Checking out lake maps

[Reynolds]

I told myself that this year I was going to take ice fishing a bit more seriously than my first two years on the ice. I used to be content with setting up in one area for the day and hoping something would come along and bite. I guess I've been inspired by all the guys on this forum who really seem to put a lot of preparation into ice fishing. So, the last few days I have spent a lot of time on the DNR lake finder scrolling through different lakes and taking down notes. I have been able to find a few different lakes now that seem to have a very good percentage of crappies over 9 inches, and with some in the 14 inch plus range. I think all in all, I have come up with 20 or so different lakes that I would like to give a try this winter. I also have been busy marking some different areas of interest on these lakes on my gps. I guess time will tell as to whether or not this pays off.

[pathogen]

Homework is half the battle. If you start out on a lake that is known to produce nice sized fish, and you know enough about the layout of the lake(s) so that you can eliminate the 95% of the water that holds little or no fish, you greatly increase the chances of icing numbers of good sized fish. Nothing is guaranteed, but you've put the odds in your favor.

[Captain B.R.K]

Reynolds- I would recommend getting your hands on the Sportsman's Guide lake map books so that you can view on the go. You never know when the lake you target isn't going for the day and you need to switch gears and hit another lake to salvage the day.

It's all about just looking at those favorable places the type of species you are targeting may be based on structure and map information and start trying.

Any auger will do to get you started, but help yourself out and get a power auger to punch a 100 or so holes through the ice in a day. Remember to keep yourself mobile!

[Reynolds]

Captain- Actually have a few of the Sportsman's Guide Lake Maps already. I did buy a GPS this year with the Lakemaster chip, but it I am still going to be bringing the Guides along because they have a lot more lakes in them compared to the Lakemaster chip. Also, it is a bit easier to pick out a spot on the Guide Maps first then find it on the GPS.

I actually do currently have a power auger, but it is not exactly the lightest thing out there (3HP, 10" Jiffy). I would eventually like to switch to a Nils or a Strike-Lite, which would be much better suited to punching out a 100 holes in a day.

[Paul Waldowski]

Reynolds,

I hope that you get home soon, as I'm really starting to feel sorry for you:) (Picturing topless babes on the beach)

As soon as you get home, let me know and we will turn some ice into swiss cheese with a Nils