First Ice Perch

[Jim Kusuda]

Well winter is finally here! We got out today, walked over some deep water to look for perch. When we found them, they bit pretty good. Our perch aren't real big here, some of you have it better. Here are 25 of them. Home with time to work on them before dinner is a good day in Badger country.

[JuanArellano]

Nice work jim..

[Lunker Luke]

Nice job boy's

[Charlie Mason]

thats a nice mess of fish Jim!

[Jim Kusuda]

Hey Chuck, I hear you're gettin' some. Our ice conditions are finally shaping up to where we can "Bring it!". I got out yesterday with the ATV since it was 8" on the first outing's route. It was single digits again last night before the warm precipitation front that is expected soon. I can't fish this morning, so will have to heat up some oil for lunch! May have time to check that gill spot in the late afternoon.

[Jim Kusuda]

It certainly isn't first ice anymore as the perch on Lake Mendota are really starting to suspend. The fish that are up are typically adults and willing to bite. This pic is from Thursday, fishing during the light snow but today it was a hard, driving rain. I fished outside as usual wirh no gloves but the Ice Armor is waterproof. It is getting slushy in spots and I fished a breakline of clear water next to the muddy water. Crossing a heave near Fox Bluff should be attempted cautiously because it is around a foot wide at best. We fished in a totally different area for this weekend and still hit 'em good.

[Lunker Luke]

That i am Talking about boy's.

[Tod Todd]

Nice bucket

[Charlie Mason]

What Tod said lol, nice job Jim. When they go across the mouth of the bucket, you know you got into some nice jumbo's to be sure! Are you using your rig, spoons or jigs?

[Kevan Paul]

Yummy!

[Jim Kusuda]

I have been using a hanger rig. It is a long sinker with a leader (I use 6 lb. mono) that is tied to a tiny, lightweight jig (I prefer a small, glow/silver rocker).

[Charlie Mason]

you certainly got it dialed in