White perch again

[CaptSpike]

Well the plans for today were all over the place and dependent on what the storm Monday did up north. We knew where went last week would hold a sled or a wheeler and figured if walking in was tough that place would be our best option. Well the storm dumped 8" on our lake trout spot we wanted to hit and the parking there was minimal at best. Conditions on the lake were unknown. So figuring as cold as it was going to be (we would need a shack) and pulling a house in 8" of snow stinks we decided to hit the same spot as last week. The next question was do we bring wheelers or the snowmobile. That spot was reported to have gotten only 3" of snow. The question there was the field we go down already had snow and if that would be too much for the wheeler. Since only one machine was going getting unstuck could have been an issue so we chose to take the sled. As I loaded up the sled last night one of my lift assists on the trailer broke off (great). What was funny about that is Mark was thinking of bringing his wheeler and ended up having a bad bearing the day before so he was scrambling around trying to get that fixed before today. Since it was last minute fix that helped with the decision to take the sled. But now I had an issue with my trailer (though not a huge issue). Everything comes in three's they say so I was wondering if his trailer, my trailer and then what would be the third??? I headed out this morning hoping whatever it was it wouldn't be too bad. As I drove to meet Mark I heard a noise that sounded like something hitting my windshield. The were no cars in front of me close enough but when I got at the meeting spot my windshield was cracked almost all the way across. Great. Count that as our #3 we figured the day was now safe (unless of course I get three all my own.......). We stop for bait and pick up some more dillies and spikes and head out. We hit the lake and started at the same area we started the week before. Lots of smaller fish and Mark seemed to be getting all the larger fish which I was unable to do..... Then we both started to just catch the smaller fish. So we decided to move. As we did John arrived so I ran back in to drag him out. The bite at spot two was tough with each of us catching a fish every now and then but again lots of smaller fish in the mix. When when the vexes went blank we searched in all directions but just blank screens. We ran back to spot one since we did have more larger fish there in the early morning and maybe we just needed to find them. Back at spot one Mark continued to catch fish here and there, but no wide open bite. He had to work for them. John and I couldn't get anything going. That was until I tied on the same Jig Mark had on, lol. Once I did that and went to Berkley gulp minnows I started to get bit. I drilled a bunch of holes out further and we all hopped around a bit icing some decent size perch in what seemed like a semi flurry. Well as soon as it started it stopped and the fish went back to a work them hard for a strike bite. We quit around 1 and headed in. I took home 17 fish (mostly thanks to Mark) and John too the rest (I don't know how many he took). Aside from our target species I landed a 10" gil but alas I forgot my tape measure....... John had a nice large mouth (he has a picture of it) and a nice pickerel all on jig rods. Cold day and OK fishing. Guess every trip can't be a home run. Sure beat sitting home with a hangover, lol.

Good luck if you get out. My next trip wont be until Sunday as we are picking up a new pup Saturday (which may also affect if I actually get out Sunday or not).

Sorry no pictures from today. I was concentrating on getting a bite going and didn't smell the roses. Maybe next trip.

Spike

[Dylan8351]

Great way to start off the year! Enjoy your new puppy!

[Tim Moore]

Nice! I didn't get out. The rear differential in my truck is going. Just dropped it at the shop to get an estimate. Once that is fixed and I get through the break-in period it's game on. I have to go to NY and CT this weekend so I won't get out. It looks like between in-stores, expos, and guiding, most of my personal fishing will be during the week. I am planning to fish the derby this year. We'll see how that works out. I was very pleased to see the snowfall estimates for the lakes region are pale in comparison to ours here on the seacoast.