Hard Water Is Coming Hopefully

Well, I am going to put the boat away Oct 30th, time to start thinking about ice fishing. I hope it is more than thinking, after last year being a poor ice year here in Boji Land.
I need to clean the boat up, get all the gear out of it, put reels and rods away, get the engines winterized etc etc.
Oldest grandson Stefan is getting married the first weekend in November so I need to get this boat stuff done prior to that.
Fishing this fall has been hit and miss for us. Dianne and I were out yesterday on Big Spirit and pretty much blanked except for small perch and one small walleye. The lake was dead flat calm, that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it.
We enjoyed the Blues Jam last week at the Pearson Lakes Art Center, they get better each time. The house band was great, missed Joe on lead guitar tho. A young man got up and sang some Sinatra and absolutely knocked the crowd out as did a gentleman that did some great country.
We are headed for Elk Horn, NE this Sunday for Caite, Sean and my birthday party. Caite was10 October 15th, Sean will be 21 the 23rd and I will be Medicare eligible on the 23rd as well. Whew what a deal Medicare!!!!!!
I'm out of here.

Zebra Mussels in Boji Land

The DNR reported today that zebra mussels have been found in Upper Gar Lake, this invasive species plus the two species of bighead and silver carp found before, does not bode well for the Iowa Great Lakes.

This and ThaT

Well, Labor Day has come and gone and thus so has summer in Boji Land. It is still unseasonably hot. Right now the Clay County Fair is in full swing and this weekend the Upper Great Plains Chapter of Muskies Inc, annual fall tournament will be held on the Iowa Great Lakes Chain of Lakes. Good luck to all who are participating. The tourists are pretty much gone, so we can now fish past 10 AM without getting buzzed by jet skis, water skiers etc. We had a pretty tragic summer with 4 drownings all but one alcohol related. Very sad.
We will be hitting the water this week or next in search of fall walleyes and perch. We had a pretty good bluegill and yellow bass bite a couple of weeks ago but it slowed down for us. We took brother-in-law Gary out when he was here for a day and blanked, couldn't find anything but little gills. I am losing my touch.
Already looking forward to our annual trip north with the Dicus's. Rick found a private cabin on Mille Lacs so we booked it last week:
Look Here:http://www.vrbo.com/280909
June seems a long way off but it will be upon us before we know it.
I am curious about this winter's ice fishing, after our warm winter last year.

More to Come

WE SCORED

Dianne and I got out last night and hammered 25 yellow bass so fast I couldn't believe it we were only out about an hour and half. We kept 25 caught probably 40. Went to the Marble Beach cleaning station and had them cleaned by dark. Nice mess O Fish to introduce to hot grease.
Isn't that just the way it goes, this is the bite I was trying to find last Saturday for the grandkids, too much boat traffic.

Time On The Water

I spent the afternoon on the water yesterday with Grandsons Stefan and Jesse and Stefan's fiance Claire. We braved the troubled waters of the two Bojis on a Saturday. Whew was that a ride. We put in at the Highway 9 Bridge boat ramp in Spirit Lake and ran all the way to Miller's Bay. The boat traffic and resulting boat chop was horrendous. Claire and I had the better of the ride, as we were in the Smooth Moves Seats, that take up a lot of the shock. I'm sure Claire probably wouldn't agree that we had the better of the ride. Stefan and Jesse had to put up with the jarring. Stefan noted that he thinks I drive the boat faster than I used to in those conditions. He is probably right. That is one problem with these seats they take up the wave shock so well that you have to be careful to not overdrive the conditions.
Anyway, Claire had never been on our waters, so she got a good taste of the best (the beauty of our Iowa Great Lakes) and the worst (boat traffic and boat chop, boat drivers that don't know the rules of the water).

The fishing was slow but we did manage to catch some bluegill and yellow bass and one nice sized sheephead. Way to go Jesse!! We fished Miller's Bay rocks, Eagle Point weeds and sand and drifted the Emerson Bay Bar. The wind and boat chop was problematic but the Minnkota Terrova i-pilot set in Spot-Lock did its usual amazing job. ie: no anchor was necessary. The no anchoring was particularly enjoyed by Stefan, because in the past he has been the designated anchor setter/puller

There is nothing I like better than having the grand kids in the boat with me for a day of fishing and now add Claire and it just doesn't get any better.

We had Caite the little sister of the above named grandsons with us all week. She out fished grandpa and doesn't let me forget it. She had her first ride on the Queen II, successful, and her first ride on the roller coaster, not so successful. She whacked her nose on the safety bar and got a bloody nose. A trip to Treasure Village for a play, (Little Mermaid), movie, Fish Hatchery, Dickinson County Museum and last but not least a Nutty Bar after the Queen II, rounded out the week. Oh and many games of UNO with Ghee, must be mentioned!! We had beautiful weather all week for her visit.

