Cool Cats on Ice

[IceHawk]

Ice is shapeing up good in the catfish hole. Like Dennis said the ice should be driveable by the cat-gathering. There has been some truck traffic out there as of late. The ice is around 12-14 inches and should only get thicker by the 17th. I and possibly a few other FM'ers I fish with plan on takeing wheelers and traps out there, so there is a chance we could possibly shuttle some-one if there nervous about driveing on. The key to fishing out there is to stay on the path (hopefully we get some snow and a road is formed) it will lead you to hammers point. Its only a short distance to walk from here if you have any concerns about the meth hole.

Dennis I noticed a truck at the 22 access a couple of weeks ago, it had a large Fm sticker on the topper was it you? The cats have been getting fished hard as of late looks like the word is out on the tremendous fight these fish produce. It should be a good get-together, the cats are biteing. Now if the weather cooperates.

[Dennis Steele]

There are a few vehicle out there with the Big FM decals...If it was a white ford then it was me.I was hitting the SHoe regularly a couple weeks ago.
I too noticed that there are more people out fishing for cats these days.Who can blame them.What a blast!
I have been trying my hand on other lakes with cats to try and learn a little more,but have had very little success.They bite good on the shoe though.

[buzbunni]

Closer, closer... I'm trying to get some buddies to come to cool cats, but regardless, I'm coming. Can't wait.

Question: What kind of terminal tackle do you use, i.e., line test/type, rod. How big are the fish generally?

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SERIOUSLY! It was THIS big!

[iceguy75]

What kinda tackle should a guy use to ice cats? heavier action rods? what test line? never had the pleasure of fishing them, would love to though. What's the average size of the cats you can get?

[buzbunni]

That was funny iceguy 75.

ESP?

Beat ya by a whisker.

Twilight Zone: We even had the same number of posts. What's your birthday?

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SERIOUSLY! It was THIS big!

[This message has been edited by buzbunni (edited 01-08-2004).]

[Dennis Steele]

I don't know what a guy should use but I have caught them on a variety of things.Jigs tipped with ive minnows,cut sucker,shiner,creek chub, and fatheads.A few weeks ago I cought a couple on a plain hook with Bio Bait bellow a bobber.They were biting light and I though the weight of the jig was turning them off.I have also heard of them taking waxies.
My favorite and best producer is a chartruese yellow or red glow Glow Devil tipped with a piece of shiner.
I use medium ice rods with 8lb test.Nothing fancy but I do wish that I had more sensitivity becuase they can bite as light as a crappie sometimes.I got a couple of T-Bones Rock-n-Reels and can't wait to try them out on the cats.You can see more of bite with those than you could feel...especially with frozen fingers!
SOme times they just whack it too.Thats when it gets really fun!

[iceguy75]

Thanks for the info Dennis, doesn't sound like anything diff. than fishing for eyes at the low... I'm definetly gonna have to find time to give cats a try....

[Flashman]

Last weekend on Winnie was a blast but I'm really looking forward to icing some cats. I'll try to be there brfore 10, if I can find the place.

[Dennis Steele]

Had a great time at Winnie too!Good to see you up there Flashman.
Looking forward to Cool Cats too.Its alway good to get out and do some fishing with freinds and meet new ones and of course catch a catfish!

[Wiskers]

Well I am off this Sat.. woohhooooo but I have to work sunday morning at 0600 am.. sigh sigh..

But I will be there... Send up a flare Bro so I can find it LOL ...

I will call ya Flashman when I am on the road. I have been looking forward to this all winter..

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Wiskers Guiding Service
Red River & Minnesota River,for Channel Cats, Flatheads & Walleyes
Crookston, MN
[email protected]

218-280-0442

[Uncle Grump]

Dennis

I had posted in the thread on this topic in the main Ice Fishing forum (some time ago) that I might be able to attend. Looks like I will be able to do so.

Questions:

How far from the landing on Hwy 22 is the point where you intend to meet? Is this reasonable walking distance?

How thick is the ice up there? Is is safe for a 2WD Astro van (weight and traction)?

I'm not real familiar with cats or walleyes - and in this thread (I think)- there is a reference to "jigs one size bigger than you'd use for walleyes" - what size would that be? Any other tackle recommendations?

Thanks

UG

[Dennis Steele]

Hey Whiskers thats great.I will finally get to meet the guys Flashman bashes constantly. JK
I am looking forward to talking cats and River Pro's with you!

Hey Uncle Grump,
I have had my best luck with 1/4 oz jigging spoons and a small hunk of cut shiner,sucker or a fathead.I have also caught them on tip ups, and under a bobber.I got some Rock-N-Reels from T-Bone and am looking forward to trying them out on the cats too.They can be a bit finicky too so I would suggest bringing stuff smaller too.I have heard that the local guys have been having better luck lately on smaller presentations.
I haven't made it up to the 'SHoe for a few weeks now but have heard they are driving most everywhere on the lake.I will be driving out with a full sized pickup.Just look for a White Ford with big Fishing Minnesota decals on the topper.
This is gong to be a lot of fun and it sounds like there is going to be a good turn out. THe weather looks like normal to above average temps so it might even be comfortable to boot.

