Cool Cats 2008

[DTro]

Cory, I know there is a bait shop right in Richmond that I've stopped at a couple of times.

[maddowg1192000]

I know a local grocery store that normally has smelt i will stop in . The next question is how many people are normally at this event so I know how much to make for the potluck. I am thinking about trying a new recipe that sounds awesome. Can't wait to try this, I have caught just about every kind of fish you can in the winter except for cats.

[IceHawk]

Southside and Richmond marine are your best bets for bait locally.

[maddowg1192000]

I am so excited for the weekend. I can't wait. thank you for the info for bait.

[jholland]

I've never even caught a catfish, but if I'm able to find someone down here in the Metro to make the drive with, I'll probably show up. I'll hopefully get to put some hours on a new Marcum that I'll be picking up today. This event is on my birthday!

[Berens Lake ON]

You can't clean cats on the ice unless you are preparing them for cooking. Only 1 fish over 24 inches is allowed.

From the DNR web site: "While on or fishing waters with size restrictions, all fish for which the size restriction applies must have their heads, tails, fins, and skin intact and be measurable. A person may prepare and use the fish for a meal while docked or moored to shore, or while on the ice. Fish prepared and used for a meal still count towards the daily possession limit."

[DTro]

Something I could really use is a folding table or two for the food out there. If anyone has one they could bring along I would greatly appreciate it.

[maddowg1192000]

I should be able to get my hands on a couple I will let you know later today.

[metrojoe]

I talked to someone at Mike's bait in Eden Vally and they said they would have fatheads for sure and were positive they'd still have suckers this weekend.

[rockman]

dtro, I have a huge table with metal folding legs we could use, if you still need one.

[DTro]

Thanks rockman, I'm going to send you an email

maybe not, I don't have your email

maybe you could email me

[rockman]

I'll send ya one.

[metrojoe]

Unfortunately the last time I was cat fishing through the ice was 2 years ago at the last cool cats event. I really can't recall if we were pulling these cats right off the bottom or if they were suspended. If my memory serves me, we were fishing anywhere from 5 to 10 feet off the bottom.

[Deitz Dittrich]

Metro- many times they are suspended... but also can be found near the bottom.. I equate it to fishing crappies.. But bigger!

[HUNTFISH69]

Looking forward to it, see you all on the ice Saturday morning!

[harvey lee]

I agree with the Channels also being suspended. One trip this winter the water column lite up like a christmas tree with cats. One could pick the one they wanted to try and catch. This was a very good day of cattin. Anywhere from the bottom too 6 ft below the ice. They would come through suspended all over.

[The Chemist]

There are plenty of places w/ bait between 94 and Horseshoe. I would check the 3 gas stations in Cold Spring before you head into Richmond. There is the SA and the station across the street. Also the one before you get to the river.

On a side note: I don't think I will be able to make it.

[metrojoe]

We stopped at a few of those gas stations with bait 2 years ago and the problem we had was they all stopped caring fatheads and suckers when the season closed. They did have crappie minnows. Mike's in Eden Vally will have some for sure.

[IceHawk]

Scheels In St cloud had some fateheads as of yesterday morning.

[Shack]

Metro Joe, good point.

I have a bag full of frozen med. suckers from last summer in my freezer. I might think about bringing them.

Dtro,

It sounds like the table thing is cleared up, but let me know if things fall threw. I have 3'x6' folding table we used at last weekends FM Kids event.

[metrojoe]

You bring up a good point too. There is really no reason to wait to buy bait. You could buy it now and cut it up and freeze it.

[so haaad]

The bait shops around Cold Spring and Richmond still had plenty of fatheads on hand as of Sunday. Richmond Marine and Southside Gas in Richmond also have minnows for those of you driving into Richmond first. Try to support the area businesses if you can.

On a sidenote, I don't think I'll be able to attend this year's event either.

[YourBobersDown]

I think I will be able to make it up this weekend, I am already pumped. I can't seem to find a buddy that isn't busy so I will be alone (probably do better not having to babysit them anyway LOL) Hope to meet some of the people from the forums there. On a side note if you need anyone to come early to help with drilling holes let me know, I got a new auger this year and i love to hear it run. Also if I can do anything else to help let me know.

[Shack]

 Originally Posted By: metrojoe

You bring up a good point too. There is really no reason to wait to buy bait. You could buy it now and cut it up and freeze it.

Metrojoe,

You can cut them up when they are frozen out on the ice. I think they cut better frozen anyways, less mess. Being a year round cat fisherman, you should see the things I freeze. I might even have some frozen bullies from last summer.

Oh! Anyone want to try a frozen cow eye and the sock behind it? Huh, huh! Being a cat fisherman I still have some from last year. If things are slow, we can fry that up in the pan. They say over sea's they taste good.

[DTro]

Ok a few things.

1. My license says that it expires on Feb 29, so I need to buy a new one I think. I swore I saw something about new rules. Anyways if you need a new license buy one as the CO up there is active (good thing) and may stop by for a visit.

2. As mentioned previously, we are taking advantage of a great resource up there, so let's try to pay it back by supporting any local establishments.

3. This shouldn't be an issue, but let's make sure we left the lake as we found it, or even in better shape. Respect the lake and surrounding area as if it was in your backyard.

Thanks and let's have some fun!