Still Hot

Man has it been hot, in mid 90s constantly. I have moved from Big Spirit to West Okoboji. Spirit is a foul stinking algae bloom mess and the bite is off, for walleyes anyway.

We have been chasing bluegills on Boji and catching yellows for the most part. We catch four or five big gills on our main spots and then the yellows move in. This invasive species is everywhere. I am a little scared about this, I don't know if they are taking over bluegill habitat or what? I know there are still big schools of gills out there but now there seems to be a competitor for that habitat. Lucky the yellows are very good eating. The bite has been deep weeds with a bare hook and a piece of red worm or a pilkie and maggots.

I recieved a bunch of press via email regard Minnkota and Humminbirds new collaboration, more on that at a later date.

I had a great weekend. Old friends Joe Cuttell, Mike Buckley, Dave Chapman and Tim Horstman, got the Lakes Patrol Band back together. Spent Sunday afternoon listening to them play at the Ritz. Amazing how those guys can be so tight just playing together a couple times a year. Friday night Joe played with Bob Dorr and the Blue Band at a free concert on the green at the Amusement Park in Arnolds Park. Another amazing band that has been together for 31 years.Old rockers don't fade, they just get tighter and better. Joe and the boys will be back in August for the Blues RocknRoll Jam at the Pearson Lakes Art Center August 30th.

All for now stay cool.

Week of July 4

Man has it been hot. Dianne and I spent a day last week cleaning the boat from the Mille Lacs trip. Complete soapy hull wash down and scum remover with products by JJV'SBest. Worked really well. I filled both of the livewells with water and added a good 2qts of bleach to the large well and a quart to the small well,then ran the pumps for 5 minutes, this is to kill the larval stage of the Zebra Mussels (veligers). Checked for plants hanging from the trailer and motors and put the boat away for.another week.. Can't be too careful in protecting our lakes from Invasive Species. Mille Lacs has Eurasion Milfoil, Spiny Water Fleas and Zebra Mussels. Leaving the boat in the hot garage should put the coup de grace on the buggers.

I got on the water Monday with some guys from the fishing club. I was with Scott Berry in his boat on Big Spirit, it was really slow. I think we managed to catch 6 walleyes and maybe 4 perch. I had one Walleye that was 21 inches. Had lunch at the Triggs boat ramp and home before the heat was too bad.

Brother-in-law Gary Vos stayed with us last Saturday night. It is always good to talk fishing and hunting with Gary. We sent him home with a few trinkets from FFO.

I am going to try pulling spinners and Gulp with some new in-line weights that look like a little bait fish, I can hang a belly hook on the weight in case a fish takes a shot at the weight, should be interesting.

All for now stay cool everyone!!!!!!!

Mille Lacs

Dianne and I just got back from Reddoor Resort on Mille Lacs. We had a wonderful week inspite of a tree branch falling on the hood of the truck during a storm and denting the hood. At least it didn't hit the Ranger. :-) It rained and blew a couple of days as well.
However, we caught plenty of walleyes. Dianne caught her personal best Walleye of 26.75 inches and her personal best Smallmouth Bass of 18.5 inches. I put a 28.5 in the boat. We brought fish home and generally had a fine time with the Dicus's. Great food, great company etc. I did notice the bigger walleyes seemed to me to be skinny.
The Humminbird 998SI worked flawlessly and I got a chance to run the edges of the mudflats with side imaging to really put it through the paces. The technique that worked the best was #6 red hook, red or white bead, 10 foot lead and a large leech. We caught them on white Flicker Shads and 3 to 4 colors of lead core. We also caught some on Berkley's new Flicker Crawler rigs with #2 blades. The blades on these rigs are really nice.

The Summer Madness Begins

The madness of the crowds will begin this weekend. The annual neighborhood garage sale is on again. Mike,Susan and Caite are coming for the fun. Dianne will be working Saturday and Sunday morning, so she will miss the Garage Sale fun. :-(.  I think there will be smoked drummies and a fish fry in the offing.
We managed to get on the water Monday for about 4 hours. We quit one fish short of the 6 fish limit. We ended up catching 11 total. 2 short fish that went back and 4 slot fish that went back. All fish coming on an orange Gum Drop floater jigs with a stinger and a leech.Rig was fished off a bottom bouncer and a 4ft lead. I guess I did catch one on a crawler. Orange is not usually a good color for me on Big Spirit but it was Monday.
I am finally getting some time on the Humminbird 998si, it is an awesome tool.

