I nearly cried today

[hovermn]

I was just about to the landing, some hour away when I realized that I left the LX-5 at home!!! I laugh now, because for a split....umm....minute, I debated turning back. If the hour wasn't so late, I probably would have. And, while talking to Jonny P at the ice show, I said that I would turn back in such an event. That was YESTERDAY! Figures....

Not long after getting setup using depth bomb for the first time in a loooong time, I hooked into a 20" LMB on a chubby with (yeah, dumb) 2 lb test. Anyway, the thing hammered it and ended up gutting the darter. Normally this wouldn't be an issue, but this time was not normal. See, my needle nose are kept in the LX-5 pouch. Having no way of unhooking without killing the fish, I cut the line, apologized to the fish and threw her on the ice. On any other day, she would have gone back.

Lesson learned. Next time I turn back. Life depends on it. lol

Edit: Should probably mention the crying was for the Marcum, not the fish. She's gettin' baked on Monday

[snoozebutton]

It seems like the first few times out every year I forget something. Fist time this year was the mitts, second time was a light, third time was the Marcum. The last time out I didn't forget anything so I think I'm set for the rest of the season.

[Rippinlip]

Yep,

First time out this year I forgot the Vex, the camera and the GPS. Actually had fun fishing the "old way". Kinda stunk drilling that many holes just trying to get started.

[Shawnny B]

I thought I saw a tear in your eye yesterday ...

[sarniajeff]

My tears are being shed because all I can do is sit here and here all about you folks out there on the ice, forgetting stuff and such, and I'm waiting patiently for ice here in Southern Ontario.

Please set the hook a couple of times for those of us still waiting!!!!

Play safe!!

[hovermn]

I think you may have. When I got in the truck, a chunck of ice fell off my cheek, just below my left eye

[hovermn]

Hey Sarniajeff,

Maybe if you'd stop sending all of your arctic air over the boarder, you wouldn't have this problem! Keep in mind, that's a theory, and by no means a request!

[jigginjerk]

I feel ya! A couple of years ago I drove all the way to south dakota only to find as we are unloading I left my Lx-3 sitting on my desk in the shop. The next day I drove into webster and being in vex country purchased a fl8 genz pack so I didn't have to fish blind for three more days. Since then I sold the vex to a freind in need and purchased a Lx-5 so I always have my Lx3 as an extra with for an unfortunate freind in the same fix. You would be suprised how often it happens. It's terrible how we have been spoiled by technology. But it's alot more fun being spoiled!

[NCLaker]

No way ... I would have definitely turned back.

[Caleb S]

My first trip out on the ice this year started with me unloading all of my gear to realize I forgot one important thing at home, my rod locker

[hovermn]

OUCH! What did you do, find some discarded line at the landing, a pop tab and a piece of striped sock and hand lined for the day?

When I load the portable into the truck, I take the rod bag out and either set it on the ground or on the truck. Every time I take off, I fear that I left it outside, and have to check to make sure. Scary feelings!

The piece of sock reminds me of a story my uncle once told me. He was a charter fisherman on Superior back in the day. Running out of bait, he took a chunk of his red and yellow striped sock and hooked it on the lure. Not sure what he caught, but I guess it worked great

[Shawnny B]

Red and white classic colors, bet he could of used black and white too =)

[7outof10]

well i cant even find my rod case lol