Well, I'm back on the water. I have a little trouble getting in and out of the boat on dry land but not too bad. Dianne and I had granddaughter Caite out 2 weekends ago she caught 16 Yellow Bass and 3 gills we had a blast.
Spent some time getting to know the Humminbird 998si, it is awesome but the learning curve is steep. I had a little problem with the Spot Lock feature on the MinnKota Terrova, turned out to be a low battery in the remote control. Weird.
Dianne and I were out yesterday for a couple of hours looking for perch lots of small ones and tons of yellow bass. I have not been catching many silver bass.
Tuesday, October 04, 2011
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Doctor appointment today. Hopefully I will be good to go to start walking without the brace. I have about 125 degrees of flex in my knee now and the quad muscle is getting stronger.
I have purchased an extra power cord so I can sit in the house and learn the menus of the new Humminbird 998si, that I got to use one afternoon this summer. I am holding out hope that I will be back on the water late this fall. Deer hunting seems out of the question for this year.
Smoked some baby backs and almonds on the new Bradley smoker last week, yumm. Actually, my bride did it I am not getting around enough to do it. I barked orders from the sidelines. Next up a pork shoulder, chicken, more almonds, maybe a deer backstraps and some fish.
I have purchased an extra power cord so I can sit in the house and learn the menus of the new Humminbird 998si, that I got to use one afternoon this summer. I am holding out hope that I will be back on the water late this fall. Deer hunting seems out of the question for this year.
Smoked some baby backs and almonds on the new Bradley smoker last week, yumm. Actually, my bride did it I am not getting around enough to do it. I barked orders from the sidelines. Next up a pork shoulder, chicken, more almonds, maybe a deer backstraps and some fish.
My Review of Bubba Pucks - Bradley Smoker Woodsaver
Originally submitted at Yardandpool.com
Bubba Pucks - Bradley Smoker WoodsaverThe Bubba Pucks, Bradley Smoker Woodsaver Bisquettes, are a must have if you are a Bradley Smoker owner. These are the original Bubba Pucks so don't be fooled by imitations. The Bubba Pucks are custom made for Bradley Smokers and will pay for themselves in ...
Bubba Pucks Work
By Speedy from Iowa on 8/10/2011
Pros: Easy To Use, Improves Grill Function
Describe Yourself: Occasional Griller
Great aftermarket addition to my Bradley Smoker. Works exactly as advertised.
(legalese)
Thursday, June 30, 2011
onward and upward
Had doc appointment yesterday. Still limited to passive flexing of knee. (I am allowed to bend it but not straighten it by flexing quad) Maybe in 3 weeks.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Oops
Well, I have to report on the Mille Lacs trip. Dianne and I and Rick and Shirley Dicus arrived at Red Door Inn on 6/112/11, on 6/13/11 after a good day on the water, I slipped in the tub and blew out my left quadriceps tendon. Back home 14th, after a MRI at Aitkin,MN hospital. Appointment with Dr. Leupold at LRH on the 15th and surgery on the 16th. Home the 17th.
Surgery involved drilling holes in my patella (knee cap) and suturing the ends of the tendon to those holes. I can't straighten my leg, wife has to lift it and then we lock the brace straight. I can bend it on my own but not straighten. The tendon would tear loose from the kneecap. Anyway, I'm on the mend again. Hopefully, I am not out for the season. Maybe the club muskie tournament in September.
I absolutely love the Humminbird 998 with side scan, down imaging etc. I got to use it one day. I got it all installed the day before we left.
Surgery involved drilling holes in my patella (knee cap) and suturing the ends of the tendon to those holes. I can't straighten my leg, wife has to lift it and then we lock the brace straight. I can bend it on my own but not straighten. The tendon would tear loose from the kneecap. Anyway, I'm on the mend again. Hopefully, I am not out for the season. Maybe the club muskie tournament in September.
I absolutely love the Humminbird 998 with side scan, down imaging etc. I got to use it one day. I got it all installed the day before we left.