GRRRRR

Got to whine a little. I have spent an average of an hour and half, four days this week talking to support technicians trying to figure out an issue on my brand new notebook computer. Man I hate it when stuff doesn't work properly. Oh well, they are calling me back tomorrow to see if the fix the tech did today has stuck.It is kind of cool and kind of creepy when the tech takes over your computer and you see the cursor on the screen start moving, seemingly on its own. Will see in the morning when I start the  puter up, if the fix is still working.

Dianne and I got out on Big Spirit yesterday, tried to fish, difficult, wind 20mph with gusts to 35. Rockin and Rollin!!! Managed a pretty good northern and had another good fish come off. We were only out about 2 hours. Wind beat us up and we came in. I must be getting too old for those conditions. I used to relish the challenge of being able to fish and produce in that kind of wind.

Walleye Opener/Not In Attendance

All the reports from around the area, indicate that the walleye opener was a huge success. They had about 600 more entrants than last year. Amazing what a crack at 30 Grand will do for the sign-up. Apparently the bite was really good on Big Spirit. Bare hook an a crawler, trolling cranks, casting cranks, pitching jigs, you name it.

I did not participate. Dianne and I were privileged to attend our oldest Grandson Stefan's graduation from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. Wow, where does the time go. He graduated with Distinction, majoring in Mathematics, BS in Education and Human Services. Hope I got that right.

We enjoyed a fabulous lunch at Lazlo's in Lincoln, with Stefan and his fiancee Clair.,Dad,mom and sister Mike,Susan and Caitlin Elser. Grandpa John and Grandma Maxine Elser. Great Day!!

Time Well Spent (on the water)

Well, my bride and I took a little excursion on West Okoboji to test the new upgrade I downloaded to the Humminbird 998csi. Everything worked as advertised (whew) I am not sure I like them taking the Auto Sensitivity from the side imaging . But, you need to tweak it constantly anyway, so I guess it is all right. It looks like I am going to like the new waypoint, route,track management window. Looks complicated but will work through it. I used the Snapshot for the first time. I ran to my waypoint marking the Ice Truck in Smith's Bay and after about 20 minutes, I was able to get a pretty good sideimaging picture and recorded it on a chip. It isn't as good an image as Rick Dicus got so I will try to get a better angle the next time.
Didn't do any fishing to speak of, spent all my time learning the new electronics.
Well, I lied we pulled cranks for about 45 minutes in Upper Gar and Minnewashta, nothing caught.

Humminbird Downloads

I put the latest updates in the 788 and the 998, anxious to get on the water and see what the changes are. I don't know if I like the fact that they removed the Auto Sensitivity mode in the  SI modes of the 998. I will like the Waypoint Point management capability in the 998. I printed out a 40 page manual for it, so I may have to take the the liking it back. :-)
Got back from Elkhorn late Friday night after our babysitting for Caite duty, while Mike and Sue took grandson Jesse to Iowa State and University of Nebraska-Lincoln for the tours. Jesse has a big decision to make as to his choice of Universities. He will do well wherever he goes.
We head back down their Friday to watch Caite again while mom and dad go to the dinner for Stefan who will be graduating as a High Scholar.  He graduates Saturday. Man where the hell does the time go!!!!

Humminbird Seminar

Attended the Humminbird factory rep seminar, held at Great Lakes Marine in Spirit Lake, IA, yesterday. Well worth the time. I learned some new things and affirmed some things I was a little hazy about. Very well presented. Kudos to Shane and the staff at Great Lakes Marine!!!

Rick Dicus and I took a little road trip to Lost Island down by Ruthven today. Brr man it was cold, damp and windy. Fishing was very slow, I managed one Northern and missed another bite, Rick boated 2 fish, one was a keeper and had two nice ones come off. We were pulling Flicker Shads to start with and then switched to spinners and 4 inch "Gulp" crawlers. The people using live bait were doing better but not much. Water temp was 50.4 F, wind NW 15-25 MPH switching to NE later in the day, air temp never got higher than 48 F. I had a blast it was really good to be back out there after some time off from the action, the last 2 1/2 seasons.  Gotta love anytime on the water.

SSH

Shush, rumor has it the sun is going to come out and the wind is going to die down. About time. I had at tip from a friend today that the "eyes" are on a chew down at Lost Island Lake. I may have to get down there Sunday or Monday. There have been some big crappie caught on Big Spirit and some really nice bass as well.
I won't be able to fish The Great Walleye Weekend, our oldest grandson Stefan is graduating from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, that weekend. Priorities

Don't forget the Humminbird Seminar at Great Lakes Marine 4/21. I am really looking forward to it, hope to get up to speed on my 998. I can see all sorts of applications for sideimaging.

