We are becoming out numbered

[Wish-I-Were-Fishn]

I just noticed the number of viewers on the ice forum is now larger than the number reading open water

Here's wishing for spring!

[zamboni]

Actually, it seems like it is like that 9 months out of the year.

[NCLaker]

It is kind a crazy how busy that forum is during the off season.

Actually most of the species (bass, walleye, etc) are focused on open water topics this time of year - so you almost have to count them in with the Open water. That would put open water ahead of ice.

[shizzy]

I have notice I have poked my head in the ice section once or twice over the past week or so.

[Bluegill1510]

I've had my head in that forum just checking it out since last spring every now and then. But then I'm getting ideas for ice fishing equipement and I built a spear house, so ice season is always on my mind. Plus my open water season is very limited as I dont own a boat nor does my fam, so I must depend on friends to go with and who are always working as I am too,and I take time to fish harder in the fall and early spring more than summer when all knuckleheads are up at their cabins.

[sparcebag]

I think ice fishin has REALLY picked in popularity the last couple years.I never seen the numbers out there as the last few years.At one time my spots on local lakes if there were more than a dozen in the areas it was gettin crowded,now its like small cities on most all area lakes!

After last year I sold my shelter,power auger.I kept a hand auger just incase,but I do believe I've given up fishin in the crowds!

[jwhjr]

After last year I sold my shelter,power auger.I kept a hand auger just incase,but I do believe I've given up fishin in the crowds!

It's definately crowded in the Metro. I usually try and take some days off during the week to fish the Metro, and stick to a small lake up north that gets little pressure for fishing on the weekends.

[BobT]

Those guys are nuts! We still have a couple months of good open water fishing yet. I suspect these early birds are the ones that get sea sick and can't handle sitting in a boat.

Bob

[slipperybob]

Yeah, those ice fishing folks are nutz - oops I'm one of them. But to ice fish, you have to plan and scout during open water season. O.\

plus do shack modifications while you can.

[BobT]

Wait! I was doing that in July!!!! Consider me nuts.

Bob

[slipperybob]

Nya nya nya hya ha ha...

I'm surprised you didn't say in April or May as since many ideas were still fresh in your mind. Since this spring fishing was kind of not the best for me. My mind just wasn't quite geared towards Sprinng fishing and was stuck in the winter chill.

[Deitz Dittrich]

To those who say its too crowded on the lakes in the winter in the metro.. your just not trying hard enough. I find areas to myself all the time. Early season open water scouting can help in finding great areas to fish. Just have to put some time in.

I will also say like many others, some of the best fishing is still to come.

[ZEEK1223]

People Like to be comfortable. You cant play video games and watch movies in your boat.

[Wish-I-Were-Fishn]

People Like to be comfortable. You cant play video games and watch movies in your boat.

No, but you can stay home and do that.

[BobT]

Holy ice cubes, Batman! Those ice fishing guys are really starting to turn up the excitement a notch. I open the open water thread and find only two threads have changed. Open the ice fishing thread and the entire page is full of new posts.

Bob

[jwhjr]

People are getting ready already. My mind has drifted slightly, but there's still open water to enjoy for now

[Wish-I-Were-Fishn]

Sometimes the anticipation is greater then the event. Wishing for hard water is sort of like cabin fever in reverse

[SledNeck]

I must be unique. Im obsessed with summer fishing, but id rather stay home than go ice fishing, I hate it.

anyone else?

[Wish-I-Were-Fishn]

I must be unique. Im obsessed with summer fishing, but id rather stay home than go ice fishing, I hate it.

anyone else?

YES! Me too! Rates right up there with sitting around watching grass grow

[Fishin Dan]

Why do you guys hate ice fishing? Its not my favorite either but fishing is fishing!

[Wish-I-Were-Fishn]

Why do you guys hate ice fishing? Its not my favorite either but fishing is fishing!

For the same reasons I hate bobber fishing. We are men of action, sitting does not become us

At least with bobber fishing in open water, there are things to look at around you, but I still prefer to move around, drift, cast, etc.

[mngirl]

Ice fishing takes more work, but there is nothing that says pure Minnesotan like getting up at the crack of dawn to sit outside and watch a hole in the ice while you test your body to see how numb you will let it . It makes you appreciate fishing other times of the year . It also allows those without boats to go where we can't in summer .

[Wish-I-Were-Fishn]

Well, I guess a person can only watch so much tv. I am a little envious that those who enjoy it have something to do all winter.

Maybe we should have an "open hole" forum for those that have a fish house and are willing to share an outing with another FM'r.

I would go then.

[wanger29]

Ice fishing takes more work, but there is nothing that says pure Minnesotan like getting up at the crack of dawn to sit outside and watch a hole in the ice while you test your body to see how numb you will let it . It makes you appreciate fishing other times of the year . It also allows those without boats to go where we can't in summer .

There's nothing better!!!