Thursday, July 01, 2010
Well it has been a year since I have been here, lots of water under the bridge. I had the knee replacement last November 09 and have been getting the knee back in shape. I have about 120 deg bend back in it which is incredible, no pain except for my ankle a little bit. I have been back on the Bowflex, Healthrider and Bicycle. I am not all the way back but getting there. Most important, I am back on the water
My bride and I and the Dicuses finally made our trip to Red Door Resort on Mille Lacs, we had a ball, caught tons of walleyes, ate more than we should and generally had a good time. This was a trip that I won at the 08 fall muskie tournament, Rick Dicus did as well. I couldn't go last year because of surgery and Rick and Shirley couldn't go because of her surgery. The folks at Red Door were kind enough to let us put it off a year. If you want a class place to on Mille Lacs stay Red Door is the place.
We are going to book a week next summer.
Getting ready for a run to Oahe in 2 weeks to meet up with college buddy John Wrede and his wife Marjorie and renew acquaintance's with the Schurmanns.
We had the pleasure of having our youngest grandson with us for a week in June and looking forward to hosting granddaughter Caite in August.
Oh, I had a brain fart on Mille Lacs using the Minnkota PD to back up to get back in positition and didn't notice that the drift sock was caught in the prop, fried the main board. Now this gave me the opportunity to buy a Minnkota Terrova AP/US2/i-pilot. :-) I got the old one fixed and it is now for sale, as well as two Lowrance Sonars X-97 and X-87 and a Lowrance Global Map 3200. I have transducers, power cords all the stuff. Oh, the Minnkota has Co-pilot with two remotes. Shane Kendall at Great Lakes Marine in Spirit Lake, IA, handled everything for me, great place to do business if you are in the market. He has my old stuff at his shop for sale.
Well, I hope you are all a great summer. Tight lines and keep your hooks sharp.
My bride and I and the Dicuses finally made our trip to Red Door Resort on Mille Lacs, we had a ball, caught tons of walleyes, ate more than we should and generally had a good time. This was a trip that I won at the 08 fall muskie tournament, Rick Dicus did as well. I couldn't go last year because of surgery and Rick and Shirley couldn't go because of her surgery. The folks at Red Door were kind enough to let us put it off a year. If you want a class place to on Mille Lacs stay Red Door is the place.
We are going to book a week next summer.
Getting ready for a run to Oahe in 2 weeks to meet up with college buddy John Wrede and his wife Marjorie and renew acquaintance's with the Schurmanns.
We had the pleasure of having our youngest grandson with us for a week in June and looking forward to hosting granddaughter Caite in August.
Oh, I had a brain fart on Mille Lacs using the Minnkota PD to back up to get back in positition and didn't notice that the drift sock was caught in the prop, fried the main board. Now this gave me the opportunity to buy a Minnkota Terrova AP/US2/i-pilot. :-) I got the old one fixed and it is now for sale, as well as two Lowrance Sonars X-97 and X-87 and a Lowrance Global Map 3200. I have transducers, power cords all the stuff. Oh, the Minnkota has Co-pilot with two remotes. Shane Kendall at Great Lakes Marine in Spirit Lake, IA, handled everything for me, great place to do business if you are in the market. He has my old stuff at his shop for sale.
Well, I hope you are all a great summer. Tight lines and keep your hooks sharp.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Man, it has been a long time since I have blogged. Update, the Ranger hasn't been in the water this year. My last outing on the water was hard water, when I took an old friend ice fishing on Big Spirit Lake for perch. That was in February.
I underwent a tibial osteotomy, on my right leg (gunshot leg), April 27th, and have been healing up since. I had the surgery at Mayo in Rochester, MN and am under the care of Dr Morrey. The surgery was necessary preparation for a knee replacement. My right leg needed to be straightened before a knee replacement could be done. The hope is that the weight would be shifted enough to the outside of the knee, that I would get enough relief to put the knee replacement off for awhile. I don't think that is the case. I am putting some weight on it know with the aid of a leg brace. I have an appointment at Mayo 7-29-09, we shall see what is next.
So summer has been spent inside healing, I had a cast on until June and now the brace.
Fishing has been pretty good I am told. The muskie went nuts on Big Spirit a couple of weeks ago and some nice skies continue to be caught on Spirit and West Okoboji.
We have high hopes of getting up to Mille Lacs this fall with, with friends Rick and Shirley Dicus, but it depends on the leg, obviously.
So, it has been a real tame summer this year.
Hope anyone who is reading this has a good summer on the water, on Boji.
That is it from Boji Land for know.
