Cool Cats 2008

[TroyMcClure]

I will be there if only to get a lesson in catching cats through the ice and to see all the people from FM. The get-togethers can be lots of fun.

[DTro]

Here’s an update:

I was able to make a quick day trip up there yesterday and we had a great day on the ice.

Morning bite was phenomenal, but slowed down a bit in the afternoon. The average size of the fish was much larger than my previous trips.

Our overwhelming bait of choice was an 1/8th oz JB Lures Rattling Varmint in Glow Red color, tipped with a piece of cut sucker

Click Here for purchase info

As the day progressed we were seeing a bunch of fish, but no takers......a major case of lip lock. I decided to try to downsize a bit and tied on a #6 Orange/Chartreuse Neon Tiger Jig, tipped with a pink plastic and a crappie minnow head. Bingo! The fish started to bite again.

Click Here for purchase info

When the fish stop biting suddenly, don’t be afraid to experiment with odd baits and sizes, you just might find a new favorite bait….I know I did.

The ice right now, is in great shape and as long as the weather is stable, we will not have any issues driving vehicles out to the gathering location......stay tuned.

[harvey lee]

I really enjoyed my first outing chasing channels through the ice yesterday Darren. Yes, the Rattling Varmit was really a great lure in red tipped with cut bait. The Outdoor Pro series Fire Tiger jig with a small plastic and tipped with some meat also was in tune with those negative biting fish as you were the only guy with that lure and out fished us all when the bite slowed.

To anyone who is thinking about hitting the Cats get together, grab your walleye gear, some eye jigs and meet us all for a great time chasing these channel cats. It was alot of fun and really a thrill to catch these cats on lighter gear.

I used my 26" Jason Mitchel Perch rod and when I caught a larger channel, the drag was a screamin as this better fish really gave my lighter gear a workout.

See you all there.

[DTro]

Here Tom provides us a good video tutorial on proper form and also the correct way to treat them after the catch

[harvey lee]

For all the viewers that wonder how warm Artic Armor is, as you see, I can lay on the ice and stay warm for the day. One can also nap too.

I seem to remember someone, a cat dude that licks his fish so, I thought I would start a new trend, kissing the fish good bye.

[Team Otter]

That's the Tom I know.

[reelemin]

Priceless Tom

[reelemin]

dtro - as much as I want to make it to coolcats and you've gotten me all rilled up about these things, other committments will hold me back this year, but next year - watch out

[polarsusd81]

Can't wait to see all of you guys out there. Cool Cats looks like a great time. Napping and fishing, very nice Tom. Wish I had those kind of skills.

[Scott M]

Dude's got mad cat skills....

[ec30_06]

Its been awhile since I have been catfishing with you Scott M. We'll have to get out a few more times this summer.

[Scott M]

Yep. I've been bouncing around the idea of KOTC. Don't feel bad if you've got full boats some evening and can't take me because I can parasitize harvey lee, dtro, hanson, etc.

Still have some pictures for a newspaper article, but maybe need to get some better ones....like a 40 or 50 pound flattie!!!

We'll see you soon and we'll talk catting or ice fishing.

[metrojoe]

 Quote:

There are two popular points of access. The best one to use for vehicles is the winter access. Please check back to this thread closer to the event to confirm ice conditions.

Where is the winter access?

[Scott M]

South of the regular state access on Hwy. 22. There are some shrubby trees lining the highway and then you can make out a road going out on each side of Hwy. 22. Head out on the western side. Go slow if its dark out so you don't miss it.

[metrojoe]

That must be the same access used at the last Cool Cats event. As I recall you drive out onto a small bay and swing around the point heading north. I'm going to try and make this one, but it's not looking good right now. I had a blast at the last one. Fresh fried catfish is awesome.

[rockman]

Winter access is south of the bridge that is over the channel connecting Horseshoe and Cedar Island-or is it East Lake, on the east side of the channel? Anyway, if you see the no parking signs along the shoulder of Hwy. 22,start slowing down because you're close to the winter access spot.You will see where everyone is driving on the lake.

[Fishing Freak]

how much is the fee

[SomethingFishy*]

 Originally Posted By: Fishing Freak

how much is the fee

The only "fee" that I can remember is that you must enjoy yourself! But the enjoyment from meeting some FM'ers and catching some cats through the ice is priceless.

[icehousebob]

 Originally Posted By: Fishing Freak

how much is the fee

I think the rule is that newbies have to furnish beer for the older guys.

Nope, no fees, just enjoy, and bring something for the noon pot luck feed if you can. No one has gone hungry at one yet.

[Tippman]

Here are the coordinates for the winter access to Horseshoe since it can sneak up on you, especially if it's still dark out. Make sure you go West, if you go east you'll be on Cedar Island lake.

N 45.25.289

W 94.30.940

Was out there today a few hrs and only got one cat along with some crappies and walleyes. The barometer was high and rose from 29.90 to 30.25 though.

[DTro]

Thanks for the coordinates and update Tippman!

You are right, that access can sneak up on ya really quick, and you’ll drive right on by.

Hopefully the weather and fish will cooperate with us this year.

Won’t be long now, I’m looking forward to seeing you all there!

[nytelyter]

just to let you know i will be bringing chips and my famos clam dip. and will bring two large grabage cans and bags and will be able to haul some of the trash if needed. dont want a truckful tho. ... paul

[Fishing Freak]

I'll be there count me in.

[harvey lee]

Those channels really like the G0-devils and JB Lures Rattlin varmits in 1/8 oz or 1/4 oz. Glow red seems to be a very good color and dont be afraid to use some cut sucker instead of a minnow head.

Another bait that worked well when the bite backed off was the #6 Orange/Chartreuse Neon Tiger Jig, tipped with a pink plastic and a crappie minnow head. Bingo!

http://www.outdoorprostore.com/kitsjj.html

http://www.fishingminnesota.com/glow-devil-spoons.html

http://www.outdoorprostore.com/jb-lures.html

[Ralph Wiggum]

I was out there today. There's a lot of ice!!! (power auger wouldn't start; 6" Lazer + 36" of ice = sore shoulders )