Anybody else not get out as much this winter?

[Philo]

Geez it's already the middle of February and I haven't done that much ice fishing this year. Did it seem like it went unusually fast this year, or is it just me? Maybe it was the late ice in the metro that made the season feel short.

Oh well, I'll have to try to get back up to LOW once more before ice out.

[Gess]

I understand completly. With the late Ice in the metro and then slipping and breaking my leg I have had only 6 days on the Ice this winter. And with the leg going to take till June to be healed I cant run my auger. So the only way I get to get out is if I can find someone to go or find someone else's open holes. But thats the way it goes. I hope i have better luck next winter.

But I do want to thank everyone on here as it has aleast been nice to read whats been going on. Its made it a little easier on making it out.

[PERCHJR]

Hey Philo, is it ever enough!!!

GOOD LUCK AND GOOD FISHING!!!

[viking_fan]

Not for me

[cwmn]

Only three times, I'm so embarassed.

[hanson]

Nope.

Been trying to fish every weekend since the start of December.

Ice up north won't melt until early April so plenty of fishing left to go.

[Captain B.R.K]

I feel the same, but when I look at the calendar- I think I was out almost every other weekend. Never enough time to do everything!

[M.T. Bucket]

Ugh! I've been out just over a dozen times this winter...I was out twice as much by this time last year. School and a second job have been my twin nemeses this winter.

[dsludge]

I was only able to get out 2 or 3 times a week. Next year I hope to have my office set up better in the trailer so I can fish more. I hate my job most of the time, so I figured if I could fish while I'm working, I might hate my job less. And, I was right.

The boss doesn't mind as long as the job gets done.

dsludge

[The Grebe]

I had planned to get out a lot more this winter, thought about it, made lists of lakes, got some new gear, got all gung ho and for whatever reason, it just is'nt happening?

I've been out maybe 15 times and that is all local stuff, easy to do. I've only been out of town 4 times, the furthest being Mille Lacs.

I don't know if it is the way this season started, my lack of fishing partners, bad timing, weather, or what, but I just ain't gettin er done?

[ivegottabite]

I was just thinking about posting this the other day. I know that I didn't get out near as much as I wanted to. I set a low goal of once a week but couldn't even reach that. Hoping that I can reach that goal next year, but like Hanson said-There's still a fair amount of fishing to do before ice out!

[Aqua Eye]

I would have to echo the Grebes' sentiments pretty much. Although with a 16 month old daughter running around the house and starting to put words together I can't say I regret not going.

I've been out four times to a somewhat local (45 minute drive) favorite and only brought home a meal for the family one of those times. Caught and released my largest fish of the year on one of the other trips as well.

To some people it probably sounds strange, but I like the responsibilities of fatherhood. If I happen to be on the lake and it's a slow bite I begin to wonder what I'm missing at home. I guess I'm not sure what to think of myself. Troy

[Phred52]

Aqua Eye, I've gotta share this! "You can't wait for them to start walking and talking, so you can tell 'em to SIT DOWN AND SHUT UP! The RUGRATS are a bunch of FUN though, aren't they? I made it out TWICE this ice season. Gads!!! I wish I were young again!!Back when, I'd get off work at 4:30, hightail it 46 miles to the lake and fish til 10. NOW,(For Now) I can only remember those days. Memory is the SECOND thing to go.

[upnorth]

Truck problems and a lack of fishing partners led to a rather dismal amount of outings this winter. It ain't over yet but by the end of the season I will have gotten out about half as much I would have liked to.

[LEECH21]

Between work and remodeling my house I have been out twice. I remember back when I was out almost every day....man I miss thoughs days!!!

[MercMan]

There are two reasons why I have only been out once this winter. They are 4 and almost 2 years old. At this stage in their lives I feel it's important for me to be with them after work, and watch cartoons with them on Saturday mornings, make them breakfast, etc. Pretty soon they will be big enough to accompany me out in the fish house. It will come quickly, there's no doubt. Another reason for my lack of fishing is that the fewer times I make "daily" fishing trips, the easier it is for me to schedule long fishing trips with my buddies and get the boss's (wife) approval. So, I've accepted that my fishing days will be fewer during these "little kid" years, but that is fine. In a few years my wife will be an ice fishing widow...and a hunting widow...and a summer fishing widow....

[The Grebe]

Not only have I not been fishing as much, my catching is WAAAY down for the times I have been out. The luck thing is in a low ebb! Went to Mystic for a while this morning and the gambling went the same way as the fishing!

Went out yesterday, up to Knife and Ann lake, up near Mora, lots of holes, lots of hunting, variety of baits and presentations, a bucket of Perch and a few small sunnies, that was it.

Maybe it's a good thing I have'nt got out more, this lack of success might have driven me around the bend! I do believe there is some really good fishing yet to come, to make up for it.

[ChuckN]

MercMan,

Just let grandpa take care of them, he's got more energy than the kids to keep them busy and wear them out.

Let me know when you head north again. How ya been?

[upnorth]

Good to see that some people still have the right priorities. Enjoy the time that you can spend with them now, cuz when they are teenagers you are gonna be an alien to them

[Ely Lake Expert]

I did a lack of fishing this year before the last few weeks. The last few weeks I have been out 5 days a week.

[MercMan]

Been doin' well Chuck. Dad and I are heading to Lake of the Woods next week. Can't wait to get up there. I'd let Granpda take care of my kids, but then who would I go fishing with? You're right that he's got more energy than the both of the kids combined, that's for sure. Dad's birthday is the 7th so we're going to be celebrating next week. Don't forget to throw him a free one at the Sportsmans when he gets back from LOW. I'll let you know when I'm coming home next time. I'll catch up with you this time for sure. Later.

[Tully]

Two words: Hockey Dad.

Not only am I a hockey Dad but I am one of the coaches. Our Pee Wee team played 40 games this year. Oh I did get to Union Lake for 1 1/2 hours with no bites. Hoping to get to URL a couple times before it is too late.

Tully

[Hossienda]

I have suffered from an extreme lack of fishing this winter. I have only been out 3 times due to having a little boy the end of Dec. and Firefighter school 2 nights a week.

-Hossienda

[Jeremy airjer W]

I bought the otter lodge at the beggining of the year. The wifes usually response was you'll use that once or twice if your lucky. my response was I'll leave a picture of myself on the fridge so you'll remember who I am. Sure enough I've been out more this winter than winters past. I made it to Winnie, Upper Red, and Rush for the first time. I've also hit the usuall lakes I fish at least once a weekend. I even talked my dad into hitting red with me (he hasn't ice fished in at least 20 years). The advancements in ice fishing comforts and portability have made any time a good time to go. Bitter cold, windy, snow, or even rain doesn't stop me. If you have three hours you have enough time to hit the ice. You may not be on a lake that will produce trophies or even eaters, but your still on a lake and your still fishing! I can't wait to start talking my two boys with me I might out several days a week!

[Waterbeater]

Worst ice season yet for me. 4 times. We'd just get decent ice and it would warm up and blow for 3 days everytime. We've got almost complete ice out conditions now. Guess I'll just have to get my boat out or the softball glove.