I underwent a tibial osteotomy, on my right leg (gunshot leg), April 27th, and have been healing up since. I had the surgery at Mayo in Rochester, MN and am under the care of Dr Morrey. The surgery was necessary preparation for a knee replacement. My right leg needed to be straightened before a knee replacement could be done. The hope is that the weight would be shifted enough to the outside of the knee, that I would get enough relief to put the knee replacement off for awhile. I don't think that is the case. I am putting some weight on it know with the aid of a leg brace. I have an appointment at Mayo 7-29-09, we shall see what is next.
So summer has been spent inside healing, I had a cast on until June and now the brace.
Fishing has been pretty good I am told. The muskie went nuts on Big Spirit a couple of weeks ago and some nice skies continue to be caught on Spirit and West Okoboji.
We have high hopes of getting up to Mille Lacs this fall with, with friends Rick and Shirley Dicus, but it depends on the leg, obviously.
So, it has been a real tame summer this year.
Hope anyone who is reading this has a good summer on the water, on Boji.
That is it from Boji Land for know.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Quick 2008 Recap and thoughts on the Fishing Industry
Well, I have really been gone a long time, haven't I. Last year was pretty uneventful. We did get to do a fair amount of local walleye and muskie fishing, with good success on walleye on Big Spirit and not so good on muskie. The walleye bite was good on Spirit most of the summer.
I only caught one muskie on West Okoboji, during the annual fall tournament, a nice fat 40 incher. I did not fish for muskie any other time.
To this date (1-13-2009) I have not been on the ice once. My knee is in need of surgical attention, so I can't walk out and the snow and temperature has been so severe I just haven't been in the mood. AGE? I do know the bite has been fantastic for perch on Big Spirit and gills and crappie are always a challenge.
I have been following the fishing industry this winter particularly tournaments. I see that FLW cancelled all the Redfish tournaments. The PWT is no more, to bad, this was kind of what everyone compared their tournaments to. (No disrespect to FLW intended) I know the major boat manufacturers have been pulling back as well as the major tackle companies ie:Pure Fishing etc.
I talked to a guy that just got back from the big Muskie Show in Chicago, he told me the vendor and consumer attendance was way down. He thought the bad weather might have affected it. My wife who was the Consumer Show Manager at Pure Fishing when she retired, tells me that shows normally have a better turn out when the weather is bad. I know I will think long and hard before I spend $25.00 on another muskie bait, I have more than I use now.
Anyway, last year was pretty uneventful, except for spending time on the water with my grandkids, that is always special.
I only caught one muskie on West Okoboji, during the annual fall tournament, a nice fat 40 incher. I did not fish for muskie any other time.
To this date (1-13-2009) I have not been on the ice once. My knee is in need of surgical attention, so I can't walk out and the snow and temperature has been so severe I just haven't been in the mood. AGE? I do know the bite has been fantastic for perch on Big Spirit and gills and crappie are always a challenge.
I have been following the fishing industry this winter particularly tournaments. I see that FLW cancelled all the Redfish tournaments. The PWT is no more, to bad, this was kind of what everyone compared their tournaments to. (No disrespect to FLW intended) I know the major boat manufacturers have been pulling back as well as the major tackle companies ie:Pure Fishing etc.
I talked to a guy that just got back from the big Muskie Show in Chicago, he told me the vendor and consumer attendance was way down. He thought the bad weather might have affected it. My wife who was the Consumer Show Manager at Pure Fishing when she retired, tells me that shows normally have a better turn out when the weather is bad. I know I will think long and hard before I spend $25.00 on another muskie bait, I have more than I use now.
Anyway, last year was pretty uneventful, except for spending time on the water with my grandkids, that is always special.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Spring Fling
Well, I'm back. Just spent a busy week with grandaughter Caite, at 5 years old she is now the captain of grandpa's boat. We didn't have much luck fishing but it was her first time out and we had trouble getting her to quit when it was time. (a very good sign). Oldest grandson Stefan graduated from high school, some emotion from grandpa at that function. It seems that it was only yesterday that I was putting him in the car seat and going to get a paper and a orange soda to share. He will be a freshman at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln next fall. I hope we can wet a line together this summer. Youngest grandson Jesse will be here in Bojiland with us this summer to do a little fishing or whatever.
