scugog Monday Jan 2

[dmorrs35]

Hey Guys,

I had the day off and after driving my girlfriend to work after she came down for the weekend, I decided to pack all my gear (minus my tent, took a smaller sled out) and head out for a few hours. I went to the launch at the tip of scugog island way past the casino. the gates were open (was told at the causeway shop by a customer that it may not be, decided to check it out) and walked out. I walked only about no more than 200m and drilled a few holes along the way. I didn't have a way of measuring as I forgot my tape measure at home, so I hooked my scoop on the bottom and I estimate there was approximately 6 inches of ice.

That trip was more or less an equipment test than anything else, ensuring my auger blades are sharp enough to cut the ice, Helix 5 and the ice transducer works and what not. any fish caught were a bonus. I spent about 2 hours on the ice (20 mins of it after sunset). I caught about 8 perch. was hoping for a crappie or two. just as I was packing my stuff up, watching my jig come up, maybe about a foot below the ice, a crappie came up and smashed it. (not a crappie fisherman, a crappie to bring home would be pure bonus). a good size crappie, looking to be 8-9" length came up through the hole and before I could grab it, it fell off the hook, flop flop back down the hole. unlucky but definitely a little bit of excitement considering all the perch I caught, the biggest would have been at most 5". I didn't end up keeping anything but MAAAAAAAN! was it great to get out and drop a line or two. an absolute blast! for those who are looking to get out on scugog or anywhere for that matter. make sure you are in constant check with your ice thickness. I have never been out on that thin ice. I know 5-6" is enough but it did still make me a bit nervous. if it wasn't for the other 5-6 people in the area, I would not have gone out. Thinnest ice before Monday I had ever fished was 9". Be safe, and don't be a statistic! Heading to couchiching this Saturday to hopefully ice a few jumbos.

Warning, make sure you have your licenses! I nearly forgot that mine expired.

[Motojoe]

Lucky you have chance to wet the line, sounds you have a great day. I wish I will catch a few nice crappie this weekend. Never try Perch from ice wish you have good luck too.

[Chevy]

Glad ya got out...Ive never fished the tip of the island, usually up and down either side.

[bassassasian101]

Good to hear it seems most of the lake is good to go. Was out yesterday caught a few dinks only stayed a couple hours if that. But you are right the ice is about 6-8 inches depending where on the lake. Last year I tried the top of the lake but it was skunk city for me.

[Toller02]

When fishing off the north end of Scugog Island watch out for the weeds on the west side. Ice angler broke through ice in weeds, water was not deep but due to bad knees, and muck had problems getting out. As fog was rolling in even though he was less than 100 yards from parking lot called 911 looking for help Scugog Fire Dept responded with three trucks and angler from Oshawa was billed over $5000 for dispatch. Last I heard he was refusing to pay but do not know if Township turned bill over to collection agency.