Fished Kempenfelt bay today Jan 8/17, First skunk of the year in the books

Hey everyone, just wanted to keep the forum updated as I know thousands are waiting for simcoe to hard up.

Before I go on I would like to say that before I ventured out onto fresh ice serious precautions were taken. Heading out onto these kind of conditions you have to be prepared to get wet and be able to get back onto the ice again after you go through. That being said I went out with all gear in check and wouldn't go anywhere I wasn't comfortable.

All in all I spent probably 2 or more hours spudding and checking ice all along the way and probably about 45 min- 1 hour actually fishing. That being said I was hoping for a hook up during my limited time to get out, but safety is paramount.

After watching some Vlogs from yesterday about how the bay had started to tighten up I really wanted to go check for myself. Being close by I took a drive down to the end of big bay point rd.
I took a picture from the point but its nothing to post.... ducks about 60ft off shore in open water wish they were open still lol.

However, I made my way around to the 30th side road gov't dock and found a bit of quality ice, but not very much of it, that combined with some cracks that have started to form covered in snow etc. not anything I was willing to explore especially with open water in sight across the bay.

Next up for most would be bear point, but that hill is dead to me, I dont fish there anymore. However I probably would have hooked up there.

After that I set off for the end of Coxmill Rd. I found fresh ice covered in a couple inches of snow that the wind has beat down a bit. Once again the ice was quality but quantity was lacking. I didn't bring a tape with me so all I can say is it sure as hell isn't 4" This is where I decided to take my time and try to make my way out.
I made a short video while I was out there and nearly froze my hand off holding my phone.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPk2AKnYLPY

Had about 4-5 interested fish but not enough to entice a bite so I walked off the ice empty handed with my first skunk in the sleigh laughing the whole way.

Before the personal attacks start, Im not condoning anyone go out on the thin ice as it would be unwise to do so. Especially given the forecast for the next few days. Ice is never safe.
Today I saw a small opportunity to cautiously explore some new ice before it goes to crap.
All I'm doing here is posting my findings and letting everyone know to pray for cold cuz it wont be long meow. At least the bay.

Stay safe everyone, Tight lines. Ill be on nippising this weekend Cant F***ing wait.

Thanks for the report!

That looked super cold. Glad you stayed dry that walk back after a dunk on a day like today would have really sucked.

With balls that large i am surprised you didn't break through! Thanks for the report, sorry the fish didn't reward you for your daring. Hopefully tonight is cold enough to add enough to that base to keep the ice safe through this weeks warm spell and it can get to building again.

I think I saw teamrapo before he went out today lol all jokes aside, thanks for the report and stay safe.

Thanks for the detailed report. I know with my minimal experience I wouldn't go out, but appreciate the people on here like your self that have the experience and stress the caution.

Thanks for the report. Very helpful. 👍

Saw 5+ guys out off Johnson Beach this morning, 3 huts. shore looked slushy so I didn't venture out to ask how thick the ice was.

unfortunately with the temps and wind rising (40km tomorrow) I figure this will be the only day people will be out this week.

Be safe ya filthy animals.