Wimped out and Rented from Casey's Jan 20th PB

I was looking forward to testing out my new Clam XL2000 that i got from Xmas on Sunday. There were 4 of us and another buddy of mine was dieing to use his new gas auger also, so we were itching to try out our new toys. The plan was to get to Casey's at 5:00am and to be on the ice by 6:00am. We got all our gear ready, 2 scoops of minnows and was on our way. Walked to the lake and OH MY GOD the wind was HOWLING! We had to scream at eachother to talk cuz the wind was so loud. 15 steps onto the lake and we decided the smarter decision was to suck it up and rent. We are not familiar with PB, infact this was our first time out from there, and walking blind out would probably be an unwise decision. We walked back in and asked Taj if he had any huts for rent and he did. We spoke to a few guys thinking of heading out and they had flip huts so I guess that would be a little safer than setting up an 8 foot hang glider.

so all the bad stuff aside, Fishing was great. Pretty much non stop the whole time. Perch were picky thou. Didn't show much interest in anything without a minnow on it. I was using a swedish pimple with a red hook about a foot up. Couldn't even set up a 2nd rod the whole day they were hitting so fast. The guys needed to get off the ice for 11:30 so we called Casey's to pick us up. 12:15 rolled around and we wondered if they forgot about us. Called back and Taj said " we haven't forgotten about you, its just that our guy can't get out there cuz he's driving blind." Well he finally got out there at 1:30 and one of the guys we were with missed the funeral he was suppose to go to. I didn't take any pictures but here is one my buddy took. Overall we kept about 25 perch and 5 herring which all got released quickly and safely. Had 2 big schools of herring come under our huts and boy are those things aggressive.


Nick


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Thanks for the good post. I think you made a wise choice. If Jeff could not get out to pick you up, it had to be bad

Jeff was great. He told us that he was stuck on the ice himself for about an hour cuz he could find his way back.

I often wonder why not all have GPS units.........seems that is a basic tool to have now..especially given the weather you guys just mentioned.

Your right, a gps would have helped but as you and I know the ice could change in minutes and a crack open, so it is still dangerous to go if you can't see.

i agree but I would still trust a Compass more. GPS are really handy when it comes to way points, favorite fishing spots and getting you to where you need to drive to BUT it is technology and still runs on some sort of power/satellite that can fail.

If I was a hut operator I would invest in GPS unit 100 percent. In a case like this where some one has to be back or if some one is ill and needs help A.S.A.P they only way to get you out there to them in a Storm is GPS.....Something to think about if you are a operator.

Didn't even think of that. Having a GPS makes perfect sense for all operaters.

For sure I agree about exteme weather Bob, we have been there and will be again.

Alos agree with the compass being essential.

I often think that on long runs to huts .sy 8 k or more, gps for sure as you can pinpoint each hut as well and then again when they are moved.

Jeff knows his stuff and is a great guy,

times change , the technology is there so why not use it.

Are Herring legal again on Simcoe?

nope... no open season for them. They would hit as I was reeling up. It is very cool seeing a school of them under your hut.

Niick

NO!

Are Herring legal again on Simcoe?

I think "Herring on Simcoe" (that is, herring swimming under Simcoe water) is legal

However keeping herring you catch on Simcoe is NOT

:-)