Monday, February 25, 2013

A Crappie Weekend Up North

The family and I took a trip to the Northwoods this past weekend for some ice fishing and fresh air....and snow! The ride up was white knuckle driving all the way to Vilas County but we took our time and thankfully made it safe and sound to my Uncle's place despite the dozens of other drivers we saw spun off the road in the ditches. 

We arrived later than planned and even with the driving snow, were determined to get out for the evening bite. We unpacked the gear, re-set the truck for ice fishing mode and set out to our first destination. 



Before we left, I snapped this photo of a black squirrel, once I saw him, I knew it was going to be a good weekend.



 Allthough the evening bite was a small window, we managed some nice crappie. The bite really started picking up around 4PM and tapered off around 6PM. The biggest crappie of the evening was 11 inches. Way to go Mom!



Crappie were suspended off the bottom, feeding upward. I set up the shack and stayed quiet. Call me crazy but it actually seemed to help encourage the fish to bite more frequently. 



Sometimes you have to take a break from the fishing. When you do, order a cold one, or an Old Fashioned. (Brandy, sweet of course, with fruit).


Another day, another batch of keepers. Biggest one this day was every bit of 12 inches.


With one more weekend of game fishing season left, it's time to get out there. Ice on the lakes we fished was 24 to 30 inches. It snowed everyday we were there and even with 4WD, getting around on the lake was not easy. Bring a shovel, sand, a come along or some straps. 
Cheers!

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