It's A Wrap

                                  

This was the way Matt and I wrapped up our 08/09 ice fishing season.  There was no better way to finish off a great winter.  I wanted to go out like a lion!  Our trip to Camp Manitou really allowed us to do that.  I can now focus on open water boat fishing.         

We worked hard for the trout we caught but when you did hook up it was all worth it.  As you can see these trout were very large and made for a great fight.  We also did catch some walleyes, or gravel lizards if you are Jay Moore! 

Stay tuned I will be posting pics and stories from some of the up coming open water activities.  If you are looking to get out on open water and catch some fish feel free to contact me.  The river fishing will be fantastic the next few weeks and the panfishing will get going soon!   

I Think I am In Heaven...catching donkeys!

                   

Matt R and I had a great day on the ice today at Camp Manitou.  Our mission for this trip was to get Matt his first lake trout through the ice; mission accomplished.  After catching his first trout ever ice fishing he followed it up with two more.  I didn't think I would ever be able to get him off the ice tonight. 

As you can see catching one of these elusive trout through the ice puts a smile on your face that does not wear off.

This is what it looks like when you hook up on a donkey!  It takes a 42" ice rod to even stand a chance against them.  Lake trout seem to go where they want when they want; and all you can do is hold on. 

Matt was on fire today.  Every time I would get comfortable I would hear him yelling, "Fish On!".  Kept me on my toes.

I was also able to get in on some of the action and catch a nice donkey!  I was the king of the multi-species today.

I was busy chasing smallmouth; my true love and passion!  The lake trout are one of a kind but there is just something cool about catching giant smallmouth through the ice.  I got into some real dandies today. 

As you can see we had a bit of snow here today but it didn't last to long.  The snow and clouds really turned the fish on from yesterday. 

The best part about this whole story is that I get to wake up tomorrow and do it all over again!  Keep your eyes here for more pics and stories tomorrow night. 

It's what i do

It feels so good to be back on open water in the boat!  I was joined by a few good friends today to hit the mighty Mississippi River out of a boat.  Yes, it is finally here; open water season.  It came in with a bang when I started this 55 degree March day with this dandy catfish.  I wasn't in the water for 5 minutes and I was doing battle with a giant fish.  What more could I ask for?! 

We went on to catch about 50 sauger and a few walleyes.  This is Chuck displaying a few fish.  As Gunner would say, "it's what I do!".  It really made for a great day on the water in a boat!  

As you can imagine the water is very cold this time of year.  Here is great proof, all day long we had ice sheets flowing past our boat.  It would come over the damn in huge sheets.  I happened to snap this pretty cool photo as some floated by right as the sun was going down behind the damn.  I am headed to Canada on Wednesday to do one last bit of ice fishing.  I should have lots of great photos and stories when I return.  We are going to be catching 20 plus pound trout, 10 plus pound walleyes, and 3 pound smallmouth.  Could it get much better for the final hurray on a great 08-09' ice fishing season.