Feb 5 Report, Lakers

Hey guys, so we went out today in between BBP and LS from Keswick Side We passed over 4 pressure cracks that seemed to have been safe and closed up. We setup in just over 100ft of water around 9:00AM.

We marked about 5 fish within 2 hours, and had them all chase my bait. I started out with a tube, and switched over to the Havoc Swim Baits. The fish seemed more active and interested in the swim bait. Unfortunately, with all the chasers i could not get one to bite. I am not sure if i was reeling fast enough.

Anyways, we decided we were going to try a different location and depth after those 2 hours, and low and behold the ATV wouldn't start. We originally thought it was a battery issue, but after 3 hours and almost walking the 9 km hike to shore we put the portable hut over the ATV with the heater and it seemed to be the fuel pump that had froze.

Anyways, needless to say after the 3 hours of chaos, we decided to head back , but i got to try the new flasher out - Humminbird ICE 45, and love it. Great system.

Anyone reading this post if they want to add any pointers on how to get from the chase to the ice would be extremely helpful.

Cheers!

I use a graph rather than a flasher, but the concept is the same.
It may take a few tries before you dial them in with your new unit. Don't worry, just keep at it.
Getting the chase started is 1/2 the battle......so you're doing well so far!

Look on the bright side.....you lost 5 pounds walking today!

Not sure that I'm following - you walked back nearly 9 km pushing the ATV and equipment?

Why would fuel pump freeze? Water in it?

Good that you got them to chase!!!

Thanks for the report!

No we were almost at that point of walikng but decided to try to warm the machine up. It worked, i don't think there is water in it, the battery had lots of juice which is what we thought first might have been the problem. It seems like the solenoid was frozen or stuck and once warmed up it opened.

how fast does everyone else reel when a laker is coming from the bottom to sniff your bait?

Medium speed make her look scared or those Lakers turn off almost make it like you don't want them to catch

Depends alot of times i find ripping it to the surface triggers the bites . Depends on how fast they come off bottom to chase. The mood of the fish usually dictates the speed for me.

Good to hear, i didn't reel too fast, i tried slow, medium, and just waiting as it came up and jigged it.

Forget the fish.

I'm still stuck on the story that you put the ATV INSIDE the hut with heater to resolve the issue . . .

Did newbies to the sport see you doing this? Thinking this is normal? Are you starting a new trend on the lake?

After the fact - there is a lot of humour to your report - did you get any pics of the ATV in the hut? And the fishing happening on the outside . . .

Let me guess. Polaris! I have one of those. The starter actually freezes up. Turn the key a few times to have the starter tap tap tap. Than try to crank. If it turns over and does not start. Check the engine light. Turn the key over a few times without cranking. Watch the light and when it comes off.. Crank her over. Try not to juice your battery!

Hey, whatever it takes. I was stranded as well with a fuel pump issue with my quad miles from shore. I got mine going but the thought of leaving it out there and walking still haunts me.

Dealer can't diagnose until they see it happen.. Great response.. Perhaps they can follow me out one day.

Try off/on a few times until the fuel pump kicks in. My (new 2014 quad) still has issues sometimes when it cold but eventually turns over.

Wow, well said.. Yup Polaris. Your solution works.. Scary when it doesn't start.

Tried cranking it for 20 minutes one day then I realized it was the fuel pump. Off/on a few times seems to crank it over.

LOL, i didn't think of it at the time, it was my last resort before the "walk of shame." Maybe tomorrow the ATVs will be parked in the portables

Seems to make sense from some of the previous posts, fuel pump issue, and yes it was a Polaris. Once she heated up which i think the solenoid was sticking, it started right up. Pretty freaky to be stranded with far and few between.

Not too freaky to be stranded on Simcoe - -help is available. Imagine on a backwoods lake and no cell phone that connects?