I'm Back

I am back on-line finally. My old laptop, went south on me this week and I finally got a new one yesterday. Damn technology!  I can go on-line, email etc with the Blackberry, but I hate typing with those little bitty keys. Anyway, back on the grid.
The wind is finally under 30 mph but thunderstorms in the forecast for today. Hopefully I will be back on the water soon. I NEED TO WET A LINE!!!!!!!!
Dianne and I went to see The Scottie Miller Band at the Pearson Lakes Art Center, Thursday night. Man what an awesome night of music. He really is a Piano Man. Blues, funky New Orleans riffs etc.


Later

Humminbird Seminar

Just a heads up folks. If any of you are using Humminbird or wondering about the side imaging and down imaging capabilities of some of these units. Exciting news, Great Lakes Marine in Spirit Lake is going to have a Humminbird rep at their facility on April 21st from 1-4 Saturday afternoon. They will have the 800 series and 900 series units on hand and set up  so we can get hands on experience with the products.
I signed up  today, sign up early so you can get a chair, bring your questions and notebooks!!!! Call 712 336 3822 and register.
No fishing reports, I haven't been out. I do know that the fish hatchery is in full swing, they have plenty of muskie and walleye at the hatchery to look at. Stop in if you have some time.
Later

First outing.

Well, my bride and I put the Ranger in Big Spirit for the first time yesterday. What a beautiful day to be on the water. It was mainly a boat ride, trying to burn up some of last fall's fuel. The side scan in the Humminbird 998 worked well, the 788 up front had no interference from the Terrova tolling motor. The water pressure gauge was not working, however. I will have to track this down. I had to put a new one in a couple of years ago, hope that isn't the case this time.
Of course, we had to wet a line. Threw some Flasher jigs and jerk baits on Stony to no avail. moved to another spot, on a little rock pile I have marked in the GPS. Oh, by the way I was looking for smallies. Anyway I was throwing a Rattletrap and had a huge muskie follow it to the boat. It really startled me, a muskie was the last thing I was expecting. This spot will bear another look after the muskie opener.
Today was spent getting a new wireless router set up in the house. My other one finally died last night after many years of service. I got stuck setting it up, a quick call to Grandson Stefan and I was good to go. Way cool.

Wind/Wind/Wind

Well, the wind is blowing again today, wind is 24mph gusting to 37mph. I'm glad we got the boat cleaned up Saturday and Sunday. Finally buffed the water line out of the hull, now if I could just figure out how to get the part of the hull that sits behind the trailer fenders cleaned and waxed without putting in a hoist or in the lake. Oh well.
I will be concentrating on learning the ins and outs of the the Humminbird 998si, in the coming weeks. Haven't got everything back in the Ranger but working on it.
I'm hoping to get out next weekend for some pig smallmouth fishing. 

Mighty Mo

Just got back from Chamberlain,SD. I had a great time fishing with friend Scott Berry. We caught 39 walleye on Wednesday and kept our 8 fish. They ranged from 15-18 inches,minimum is 15 inches. Today we caught 32 ranging from 17-19.5 inches. 95% of the fish were caught dragging either a 1/4 or 1/8 Reel Baits Flasher jig tipped with a minnow. The others were caught on a Precision Jig and a Berkley 3 inch Ripple Shad in smelt color. All fish were caught 13-4 ft of water, with the majority being in 4-5ft.
We put in at Ft Thompson Dam. What a great way to start the softwater season.

Fish Traps are in the shed

Well, my bride and I put away the ice fishing gear today. The FishTrap Pro and the FishTrap Guide are in the shed, as is the Strikemaster, all the rods and jig boxes are in the shop.

I have begun the process of getting all the tackle ready for the boat. The Ranger 619 is coming home Monday, with a new fuel filter and Air Compressor Filter for the Optimax and a new fuel filter for the Kicker.

We took a drive around this afternoon. Big Spirit is 75 % clear of ice, East Okoboji, Upper and Lower Gar and Minnewashta are 100% ice free. West Okoboji not so much it is still pretty much capped. With the high temps and high wind forecast for tomorrow, even West might be going soon. Hoorah Later

Ice Out (almost)

I just took a drive around Big Spirit it is about 1/3 out, the north end of East Okoboji is out and Center Lake is out, haven't been south so can't report on West Okoboji and the south part of East Okoboji, Upper Gar, Minnewashta and Lower Gar. More later.Looks like I'm behind on my tackle prep.

A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood

Wow, it is going to get in the 70's today and stay there at least through next Monday. The ice is turning black on all the lakes. A huge area opened up on the north end of Big Spirit from Minnewaukon to Cottonwood and south almost to Red Nose Point. I will have to take a look at the Okobojis today. Must remember this is Iowa and the possibility of a March blizzard is always in the back of our minds.

