Crappy Crappie report

Just like the title says, crappie fishing was well... crappy yesterday. Fish would SLOWLY approach bait, then quickly dart back down and away. Without a camera down there, my assumption is that these fish were spitting the bait faster and lighter than I could feel, thus their alarmed reaction. I did manage to catch a few, literally.

The highlight of the evening was the fellow in the winterized Supercub, skis and all, buzzing the shacks. The cherry on top was the sunset.

Ice Report Jan 11 2014

We fished a popular Dodge County lake Saturday. It was crowded to say the least. Weather was mild compared to the recent cold snap but the winds made it feel a lot colder. I would guess there was 13-15" of ice.

3 out of 5 in our group managed to limit out on crappie in about an hour. All 5 of us eventually got our limits. We capped the morning with a quick lunch of brats on the grill and a beer or two. We were on our way home by 1pm.

Spoons or jigs tipped with spikes worked. Crappie minnows also produced. My biggest crappies of the day came on a dead stick rigged with a crappie minnow on a plain gold hook but jigs and spoons called in the fish for fast paced action.

Another day on ice

Me and the boys had some real fun today. Chasin' flags and jigging up some pannies for the dinner table. I always enjoy ice fishing with a handful of friends, it keeps things interesting and entertaining. Grilling out, enjoying the sun, it truly can't be beat.

  a-Couple-a Largemouth (CPR of course) Way to go guys!

You know I love me some Crappie

"Whatcha got there?" 

A few keepers today

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!

Hard Water

Well, I can't think of any better way to end the year and cap the holiday season off than an ice fishing trip with my Dad.

Tomorrow we will be headed North to Vilas County to do some much needed relaxing. Recent reports have us excited for Pike and Walleye on a strong bite as well as gills and crappie still feeding strong.

I have the tip ups ready to go, fresh line on my jigging rods, and plenty of new colors sizes and styles of jigs to try out. 

 A soldiers row of Beaver Dam tip ups ready for action.

My little box of new stuff. I assembled this one tonight.

The weather is looking pretty good for a long weekend on the ice. Reports to follow, and maybe some recipes too....