Stop Talking About Ice Fishing!

[hanson]

I just got off the phone with a buddy and reminded him that it is August now, summer is almost over. Early goose season starts in Sept, regular waterfowl season kicks into gear end of Sept which runs right up to 2 1/2 weeks of deer hunting and bam! Thanksgiving! Thats when we can start talking ice, at least in northern Minnesota.

We chatted about Upper Red Lake, and how different its going to be to actually keep a couple walleyes for the frying pan this winter. I'm still after the crappies though. When you hit 'em, its awesome and it keeps me coming back. My permanent shack is sitting up at Roger's Campground right now and I'm actually getting pretty anxious to make the call to Jerry, and see when he can pull it out. However, I've got a roll of marine carpet in the garage which I've been meaning to glue down in my shack and had also planned on adding a couple gas lamps this summer as well. Thats a long drive just to work on the shack so I'm not sure when I'm going to fit it in.

Now that we're really talking ice fishing, I'm starting to think about all those little things that I wanted to buy, fix, modify, or improve upon for this upcoming season. I think my snowmobile is ready to go as I really focused on that last winter. Its rigged and ready with tow hitch, luggage rack/auger carrier, RAM GPS mount, handlebar bag, and saddlebags. The saddlebags were the best addition I could have made to an ice fishing sled. Lots of gear storage space available there.

And of course... GEAR! I'm honestly set to go but I can't help but want a few more things to really make my time on the ice rewarding! The first thing that immediately comes to my mind is a few additional rod/reel combos. I fell in love with the St. Croix Legend spring bobber last winter and want to add a couple different action rod/spring combos for some heavier lures. A couple more Thorne Bros. rods wouldn't hurt either. After that, I think I need to take a look at my tackle and replace stuff the toothy critters stole from me. I've really need to replenish my Custom Jigs panfish stuff (Ratsos & Ratfinkees), and pick up some more Optic Stealth jigs from Little Atom. Last winter, it was extremely hard to get these jigs from Little Atom so now is probably the time to make the call.

What else??? Eagerly anticipating this winter's schedule for the Ultimate Panfish League. I just talked with Matt Johnson the other day and the UPL will be a go again this winter with some exciting lakes planned I'm sure! Bechtold? You ready to partner up again! We've got some money to win!

I'm still thinking about a trip to Chequamegon to fish with Jim Hudson (hopefully lakers this time Jim!), and possibly even a run up to visit the Duluth forum boys at the Burntside Bash. Hmmmm... lakers again After that, I don't think I'll have enough gas money left to leave the cities.

I better stop talking about ice fishing now!

[Matt Johnson]

I like the way you think Chris!

Ice fishing is always on the brain, and there's never a wrong time to talk about ice fishing

I'll figure out a list of lakes for this winter's UPL events hopefully sometime in September...

[Reynolds]

My dad and I went and picked up some some sheet metal and accessories this morning and began the remodel of the fish house up on Mille Lacs. We ended up getting almost two sides of the house done in a little over four hours. Hope to have the outside closed up by Friday. It's just great to be up on the big pond and see all the fish houses again, really gets you in the mood for ice fishing. Last night I was having trouble sleeping because I couldn't stop thinking about different modifications I would like to do to a portable. I am looking forward to seeing the pictures from the get together in Rogers.

[hanson]

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I am looking forward to seeing the pictures from the get together in Rogers.

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This will be year #2 now for the Slabfest. Not sure how many years we'll have left before the name will have to be changed.

This has got to be one of the best pics from last year. Sorry Paul! This was just too funny! In Mr. Waldowski's defense, he was not the only one that got stuck. We played tug of war with the jerk strap and shoveled out vehicles for awhile last winter. The snow was deep!

[Paul Waldowski]

Why can't that picture just go away. I wasn't stuck.....merely exercising

Now if you would have seen me up there a month later, now that was STUCK

[iffwalleyes]

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Why can't that picture just go away. I wasn't stuck.....merely exercising

Now if you would have seen me up there a month later, now that was STUCK

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Right Paul you don't look stuck to me you just had a moment where you lost some traction in that picture.

[Captain B.R.K]

I remember that picture like it was yesterday Hanson & PW ! Man did we really get the whole train into a mess up on that spot.

BUT no complaints here because KELLY P put us on some fish that night and I had a blast getting those URL crapps!

I was just looking at the calendar the other day and I think my weekend availability opens up near end of November...just in time to be able to get on the lakes. That is if mother nature helps us out this year! My take on my busy-ness for the fall- time will only go faster so I can get on the ice quicker. I will enjoy my fall though

I'm looking forward to another year on the ice. I'm not sure I need to buy the tackle that Hanson is needing. Only so many rods and lures I can use at once but is sure is fun to mix and match on the ice

[fishing tech]

When you decide to exercise and your vehicle is parked like that, unhook and/or unload the snowmobile for exercise. Then get in your vehicle and move it. Exercise some more by hooking up the tow strap to the trailer and move it that way. Not trying to be a smart a$$ but I have helped many people out that way. Hopefully i can get up there with you guy this year.