stop out at your place to get my bait, is the ice thick enough on such and such lake?"

[reinhard1]

i know the bait shop i go to is very helpfull at all times. sometimes if they are with a customer they will tell you to hold. if they are not helpfull go somewhere else. best bet is to keep your eyeballs here on HSO and check out the region you want to fish and ask someone and someone will respond. there will be a lot of chatter on the ice threads and a lot of questions and a lot of replies. good luck.

[pulleye16]

Maybe you could preface the question about ice conditions by saying "Before I stop out at your place to get my bait, is the ice thick enough on such and such lake?"

This is what I've done when traveling long distances...I sometimes call a local bar on the lake and ask what driving conditions are on the lake and refrence something on the line that I'm stopping in for food and drinks also...

[seasock]

Guys I know would dress up like somalis and talk with a heavy somali accent while asking. They didn't get a lot of answers, but lots of people asked them for rides.

[leech~~]

Guys I know would dress up like somalis and talk with a heavy somali accent while asking. They didn't get a lot of answers, but lots of people asked them for rides.

BY!

[chad austin]

Guys I know would dress up like somalis and talk with a heavy somali accent while asking. They didn't get a lot of answers, but lots of people asked them for rides.

Seems silly to dress the part for a phone call but to each their own...

[L_Cappo]

when traveling long distance like red lake or lake of the woods.call the resorts or local bait shops 1st.that simple.

[Stick in Mud]

Yeah, I can't say I've ever had a problem asking a bait shop for advice about ice conditions.....All have been happy to share. I just go to the ones that give the best advice, have the best bait, or are the friendlist.

[Knoc]

I wouldnt call them to ask them. Id go in there and look around and ask. Thats just me though.

When I was younger I worked at a gas station and every now and then I would get people that would call and ask the price of gas, and I always thought it was pretty ridiculous. (I later was told that it was illegal to tell them the prices over the phone. woops.)

[Pleasant]

The bait shop I frequent encourages phone calls, plus have a web site, on Facebook, etc. In my opinion it is called customer service.

[Great Outdoors]

Just call the shop and ask. Summers are very busy, and time to talk can be limited.

Winters are normally less hectic.

If I get a call and have several customers backed up, I ask them to call back if they have a lengthy question, or to give me their number and I call them when things get slow.