Date for Cool Cats get-together?

[Ralph Wiggum]

I thought I remember someone (Dennis?) posting about a get-together on the Horseshoe Chain, March 4th I think. Anyhow, I couldn't find the original post, and just wanted to verify the date so I can save it and ice a few kitties.

[Dennis Steele]

Hey Ralph

Yup you got it right its March 4th.

I'll have more details as we get a little closer.

[Ralph Wiggum]

Thanks, Dennis! I finally got back on the ice this year, so I figured I'd let a few of you show me how to get the cats winter-style.

[so haaad]

Dennis, you think there will be any cats caught for cool cats? Heard you were up on the chain a couple of Sundays ago. Pretty slow day, wasn't it. I tried looking for you guys in the afternoon, but didn't spot you guys until you were coming from that last spot right before dark.

[hanson]

so haaad-

I sure hope we do. We got worked out there a couple weeks ago. Cattin' shouldn't be that hard.

Mr. Wiggum-

Let me know if you want to wet a line on Medicine after work at all. Those little pannies are good finesse fishing practice.

[Ralph Wiggum]

Hanson,

I more than likely will be doing that. It'd be nice to have a vet show me the ropes out there. I've only caught a few crappies and perch thus far. I'll e-mail you one of these days.

[Random guy]

Scheduled, day cleared and ready to go! I'm starting to like these whiskered fellas.

[Matt Johnson]

We'll get some cats. However, I look at it this way, whether we catch fish or not, this event is always a lot of fun! Cool Cats is one of the events I look forward to every winter.

Usually we land several cats out on the spot where we set up. Sometimes things can be slow, but nonetheless there are still some fish caught, even on a poor day. But like mentioned, the company is tough to beat and it's a "get together" in it's truest sense!

Dennis sure does a good job with this event, and anyone who knows Dennis knows that you're going to have fun!

[Blue Kayak]

I've never fished for cats, let alone ice cats. I saw Matt's video (nice job), and he was using walleye gear. What pound test do you recommend for ice cats? In the video it looked like Corey was using a night crawler for at least one fish and a Swedish pimple for another. Was it a real night crawler or artificial? Do you tip the Swedish pimple with anything? Matt mentioned using a shiner belly. What size and type of hook do you recommend? Were these all deadstick or do you also jig some?

[Dennis Steele]

Here is my first (and poor) attempt at writing an article, that covers a little bit about catching cats through the ice.

It might be of some help.

http://iceleaders.com/chasingcats.html

[Blue Kayak]

Dennis -- That's a great article, and it answered my questions. I sure appreciate your help and knowledge.

[Ralph Wiggum]

Great article, Dennis. Hopefully, this weather will firm up the lake for Cool Cats! I'm excited.

[Matt Johnson]

Dennis is the guy you want to follow. At least that seems to work for me

I'll use medium action gear with 6-8 pound test line, much like I would for walleye and smallies.

An assortment of jigging spoons, weights, hooks and a couple Ice Buster Bobbers is all a person needs in regards to tackle. Then I'll grab a dozen shiners and a scoop of fatheads.

On the jigging spoon rig I'll hook on a minnow head or tail from the fathead minnows. Then I'll work that similar as I do when targeting walleye. Although sometimes it requires the utmost finesse when these cats decide to bite light.

The second rig will be a dead stick/bobber rig. I'll rig up a 1/0 gamu hook with a couple split-shot about a foot up. Then I'll cut the sides of a shiner minnow and hook them on the hook. If I'm working a current area I won't use a bobber and I'll let the weights rest on the bottom so the chunks of shiner are free-floating. Then just open the bail and put the rod in a rod holder. You'll see when a cat grabs hold.

If I'm not fishing much current, then I'll rig up an Ice Buster Bobber and I'll place the chunks of shiner about 2 feet off bottom.

Usually my larger fish come on the dead stick/bobber rig, but I catch more on the jigging spoon.

Corey was using a jigging spoon and minnow head in that video.

I was using chunks of shiner on a dead stick rod placed in a Bucket Clip and Rod Strap from Todays Tackle.

I also hole hopped with a jigging spoon and minnow head as well.

[Guest]

I wont be able to attend the cool cats.. it sounds fun, but I am going to have to suffer with sitting in the boat fishing for Blues in Missouri instead.

I wanted to get down there this month, but those joining me couldnt get vacation until early March.. I'll be taking off for my 1st trip March 2nd - 7th. There still may be an open seat if someone wants to join.

[hanson1287]

Like they said great article Dennis. Do you ever get down to the Zumbro to fish for catfish?? If so I wouldn't mind taking an outing with you to learn a little more about these fiesty felines.

[The Chemist]

Quick question for Matt/Dennis or whomever: I got a roll of fireline (30lb) will that work on to put on reels and do you need to tie a mono leader or can it be directly tied? W/ the cloudy water will the fish be able to see it? Trying to rig up a couple new poles.

[Matt Johnson]

If you're going to go with the Fireline then I would definitely put some kind of flurocarbon/copolymer leader on it. I've used Fireline on cats through the ice, but I've had much better results with a copolymer.

I'll be using 6-8 pound test P-Line Floroice on the cats up on the chain.

[Ralph Wiggum]

Dave, you're killing me. Good luck, have fun, and don't take any "Manny-slaps" from those brutes! Wish I could join you.

[hanson]

I used Fireline last winter for cattin'. It was probably 4 or 6 lb. Didn't care for it. I honestly don't have any Fireline on any of my rods this winter. I have 1 spool of 10/1 or whatever the lightest Power Pro is but thats it, I switched to all P-Line.

When you get a cat into the hole, they like to roll. I had Fireline snap on me quite a bit either in the hole or when I had the fish laying on the ice and it went into the death roll.

These cats in the winter fight but you don't need to throw saltwater gear at them. A good rod, smooth drag, and 4lb P-Line or other and you should be just fine.

[The Chemist]

I just figured I had a spool laying around the house and was going to try it. All my current reels that I have are rigged with either 4 or 6lb mono. Having pulled many 4+ in on 4lb. Even one that was over 7lbs. I got my pass now to hit the lakes (story in ice fishing board) and I'm getting a couple longer rods set up that I just bought. By the way does any story wind line on fly reels and or bait casters?

[Dennis Steele]

Quote:

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By the way does any story wind line on fly reels and or bait casters?

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I don't know if I do or not? What is "story winding"?

[fisherking01]

I think he was referring to if there is any store that winds (spools) line for baitcasters and fly rods.

[Lynno62]

March 4th, I have the calender marked. How is the ice, well we be able to drive out? will it be in the same spot as last year? Last year was my 1st time I met a lot of really nice guys and the fishing was great i even Iced my 1st and only cat.

Thanks everyone.

Lynn

[Dennis Steele]

Hey Lynn,

I hope you do make it this season.

The ice is a little on the thin side for driving out right now, but I am hoping it gets better before the event.

We will be in the same place as last year.

I'll have a map up in a few days that gives directions to the location as well as how to get there.

[The Chemist]

Meant "Store". Hey Dennis I should be back the week before the outing and have a pretty could map that draws the map out there. I'll have to search for it on my Comp. and I will get it to you. I should be in later this week and may be able to send it then.