I think I will go get the Ranger the first week in April. Visions of pig small mouth and Storm Lake walleye are dancing in my head. I have to check my records it might be time for a new impeller in the kicker motor. Time to put the ice shacks in the shed, summerize the gas ice auger and move reels from winter rods to summer rods.

I have decided to wait and see regarding upgrading the software in the electronics. I will watch the Humminbird message boards to see if any problems pop up with this latest round of upgrades.

Had a great weekend reunion with high school buddy Paul Namtvedt, he was down from Alaska, I hadn't seen or talked to him in years. It was great to visit. Paul and I were trapping, hunting, partying etc partners in high school and after. It was good to see and talk to other friends and classmates as well.

Invasive Species

Our precious Iowa Great Lakes Chain are threatened by invasive species, that would change the entire system and ruin the fishery as well as greatly affect the tourist industry the area depends upon so much. Last year the DNR caught a Big Head carp in a net. I believe the jumping Silver Carp will be close behind the Big Head, if it is not already here. We are in danger of Zebra Mussel infestation, and Eurasian Milfoil,and many other species all of which are in the systems in Minnesota,Wisconsin and Illinois. The Upper Great Plains Chapter of Muskies Inc. has found some funding to put an electrical barrier at the outlet at the lower end of Lower Gar. I fear that may be too little too late but one can be hopeful.
I think that the Iowa Legislature should give serious consideration to funding an Invasive Species research facility at Iowa State University in conjunction with the DNR to see what, if anything can be done. Minnesota is talking about doing this as well. Maybe it should be joint effort and be an upper midwest states facility. I don't know but something should be done and quickly or our wonderful waters as we know and love them will be history.

Spirit Opening

Well, there is a huge area of open water on Big Spirit, from just west of Big Stony Point north. With wind from the south gusting to 25 mph and high temps in the 50s today, the open area will enlarge.
Still some guys out from Marble Beach at least a mile, picking up perch I imagine.
I am probably going to pick the Ranger up at the end of the month. I predict an early ice out this year!
Looking forward to getting down to Storm Lake after the ice out there and pitching some Flasher Jigs. That water is awesome early! I will also be on Spirit immediately after ice out here to get on the ice out Smallie bite.
I have a lot to do to get the boat ready. Primary task will be to get a transducer for the 998si, glassed in the hull of the boat, so I can read depth on plane. I have never done this so I will be getting input from others on this. I do know that I hope I can glass it in next to the bilge and live well pumps, instead of in the transom setback. I will have to get someone to do it for me if I have to put it in the setback. I don't think I can physically stand on my head to get it in there, we will see.

Reel Bait

Just reconnected with Al Patterson of Reel BaitsTackle Company on Facebook today. I have used his Flasher Jigs for years, they are awesome  and my go to jig in most cases. I also like his Fergie Spoons and I imagine I will be trying the new Prototype Series of jigging spoons he has developed. Give the Flasher Jigs etc a try some time they will not disappoint. You can find them here www.reelbait.com
It is time to get tackle sorted and ready for this summer. I need to get cranks sorted and in their proper places. Inventory spinners and tie some new ones, jigs need to sorted, slip bobbers looked over, crankbait hooks sharpened and replaced where needed, reels spooled with fresh line etc.
So what the hell am I doing sitting here in my big chair typing this???

Humminbird Upgrades

Just got an email from Humminbird Select with the announcement of the following software upgrades for 1100 and 900 series units:
These updates on version 6.180 include:

• Casting Rings
• Waypoint Proximity Indicator
• Removable Readouts for 800/900 series Side Imaging Units
• Countdown timer
• Course Projection and Heading Lines
• Time To Go (TTG) 
• Lower Range
• Hide Track
• North Up Indicator
• Side Imaging Range Variable on SI units
• Side Imaging Auto Range on SI unit 
• Waypoint Management
• Radar Menus (with purchase of optional Radar Accessory) 

I will be looking at these new features to see if I will use them before putting them in my 998. I am leery of putting new software in anything after a bad experience with Lowrance. There is also a new software upgrade for my 788ci, same cautions. At first glance I am excited about the new stuff.

