Fishing POll

[Bushwacker]

If I had to choose one outdoor activity it would definitely be waterfowl hunting, but open water fishing is a close second. I do like to ice fish, but it is more of a social thing for me. A chance to get out with the buddies. When I go ice fishing I find myself staring at the hole and dreaming about casting a topwater on a calm, warm, summer morning. That happens every time out.

[The Grebe]

I do both....I think it was Monday, I was fishing open water and got a bunch of walleyes? I expect I'll be ice fishing sometime next week, some place?

Of the two, I believe ice fishing probably gets the nod? I'm already thinking about late winter perch on Mille Lacs, was out to JR's today, buying stuff with that in mind.

Seems I can find more partners to go ice fishing with then I can summer fishing? More stuff to do in the summer I guess?

[JohnMickish]

I do both since each one gives me a different kind of satisfaction.

[Agronomist_at_IA]

Ice fish 85% of fishing

open water 15% of fishing

[flagsup]

fishing is fishing ice or water,im always wound up for ice fishing but by the end of the season im looking forward to my boat,moving to a new spot is alot easier,and after youve drilled a a thousand holes you start to get alittle tired of it

[tunrevir]

I fish about 50\50 as far as the time spent on the water be it hard or soft. I like the fact that when you are on the ice you can access alot more with less effort as far as gas , boats, docking fees, ect: I always will and still like the fact that when you are ice fishing you have more waters available to fish then when the water is open. I feel it levels the playing field, when was the last time you saw a guy with the 40....something $ bassboat out trying the ice(sorry fisherpeople!). I like the sport because it is for the people that don't have the big $ boats and the rigs to get to this lake or that lake. I also like that Ice is an equalizer for a few of us. Lastly, since we are all equal on the ice, be nice, help others out, be a steward and pick up trash and get those little ones out and interested. That in my opinion is what "it" is all about because if we don't help the little people get started we are losing out in the end, so be it open water, ice fishing or even hunting, get those little ones involved!

Tunrevir~ (p.s. treats are a good motivation for getting those younger ones out!) Just have fun and introduce someone to the things you enjoy and let nature take it's course! Be safe and have fun!

[EBass]

Both as often as I can.

[Vallejo]

Both as often as I can.

[jalberg]

I have fished open water with a vengeance for the last several years. THis is the first year I really want to fish throught the ice.

[upnorth]

I fish both, probably more open water than hardwater. But that is when we go camping so just spend more time around softwater.

[roadkingclasic56]

Been a died in the wool fisherman ever since I can remember. I don't see one season over another. The climate change simply means a switch in tactics. I fish year 'round. If I had to pick only one pass time it would be fishing. Love the open water and the ice. I suffer a little in the "in between" times. That's where deer hunting and grouse hunting fills the gaps. Otherwise I am fishing

[Meadow Creek]

I haven't been in a boat for seven years. I fish Ice exclusivly. When you live 45 minuets from the Canadian boarder there are two seasons. Winter, and gettting ready for winter. Tomorrow is my first day on the ice. I've been preparing all week. I've been mapping out the stragey since October. I have been waiting for my chance at thoes pesky Upper Red Lake walleye for years. It is pay back for all of the minnows they have taken over.

[jigging-matt]

Ice fishing is the passion. Probably fish every couple of weeks in the summer with my 4 year old. Would rather golf in the summer, but once the water freezes. Can't wait.

[Mr. Pike1]

I guess I am Bi-Fishual as I like but have a preference for the open water and enjoy the variance the hard water offers.

[Captain B.R.K]

Can you say "FISHAHOLIC" That's me!

I get out as much as possible on open and hard water- liking each equally.

[croixeyes]

Ditto...Both are equal in my eyes.Ice,days are shorter but there are no lawns to mow,outside projects are on hold.Open water,days are longer,skip mowing and outside projects,go fishing

[Kyle Sandberg]

Whenever and wherever. It doesn't mattter if I fish in a drainiage pond or URL as long as it has FISH.

[magicstix]

I'm probaly 85% Ice and 15% Summer. I fish harder cause short season, 2-4 times a week. There is something special about fish through the ice hole, Gotta love it. Even my little brother got hooked last year, he goes every weekend, he's the last person I'd would expect to see on the ice.

[Coach1310]

Both! Enjoy Open Water more cause my wife really enjoys it and it is easier for my dad than dealing with the cold. Something special about the ice though. Going out tomm!!!

[hugonian1]

Love em both but seems like I have more opportunities to get out onto the ice.

[griz29]

I fish both seaons - I used to only fish the open water but the last couple of years I have been buying more and more for the hardwater season equipment - All I need to do is find a used Fl8 or fl18 and I will be set. This year I already broke down and bought a gas powered auger and a buddy heater I can't wait until I get to use them Next Week! I perfer 4 inches so by mid week we should be set in the zimmerman/princeton area.

[chris63]

just shut up and fish! c63

[esquired]

I do not ice fish, mostly because we only get safe ice every three years or so! Each year I hope for either a really warm winter (no ice) or a really cold one (safe ice). Each year I get slush and mush!

[Crazy4 Ice]

Look at the name...ice fishing for sure

I could take or leave open water unless it's with the father in law who puts me in a big boat and on fish too

[wally20]

90% ICE 10% open water! Can't wait to get going now