Finally some ice fishing

[Einthewoods]

Lake ice is thick enough for me to be out there, so today the boy and I got to go out for a few hours. What a great time spent with the kiddos!! A mostly quiet fishing day but for about 30 minutes it was fish as quick as you could get your line back in the water. Perch tacos tomorrow as my beautiful wife didn't have faith in us bringing home dinner so there is chicken and dumplings already in the pot.

 

[Ford850]

That's a nice one! We've been hitting our favorite area for bluegills and catfish. We haven't had any peak times, but just catching enough to keep us there for another hour, and then another.

 

[Thomas]

Also makes good fish chowder. :licking:

 

[s219]

Nice perch! My wife also doubts my ability to provide food when I go fishing, so in the odd cases I catch something substantial it's always the next day's dinner. That works out OK in most cases, as when I catch a lot of fish I'm almost always outside past dark cleaning them, and it would be tough to make time to cook them!

I haven't been ice fishing since I was a kid in New England, but have fond memories. Often, we'd cook what we caught right there on the spot. Smelling a trout cooking up with onions and butter over a campfire is a wonderful experience.

 

[2LaneCruzer]

You mean there are other ways to cook fish besides frying it?...And maybe an occasional grilled trout?

 

[MossRoad]

Lake ice is thick enough for me to be out there, so today the boy and I got to go out for a few hours. What a great time spent with the kiddos!! A mostly quiet fishing day but for about 30 minutes it was fish as quick as you could get your line back in the water. Perch tacos tomorrow as my beautiful wife didn't have faith in us bringing home dinner so there is chicken and dumplings already in the pot.


View attachment 534816

Nice jumbo.

 

[MossRoad]

Whatcha using for catfish bait? I've never fished for them on purpose.

 

[Ford850]

Whatcha using for catfish bait? I've never fished for them on purpose.

We didn't fish for them on purpose, but we've been catching them on waxworms and the tiny panfish spoons while trying for bluegill. They are fun to catch through the ice.

 

[MossRoad]

Ah, the universal bait! :laughing: I thought maybe you were using chicken livers or corn balls! :laughing:

It always surprises me how many species will bit a little waxy on a tiny jig. I've caught anything from teeny tiny 2" bass to large pike on that same thing. I think I recall catching a small catfish through the ice many years ago, but only 1.

 

[MacLawn]

Ice fishing is about the only redeeming thing I can see about living in freeze country! Our water stays liquid here, but I'd be walking on water if I lived up there! Yellow perch, or contains as my Dad called them, are some of my favorite. And beautiful fish too!!