Making my first trip to west side

Since I've moved to Bradford from the other side I 'm going to head up this side for a try. Never in my thirty-five years of living lake side have i been to the really deep waters. Any suggestions where to go out from and where to park? Its been along time since I've tried something new. Thanks.

I'm shocked that I didn't get a response, considering over the three years I've been a member, i've seen this group give all sorts of advice to all sorts of people, members and non- alike. Regardless this was my day.

This was a great day of firsts. Found a way onto K-bay. This was my first day out this year and even more important for me it was my first time on K-bay in the 35 years I've lived in the Simcoe basin. There were a few machines out there, lots of portable huts, an operator not too far away and several open-air fishers. I took the chance that there was decent ice and sure enough there is between 5" and 6" of clear, black smooth ice under maybe 2" of snow. My brother and I walked out to what was exactly 100' of depth. A guy came by and borrowed some minnows. In return he dropped his finder down the hole giving us our depth but he didn't stay long enough for either of us to mark a fish. Hours later, two portables a short distance away got their feed for the day and head out. The one gave us two swammers to help us with our lack of luck and i went to his hole to try for all the ones he'd lost. Wasn't lucky there either. Long story short, i got one on a flag line with a drop shot using minnows back at my hut. My back was turned. I was loading some stuff to take to the other hole. Isn't that always the way. My first laker since i was a kid and my biggest catch ever. No weight but 24" long. As for the filets, apparently gutting a fish isn't quite the same as doing a deer. I made a little bit of a mess of the first one.

The messy filet job.

Thanks for the report. I have never fished deep water so would not have been any help. Looks like a reasonably successful trip out for your first time.

Thanks for the report and pics. Truly sorry no one responded to you last night, that's not like our members at all. Maybe it was because the subject had been discussed in other posts already. There is also some reluctance at first ice since conditions are not yet stable. Glad you found a way and gave us your story.

All good. The bait shop told us where to park and walk on. I went back through several older posts and pieced together what i could. Really only needed some clarity. After seeing all those pictures of lakers from the weekend, i wanted in on the action, lol.

Nice fish! your filet job looks like mine. sharp sharp knife is very important. i still manage to butcher the filet though. practice on some perch.

ie never been out on kbay either.when i eventually do make it out there,i hope to be as successful as your 1st time.happy fishin! i have the same hut as you.very happy with it,just wish it had 2 doors.

Hey I.I.W.- I'm from Bradford also and only fish the west side.

Theres a few of us that stick together out there.

PM me if you want to join us sometime.

Finesy

Good job.

Since I have not been out there this season, I am reluctant to give you any information as it would be 2nd hand only.

But sounds like you go it figured out already

Beat me to it. I also live in Bradford and only fish the west side. usually 7th line. Hut goes out this weekend. Pm if you guys want to hook up

I have the same reason for not replying. Appoligize there icewalker, but can't give advice that I don't know yet.