Getting ready.

[Fever]

Just wondering how many of us are ready or are just about to get ready for the ice season. A few smaller area lakes look to be frozen over now although I'm sure it's far too thin. Weather also may be not cooperating as it may warm up a touch the next few days. I personally just got things ready this past Sat and sunday.

I'm really just content as can be right now. I personally had an above average open water season and just a couple weeks ago shot a quality 8 point white tail near the north shore of Leech Lake just off sucker bay road. It had an inside spread of 16.5 inches and was about 13 inches tall so it wasn't a monster but still decent. Rut wasn't going yet and only saw that one deer in 4 days.

Anyway, thoughts on gearing up... Any new tacktics or toys out there for this year? I'm in the west Metro here. I heard rumors of folks venturing out but haven't personally seen anyone or done so myself... seems a touch early.

[Rebeleye]

[slipperybob]

I worked on trying some new ideas.

Just finished these recently within the past week or so.

-Installed foam cushion into the St Croix ice rod bag. Gotta keep those cheap St Croix ice rods from breaking.

-Got my two TB baitcasting ice rods, Citica 200E's spool with 6# Gamma and 6# Silverthread. Using 1" pipe insulation tubing for transportation protection. I cut a hole into the side of the tubing to accomodate the reel while mounted on the rod.

-Got some cushion ties to use as rod holding ties. Will probably attach these to portable poles or attached to a L shaped wall hook drilled into the ice. Getting tired of kicking rod stands.

Project from 2006

-insulate the portable...two rolls of reflectives still sitting in the garage.

[GatorBait]

Been ready for over a month now. Got everyone thing taken care of and put together neatly in the garage. Now all I need is some ice and load my gear. Can't wait.

[broman]

Fever, do you know Dan Barrett?

[Fever]

Nope, does he live around me? I may recognize him if I saw him.

[Shack]

I am never ready until I go

[outdrzman78]

definately ready, been out the last four days. feels great!!!

[broman]

If you ever met him, you'd remember him. He's a volunteer for the Lester Prairie fire dept. Lives in town.