FIRST ICE!

Finally, the first ice has come! Ponds and lakes have frozen and even the currents of the mighty… Cedar River have closed their open waters to the cold, bitter wind. Yesterday, Cedar Rapids experienced its first ice storm of the year (this was accompanied with a cancellation of school) and thus almost always marks the first day that I’d be willing to go out fishing. As ice storms usually adds an inch or two to the already previous ice amount, which determines, generally, the weight load capacity of the ice.

Last year was my first measurable year of success of ice fishing. Sure I’ve always caught plenty of bluegills and crappies, but I’ve never really had any success with the “big game” fish species, such as walleyes and bass, until last ice fishing season. The major difference is that I acquired a vexilar sonar flasher and that I did plenty of preseason research to know where the fish-holding brushpiles and deep dropoffs were hiding under the ice. Towards the middle of the season I also got a “clam” ice fishing shelter, which is one of the best things that I own. Now I’m able to spend more time out on the “water” before getting frostbite or having the happiness of life get pulled out of me, and with the vexilar I’m able to locate fish and know at which depth they are at. This has been the difference.

This season I’m much more prepared, and I have all of the possible equipment that I would ever need. I have my sled, shelter, lures, bait (which I am able to grow during the offseason), rods, atv, and vexilar, which now I’m extremely familiar with. To any that ice fish and don't have a vexilar or even a camera and regularly have any success I take my hat off to you, for that is true understanding and knowledge of the sport and of the fish.

There’s a certain allure to ice fishing to those that don’t own a boat, as one isn’t limited to the shore and all water is now open to their access. Although I own a boat, I’m much more capable of accessing smaller bodies of water which typically I don’t use.

I’ll be sure to update you on any ice fishing ventures, I’m planning on heading out this weekend to the lake. Good luck and good fishing to all!