Spring is a coming

Just picked up a Frabill Worm Can, and 3 bags of Berkley Power Bait Ripple Shads. I put a Pfleuger Arbor reel on the new Fenwick Elite Tech Smallmouth Rod, loaded with 10lb Nanofil. I can't wait to get on Storm Lake after ice out and pitch jigs for walleye. Probably in about 2 months. :-) I know I'm way ahead of myself but I am afflicted with massive cabin fever!!!!
I am in the process of re-viewing some excellent videos by Doug Vahrenberg (sp?) and Jason Halfen about reading and interpreting Humminbird side imaging as well as preferred settings in differerent situations. I am also lucky that there is a man here in town that is an expert on the side imaging, that I can get some help from. (Rollie Peschon) I really need to get with the learning curve on that 998si this summer.
The ice is starting to look really bad after all the rain we received last night. Ice out is still quite a ways away but it will be here sooner than we think . I will probably get the Ranger out of storage, at the end of March, unless the ice goes out sooner than I anticipate.

This and That

Not much going on, watched the live feed of the Bassmaster Classic weigh in over the weekend. New champion Chris Lane, big congratulations.He and his brother Bobby both made the final cut. Man they drag that thing out, I imagine it is exciting live. Dianne doesn't miss the Classic at all, she attended over 20 years for Berkley/Pure Fishing. She didn't even go to the weigh ins after a few years, she stayed at the show and worked.
Haven't been ice fishing at all. Foot isn't completely healed and I really don't want to try and walk out there and the ice isn't safe enough to drive. I see 36 trucks went through the ice over on Lake Winnebago in Wisconsin over the weekend. They all parked in the same place and it was too much for the ice, no one was injured. Dumb Asses!!!!
I had a nice conversation with Bob Jensen over the weekend, hadn't talked to him in a long time. I value his insight into what is going on in the fishing industry. His FISHING THE MIDWEST TV show is the best catch it, if it is on your TV channels!!

Humminbird 360 Imaging

Humminbird just announced this new technology that allows you to look  360 degrees around your boat. Amazing stuff!! I think it will be great for the bass tournament guys but for $2000.00 I will have to pass. Great idea though.
I may get out on the ice this weekend if this storm pretty much misses us. Snowing right now, we may get up to 5 inches today and tonight, and of course with high wind!!!

Electronics Mounts

Well, I'm considering a switch from Ram mounts to either Stabil or Cisco mounts, they are both the same price. Cisco looks to be a little more adjustable than Stabil but a little harder to remove the units from the boat than Stabil mounts. Both American made. I just can't get the Ram 1.5 inch locked down tight enough with these larger units ie:Humminbird 998csi. I used the shorter arm last summer and that was better but the unit still moved. Up front on the deck the Humminbird 788ci, seemed more solid but still moved some. I haven't convinced myself that spending a couple of hundred bucks for two new mounting systems is the way to go. Of course with what I have invested in electronics, that isn't much money to protect them.
I think the first order of business this spring is getting the in-hull puck transducer glassed in the hull. Then I will be able to get sonar readings on plane on the 998. I have never done this particular install before so I will go slow and get some help. I hope I can just sand the hull smooth by the live well and bilge pumps and not have to take the oil tank out and stand on my head to get the ducer glassed in the set back area of the Ranger 619!!
I need to get this done so I can fully learn the capabilities of the 998, DI,SI,Snap Shot etc. I only got to use it about 5 times last year do to that knee thing but will be out full bore this summer. (Hopefully)

Puter back up

Well, I had a little scare Wednesday. My laptop showed up with the Blue Screen of Death. I clicked on an email link I shouldn't have. I knew it was bad the instant I clicked on it. I don't know why I did that I normally don't open suspicious links and it was suspicious. Oh, well brain fart. I took it into town to the COMPUTER GUY (Steve Currell) and he had me up and running Thursday. Very good service and pleasant man. Give him a look if you need some computer work, small business or home. He is even a certified Apple guy.
Haven't been on the ice, still trying to heal up the problem on my heel. It is coming but I don't want to push it. Rick D is on LOW as I write this, hoping for some pictures today. He is fishing out of ARNESON'S ROCKY POINT RESORT. I have never been to that one but it looks good on their website.
 I am anxious to try the Blade Baits I bought from Dean's Tackle Box, they really look good. Later

Blades

I have been looking to try blade baits for some time now. I have a few Cicadas but today I ordered 4 different colors and 2 different weights,of the Tweener Series from deanstacklebox.com. Might try them on the ice if I get back out there this year, which I doubt. Should be interesting, I have had some success with the Cicada baits.
I see the population of icers has dropped dramatically since the warm up. I know they are still getting gills on West Okoboji as well as perch. Gills in the bays, perch on north end 18-20 ft of water as well as between Eagle Point and Gull Point. (Spencer Beach area)

Progress

Just saw Dr. Blankers. Cicatrix is healing nicely. Dressing now just some antibiotic cream and a band-aid, no longer need crutches unless I am going on a long hike. :-) 
I think I am probably done with ice fishing for the year, we will see. I don't plan on walking out anymore and I don't think the ice is going to get good enough to drive on.
I am now looking at a step system to get in and out of the boat when I launch and take out by myself. I have looked at EZEE Step, Bow-Step, EZ-Troll step and some others. I am also still considering putting a Boat Buddy to catch the bow eye when loading the boat at the boat ramp. I need to go online to some message boards and see what experience other folks have had with these items on Ranger 619s. If anybody reads this and has some experience to share please do.

