Portable Fish House Modification Get-Together - Sat. Aug. 6 !!!

[Matt Johnson]

Thanks hanson! Everyone will be able to benefit from seeing your mods, I know I have! I think you'll even have to give a little demo of some sort

Good Fishin,

Matt Johnson

[Matt Johnson]

Here's an article about modifications to give people a few more ideas before the get together...

Modifying Your Portable

hanson is highlighted in the article with his Otter Den. I believe that's one of the portables hanson will have with him at the get together?

Good Fishin,

Matt Johnson

[wolfman-k]

Well, it looks like I may bring my double-wide after all. My Step-Son has a pick-up and he said he will haul it up for me, though we may be only up for the day. A friend of mine from Outing is going to try and make too. I'll be looking forward to this event almost as much as first ice!

[CrappieJohn]

Mattie Boy....

It would appear that Ma has some intentions to be in the Twin Cities this particular day maybe. Being the diligent spokesman that I am, I have arranged to drop her at her point of interest and continue on to the north country...kind of....for at least part of this event.

If this pans out for me I'll be there fairly early, but will have to depart by one or two as well. I will need to get back to the Cities to pick up the honey and then

we are going to turn right around and drive up to the cabin for a couple days.

If her plans fall thru, there are still two options. One is to ride up with Dan and be at his mercy ( he's actually a good driver until he tries to change lanes ala Cevy Chase by driving under semi trailers at high speed in his Japanese Spitfire). OR.... I can drive and bring Ma along. The latter will result in a shortened stay and you would have to behave...you know she'll snap your nose if you get out of line!

At any rate, I'm pretty certain I will be around for at least some of this event and will be able to share a couple ideas. See you there, dude!

[Matt Johnson]

Good to hear Tom! You always provide excellent insight and everyone will be able to benefit from your ideas and knowledge. I'll try and behave so Carole doesn't have to injure me Drop me an e-mail and let me know what your plans are as we get closer to the event...

Good Fishin,

Matt Johnson

[CrappieJohn]

She'll probably make you shave Matt. She doesn't like scruff and you know she doesn't like me since I am a real practitioner of the Don Johnson look.

I'll drop you a note here in the next day or so.

[Matt Johnson]

Shave!?!? Wow, she's getting real picky now isn't she

Good Fishin,

Matt Johnson

[fishnhooks]

Matt.

I am not sure what people are looking for, and couldn't find a definite location posted, But the Isanti county fairgrounds is all set up for Camping and there is lots of room and I believe bathroom facilties. If there is any interest in this spot I know a couple of people to ask to see what can be done.

"hooks"

[Matt Johnson]

Thanks hooks!

The location of the get together will be at the Mississippi River County Park about 6 miles north of Sartell off Cty Rd 1 in St. Cloud, just west of the river.

Here's a link to the page where the map and directions are located (scroll down)...

Directions to Get Together

Good Fishin,

Matt Johnson

[fishnhooks]

Thanks Matt,

I see now that I am home, have more time and don't have to worry if the boss is looking.

It's not terribly far for me so hopfully I will be able to go. Sounds like alot of fun!

"hooks"

[Matt Johnson]

Sounds good hooks! Hope to see you there!

Good Fishin,

Matt Johnson

[fishnhooks]

This morning on the way to work I was thinking Aug.6th.....Aug6th..... HMMM... Aug 6th. AUGH! Aug6th . Dang Dang Dang. Can't be there, Very important hunting things to take care.

"hooks"

[katofishingguy]

Just got back from vacation at mother in laws cabin near backus. Was planning on going back up next weekend to help put in some new boat seats old ones getting bad. Bought clam 6800 last winter new to ice fishing but im hooked for life kids love to fish too thinking about passing thru and checking things out on my way up with kids to grandmas like to get some ideas and meet and put some faces with some names.

[Matt Johnson]

Saturday's the day! Only 5 days away, not long now!

I had an injury come up yesterday, so I might not be bringing any of my fish houses and gear, I'll see if I can work something out though...

I'm looking forward to this, should be a lot of fun!

Good Fishin,

Matt Johnson

[wallydiver]

Yup, only 5 days away. I've already got everything packed. All I've gotta do is throw it in the truck and go! This will be a lot of fun.

[jig n' jerk]

Matt,

what time are you guys planning on starting things up. I don't think I will be able to camp but would definitely like to come and check out the ideas that will be brewing. I got a Clam 5800 but am looking for something new this year (Looking for improved portability and setup).

Thanks,

Kurt

[katofishingguy]

I hope to be there look forward to meeting everyone new to ice fishing last winter im hooked eager to learn more and see all the modifications.

[Matt Johnson]

The event will start around 10am. I plan on arriving around 9:45am or so...

Good Fishin,

Matt Johnson

[Uncle Grump]

Matt

Sorry - won't be able to attend. Would love to see some pics posted w/ some of the ideas, etc.

UG

[Captain B.R.K]

I too won't be able to attend so please share pictures of the mods that have been made. SHOW and TELL is always fun!!

[ivegottabite]

I won't be able to attend either. My family is coming up this weekend, so it's hard to get away with them coming.

Show & Tell Please

[tonyjor]

Well, my g/f and I will be camping and tubing Friday at the Two Rivers Campground. I'll definately be stopping by for a while, maybe longer if i can shiniggle her into coming along. Is it going to be a potluck type of get-together like the Cool Cats last winter? If so, I'll whip up some cake or cookies Also, does anyone need slipsheets of cardboard? Since my truck will be packed with camping gear, I'd rather not bring too many, if any, if no one needs them. Let me know so I know how many to bring, if any. Someone probably asked earlier in the post but I'll ask anyway, how's the fishing on the river in that park?

[Matt Johnson]

As far as the food is concerned, there really isn't anything organized other than bring something to toss on the grill if you'd like something to eat. There are grills in the park we can use, I think all we'll need is some charcoal and fluid and we'll be good to go...

The fishing can be pretty good in that area. I won't be fishing at all, but if you plan on bringing a canoe or whatnot I'm sure you can find a few productive spots to land a few fish...

Good Fishin,

Matt Johnson

[Moose]

What a great idea I plan on coming up.Just in Elk river so no need to camp I've got a trap vouyager would like to get somemore ideas for it.

[hanson]

Moose-

Do I have ideas!! I'm sure we'll be able to help you out.

Something else for you guys to consider with portable house modifications is, "How do you transport your house?"

-Do you pull it by hand on the ice?

-Do you pull it by 4 wheeler or snowmobile?

-Does it ride in your truck bed to your fishing spot?

The main reason I ask these questions is it will determine how permanent and heavy or lightweight your mods should be.

For me, I run an Otter Lodge behind my snowmobile. My modifications aren't exactly lightweight. But they do protect my gear while traversing a lake. That was key for me. I can load my Lodge into my truckbed by my lonesome but it is not easy.

If your getting up there in age, bad back, or just not hercules anymore; you're definitely going to want to make some efficient mods. I think there are some good ways to do this and maybe we'll discover some more this weekend.