The Opener !

Any pictures from opener yet folks?

Little story.

I've never been ice fishing in all of my 41 years but I decided to give it a go this year because 1 the lake is so close and 2 the winters are so long they tell me.

I bought a lot of new toys and some used items to get me started.

I bought really awesome snow pants, can't remember ever owning a pair to be honest.

Three ok ice fishing rods.

15 new lures because you know how it goes.

New hand auger because I wasn't sure if I would like it.

-15 dressed in t-shirt, sweater, hoodie, two pairs of socks, long johns, Jogging pants (another first), gloves, hat, scarf and snow pants. I even got those boot warmers but forgot to put them in.

I decided Nip looked a little too intimidating for a novice who's never even been on ice so I headed for a back lake close by.

I only stayed maybe 30 min but I did manage to make 4 holes which overall it's pretty easy and I think with some practice I will improve.

I have to say I kind of liked it. I didn't catch anything but it was nice to be fishing again.

And after the first couple of booming ice cracks I kind of got over it.

Long story short I tried it, I survived and I enjoyed it but I need better boots a tent and a heater. Bring on the nip next!

My first ice fishing hole ever.

Thanks for sharing your first ice fishing trip with the group..
Definitely good boots with a minimum 400 grams of thinsulate insulation, cold feet make everything suck lol.

Welcome to the world of ice.....now that you found you like it and are hooked....if I may suggest for your safety something expensive but very cheap insurance while you are out there, buy your self a floater suit.

Arnie

I agree Arnie, but a better/ better insurance policy, a good friend! If you can find a good friend to go with, makes for A better/ more enjoyable time! And a good pair of ice picks if you do go through! You got
The bug now! You will love it!

And the picture porn is where? We specifically asked for pictures.



I am sending my new pig drone up to search for those opener fish. KOKEMACHINE eat your heart out.....lmao.

Arnie

Yup and a hank of rope and a biner so the friend can pull you out.

Arnie

Heading out for the day on Wednesday, missed the opener with a head cold. Got my Fatfish and new to me 98 sle, Looking forward to the new regs and possibly getting to keep an eye

I was out this weekend with a friend and his son and it was a perfect weekend, not too much lake traffic and the fish were cooperating. We took 3 keeper walleye home and threw back at least 25-30 undersize fish. Sorry my buddy has all the pics on his phone. There was 6-8 inches of ice with a bit of snow on it and travel on the lake was dream. Get out there and get fishing, support the outfitters and the local businesses.

Opening morning was very good but ice conditions were only ok...6-8 inches of good ice but lots of pressure cracks on the south shore...I'm typically a C & R proponent, especially for large fish but it was nice to keep 2 eaters. in 90 minutes, caught 15 walleye, 7 under 15 inches, 6 over 18 inches, 2 nicely in the slot...

This post has been edited by Cranman2222 on Jan 03, 2022 - 03:29 pm

We have a winner..
Nice walleye, enjoy the eats and thanks for sharing 👍

Nice fish!

Thanks! I have been 'off' the board for a while but have been living on the lake full time for the last year...was watching Kokemachine's ice reports and reminiscing about the videos he produced when I 'guided' him and FishChaser 67 a few years ago(visit Koke's youtube channel if you want to view) And I forgot the friends and fun posts on this great forum. Apologies to those that remember me for disappearing but I will post fish porn often..
If you see me on the ice - stop by to say HI

This post has been edited by Cranman2222 on Jan 03, 2022 - 04:18 pm

Nice set up.. 👌