Lowrance LCX25C

Well, the guy from Cedar Rapids decided not to buy the 25. It is still available for $475.00 but I just may keep it as a back-up. I can put it up front with no re-rigging other than buying a transducer adapter cable for the US2 transducer on the Terrova. Hmmmm, that would give me a big screen color sonar on the bow. Nah, I'd rather sell it.

Out of Action

Well, I'm out of action again, just for a little bit, hopefully. I developed a blood blister under the cicatrix on the foot on my bad leg. Dr Blankers debrided it yesterday, put me on an antibiotic and dressed it with a piece of silver antiseptic pad. I see him in a week. I redress the wound daily with a 1 centimeter piece of silver pad and 500mg X2 daily of Cephalexin. I need to make major effort to not get an infection in this and have it get in my knee replacement. Back on crutches as much as possible as well. Follow up appointment next Friday.
Son-of-a-Bitch, I'm getting tired of this!!!!!!!!!

Sad News in Boji Land

Just got the very sad news this morning that the Fishing Professor (Jim McDonell) passed away early this morning from a heart attack. He will be missed. He had guided in Boji Land forever. R-I-P Jim.

32nd Annual University of Okoboji Winter Games

Well, the Winter Games will be this weekend. Chilli Cookoff, BroomBall, Chocolate tasting, Flag Football, Boot Hockey and on and on. The activities on the ice have been moved on-shore, due to unsafe ice throughout the Iowa Great Lakes area.
I sincerely hope that someone doesn't try to drive their car, truck,snowmobile or atv out across one of the lakes. However, I imagine someone will get a snoot full of Barley Pop and give it a go. Just hope the rescue divers won't be necessary.
I have no personal fishing report as I haven't been on the ice for a week. Just too tough pulling the FishTrap by hand and the ice isn't thick enough for me to drive the truck out. I don't own a snowmobile or atv so I will wait. I know some of the guys are driving their vehicles on Little Emerson and North Bay on West Okoboji and Anglers Bay on Big Spirit but not me, yet! Stay Warm everyone.

7-Day Forecast for Latitude 43.39°N and Longitude 95.15°W (Elev. 1450 ft)

7-Day Forecast for Latitude 43.39°N and Longitude 95.15°W (Elev. 1450 ft)

Monday/Monday

I have no fishing reports to share with you this morning. I didn't get out at all this weekend. I took a drive around Big Spirit Saturday and there was a few guys out but not many. I did notice some pickups and SUVs on Anglers's Bay. Hmm, don't know if I'm ready for that or not.

Wow, the two football game yesterday were the most exciting I have seen in a long time! Should be a great Superbowl.

I am trying to sell my Lowrance LCX25C to a fellow from Cedar Rapids, should make a great unit for him or someone else. As I explained this past summer, I have switched to all Humminbird and couldn't be happier with the technology Humminbird has developed.

SNOW

Didn't go today, it snowed about 6 inches last night and today. With my quad tendon repair last summer and new knee the year before, it becomes problematic pulling that Fishtrap Pro on that snow. Just don't have the strength yet. I'm damn sure not driving the truck out there. I did see some pickups out on Miller's Bay Wednesday. Sheesh!!!
Tim M sent me a text that it was work getting out there and that the bite was slow. Just like soft water fishing weather fronts and the wind switches that come with them will shut the fish down. Barometric pressure rules!!
Probably won't get out tomorrow either, the wind is supposed to be 15-25 mph. Will have blowing snow for sure.

I lied

I lied, we went out this afternoon. Got out there about two and fished until about 4:30. It was a nice bite, I kept 14 gills and a crappie, Tim M kept a limit of 25. I had to sort quite a bit I wasn't catching as many big ones as Tim and he was only 20 ft from me. Funny how that works sometimes.
Red 1/84 jig and a waxy was the bait of choice, although I did catch some on a gold Custom Jigs n Spins Diamond  Head Jig and a waxy.
After the wind went down the cold wasn't bad at all.

Cancelled

Well, as you have probably guessed from the weather forecast I posted, we called the ice fishing off for the day. The projected forecast for the next several days may continue that cancellation. We might get 5 inches of snow between now and Friday. Bummer!!!!!