[Matt Johnson]

Dennis,

I'll be there on saturday! Looking forward to it!

Good Fishin,
Matt Johnson

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First Choice Guide Service

[email protected]
Catch-N Tackle and Bio Bait
MarCum
Stone Legacy

[Wiskers]

Heyyyyyyyyyyyy Rick..............

You still alive out there.. ???? LOL Sounds like that fishing berby went over like hot cakes.. Good to hear..

Was wondering if there are any www.fishingminnesota.com decals to be had anywhere... Know any one that might have one LOL LOL... or two...

Dennis.. Im on the same page bro... I keep wakeing up all sweaty and panting dreaming it was summer and the RP was getten wet.... LOL LOL... I would bring it with but it would take me forever to get there.. LOL LoL...cant even stop for gas when you have it with and you draw a crowd....See ya soon...

PS... We should try to set up a RP meet.. get as many RPs as we can and plan a fishing day and invite the FM family so those who never seen one or rode in one can go out and play.. or fish that is.. ???? something to think about.

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Wiskers Guiding Service
Red River & Minnesota River,for Channel Cats, Flatheads & Walleyes
Crookston, MN
[email protected]

218-280-0442

[This message has been edited by Wiskers Guiding Service (edited 01-13-2004).]

[This message has been edited by Wiskers Guiding Service (edited 01-13-2004).]

[The Chemist]

My current plans are to drive out w/ our house behind the van. As I don't know what the weather is going to be like, I know it won't probably be like last year. And since I will have both boys again they will need a place to keep/get warm. My only problem as of now is if I can get my auger to fire. Haven't had a chance to pull it yet. I hope to be out there early so as to get set up and all.

[Flashman]

I was wondering about the ice myself. I guess I'll leave the wheeler at home and just drive out there. That will at least give me more room in the truck. I'm hope we are able to catch some kitties, shoot the breeze and just have a good time. See you all on the ice.

[DARK30]

I don't think I'll be making this one boys....I got a card game friday night/saturday morning and well...might have to sleep in.

Heck with that ice anyway!..I'm going to the Cumberland River in Tennessee next month.

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cast,cast,cast,cast......

[buzbunni]

This is the cliff notes version of the post I just made on the FM events forum.

The logician and the bunni will be showing up for cool cats.

Oh how I love that morning mug of java on the drive up to "the spot".

Looking forward to seeing old faces and meeting some new ones as well.

It looks as though it may be a nice day so I may not have to worry, but, if anyone has an extra seat in there shack they'd be willing to share that would be helpful.

Barter a good cigar or a fine ale?

Cool Cats...cool.

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SERIOUSLY! It was THIS big!

[Wiskers]

well as for the ice, maybe I will meet up with you Flashman and ride out there with you unless the ice will hold my truck? I drove it out on LOW a week ago but it was realy making noise... It only weighs 7600#. I might need a bit more ice.

Dark30......... What are you saying??? Your card game is going to set priority over your beloved FM family?????? Ok we see how you are. LOL LOL LOL <<<JK>>>

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Wiskers Guiding Service
Red River & Minnesota River,for Channel Cats, Flatheads & Walleyes
Crookston, MN
[email protected]

218-280-0442

[wastewaterguru]

Sounds like a good turn out is expected!!

I won't miss this one.

My wife keeps telling me that I fish more than anyone she knows. I keep thinking I don't fish enough. 3 or 4 days a week on the ice and 2 or 3 days a week all summer. I am sure there are people that fish more than that.

Half the time I take the kids with me so she doesn't complain too much.....

I'll be kidless and Dennis is driving for this event so I think a bottle of belly warmer is in order. I always have had better luck finding Pu55y when I'm a little loopy anyway. (or at least I remember it that way)

[Uncle Grump]

The brakes on my van went on the fritz last night. Warning light on the dash board and a soft, mushy pedal. It's in the shop now, and hopefully they can get it fixed by tomorrow afternoon so that I can make the gathering on Horseshoe on Sat.

So if you see a somewhat beat-up blue and silver '88 Astro on the ice - thats me. If you don't see it, it didn't get fixed.

My son might come along too.

UG

[This message has been edited by Uncle Grump (edited 01-15-2004).]

[Flashman]

Dennis,
Just read in the St. Cloud forum that there is only 13-16 inches of ice on the Shoe...that's just enough to drive on; but how many people are going to be out there parking next to each other? I think I'll be bringing the wheeler and a trailer along. How far is it from the landing to the location we are going to be fishing?

[The Chemist]

Flashman: I don't know if I would go out from the landing. I don't know how stable it is through there. But there is alot of area out by where we will be that you can park.

[Dennis Steele]

If you go on at the boat landing its a little more than half a mile.
It would be a long walk or a short drive.If I don't see much sign of vehicle traffic at the boat landing I plan on driving on at the winter access on the south end of the lake off 22.Its marked on the map on my first post.

[The Chemist]

Hey Dennis when do you plan on getting out there? Depending on when I get out of work tomorrow I may hool up the house and drop it off otherwise I was going to try to get out there around 9 or so. I will have the van and a silver/maroon house.