7-Day Forecast for Latitude 43.39°N and Longitude 95.15°W (Elev. 1450 ft)

7-Day Forecast for Latitude 43.39°N and Longitude 95.15°W (Elev. 1450 ft)

Double BRRRR

Well, right now it is -11 F with a windchill of -31. Waiting to hear from Tim M to see if he wants to head to the ice. I don't think I am up for it today. I will report later what the decision was and/or the bite if we go.

Just found out about a Humminbird Seminar at Soo Sports in Sioux Falls, SD, Feb 15,2012. I might go to that in order to get up to speed on my 998SI, that I didn't get much time on last summer.

Brrrrr

Well it supposed to warm up today. Tomorrow is another matter! I am scheduled to go icing tomorrow with Tim M but the high is supposed to be 3 F according to Weather Bug on my Blackberry. Oh, well if the wind stays down it won't be too bad. At least the lakes are making ice and we sure need that. At this stage of the game last winter we had 18 inches plus and were driving our trucks on BigSpirit. Right now, I am a little leery of walking too far out on Spirit. Okoboji the bays are fine. I don't know yet whether to hit Little Emerson again or try for some perch off Crandall's Beach on Big Spirit.                                            
I am anxious to try the new Shakespeare Ugly Stick light ice rods on deep perch. I have some Abu Garcia reels spooled with 4lb Berkley Vanish flourocarbon line, with some Genz Worms and Bro Bug Mud Bugs tied on.
Looks like we have a front moving in that may bring some nasty weather towards the end of the week. Stay warm everyone. Later

Dianne 5, Tim 2

Well, Dianne and I made it out on Little Emerson Bay, on West Okoboji yesterday and the bite was slow compared to the day before. We quit at noon and gave what fish she caught to Tim Milner. Dianne kicked my butt on her first outing on the ice with me this year. We saw plenty of big gills but I just couldn't get them to go. I did lose a pig of a gill at the hole. (you've heard that before I'm sure) I caught a small northern. That may have been part of the problem, we seemed to have northerns under us all morning. Bluegills are a little edgy with northerns in the neighborhood. :-)
Anyway, we had a good time and it was good to have my bride out on the ice.
I heard that two guys went through the ice up on Big Spirit Lake yesterday, don't know if it is true or not but it wouldn't surprise me. Some people just don't get it.

Little Emerson Bay Again

Little Emerson was the spot for me again today.  The bigger gills wanted Berkley Power Bait again. black or pink Atomic Mites, 2lb Berkley Vanish for line. I had a limit by two. Great day.
I had to stop at Fisherman's Factory Outlet after fishing. I picked up two Shakespeare Ugly Stick ultra lite rods and a Pfleuger Medalist fly reel for one of the rods, the other will have a spinning reel of some kind.
Tomorrow I'm taking my bride with for her first trip on the ice this season. She usually does well. I heard that someone went through the ice off Marble Beach on Big Spirit Lake, today. Man, I just don't get it, why do these guys take such risks, no damn perch or walleye or whatever is worth drowning!!!!

Good Day on Boji

Spent most of the day on Little Emerson Bay. It was productive. Kept 18 nice bluegills and 1 crappie. Could have kept a limit of 25 bluegills but upgraded. Almost all of the fish were caught on Berkley panfish plastic PowerBait. Jig of choice was either a Custom Jigs and Spins red Diamond Jig or Lindy gold Fat Boy, combined with either a black plastic or pink. Location was the west side of the bay.
There is a good 10-12 inches of ice in Little Emerson.

Headin Out To Little Emerson-West Okoboji

Well, I'm getting ready to meet Rick at 10:00. Right now the temp is -3 with windchill of -20. Hope it warms up. I am after bull bluegills this morning and crappie if they present themselves. I have been in contact with some guys on message boards regarding ice conditions on Big Spirit. Some of them are just bound and determined to go out up there. Very dangerous in my opinion. I am just not that mad at perch and walleye to risk drowning!!!
 I will report later on the bite.

Where is the ice?

Well ice fishing in the IGL has been interesting this year to say the least. We have relatively little good ice anywhere. I was going to go this morning with friend Rick, we decided wind gusting to 40 MPH and 9 degree temps was a little much. We are going to try again tomorrow.
I took a drive around this afternoon and Big Spirit is wide open where guys were fishing a few days ago. (Buffalo Run, Marble Beach) The bays on West Okoboji are fishable.
I have had pretty good fishing on Smith's Bay and Little Emerson. Small red Diamond Head jig and waxy or Fat Boy and waxy. Angler's Bay on Big Spirit has been hit or miss for me, few weeds this year  and the water has become murky.
With this cold weather we should finally get some good ice when and if the wind goes down and if we don't get a bunch of snow cover to insulate it.