I have only been on the water 2 times this spring, late ice out and busy. I did manage to catch 8 nice walleye from a friends dock on Big Spirit last week. Rockeroo and shiner did the trick. Muskie season opens Wednesday, hope to be out.
Memorial Day weekend is coming up and the annual Center Lake Drive, garage sale will be going on again. I hope to be in the boat with the grandkids to get away from that insanity.
Later
I have only been on the water 2 times this spring, late ice out and busy. I did manage to catch 8 nice walleye from a friends dock on Big Spirit last week. Rockeroo and shiner did the trick. Muskie season opens Wednesday, hope to be out.
Memorial Day weekend is coming up and the annual Center Lake Drive, garage sale will be going on again. I hope to be in the boat with the grandkids to get away from that insanity.
Later
Sunday, February 10, 2008
I AM BACK
Wow, it has been a long time since I last posted. My apologies.
Well, I had a great time deer hunting this year. Rick Dicus and I spent 5 days in Northern Minnesota in November as the guests of Kevin and Tom Ward at their cabin in the north woods. Rick and I had never hunted in the the north woods and while we didn't get a buck, we had a great time in the deer stands, just enjoying the peace and quiet. We could have shot does and small bucks but we were there for a trophy. Tom and Kevin were great hosts and we shared many a story and jokes abounded. The cabin has wood burning heat only and we had to bring in water, the outdoor biffy is fit for a king with electric heat lights etc. We ate very well of course. Again many thanks to Kevin and Tom for their hospitality.
In December Dianne and I met Rick and Shirley Dicus at Shirley's mothers ranch in western South Dakota to hunt antlerless deer only. I blew a shot on a big doe Mule Deer. I forgot to aim low on a severe downhill angle and shot over her. Rick and Jim Foster (Rick's brother-in-law)both scored the first day, Rick got his two does and Jim shot the big doe I missed. I was able to fill my tags the next day on a small whitetail doe and a whitetail button buck. I had them both down by 11am Sunday morning, then it was back to the house for dinner and then the butchering began. We had all five deer broken down and packed by 3 in the afternoon and Dianne and I were on the road by 4 pm. We got into Denison,IA about 6 Pm and met Pete Straub at his Denison Locker and dropped the meat off. Pete did a helluva job again this year on the sausage and sticks yum.
I put the Ranger away November 1, this year and went into mourning for a week.
Ice fishing has been a blast this year, as any of you have visited this blog before know, my bride loves to fish but had never ice fished. Well she retired from Pure Fishing a year ago in November and decided that she wanted to ice fish. We puchased a Fish Trap Guide and I have to tell you, she got right into it. The first fish she caught was a 13 inch crappie, then a 1lb bluegill and you know the rest of the story, she has been kicking my butt with some regularity. I love it, she gets so excited catching fish. We are sight fishing most of the time and it is really a blast, as you ice heads out there know.
I was on the lake this past week three days and did well all three days on Anglers Bay, Big Spirit Lake, IA.
The winter is getting kind of old but we still have ice fishing to fall back on. I am starting to get my equipment ready for summer. ie. respooling reels, sorting and getting things back in order, getting my components boxes ready, replacing hooks on crankbaits where needed etc etc. You should be doing this as well.
As some of you know I have been contributing some articles to "The Iowa Sportsman" magazine as well as "Family Fish and Game" formerly P2H. I encourage you to support these fine publications, they are all about hunting, fishing, camping and all things out of doors in Iowa and the midwest.
Keep your hooks sharp.
Well, I had a great time deer hunting this year. Rick Dicus and I spent 5 days in Northern Minnesota in November as the guests of Kevin and Tom Ward at their cabin in the north woods. Rick and I had never hunted in the the north woods and while we didn't get a buck, we had a great time in the deer stands, just enjoying the peace and quiet. We could have shot does and small bucks but we were there for a trophy. Tom and Kevin were great hosts and we shared many a story and jokes abounded. The cabin has wood burning heat only and we had to bring in water, the outdoor biffy is fit for a king with electric heat lights etc. We ate very well of course. Again many thanks to Kevin and Tom for their hospitality.
In December Dianne and I met Rick and Shirley Dicus at Shirley's mothers ranch in western South Dakota to hunt antlerless deer only. I blew a shot on a big doe Mule Deer. I forgot to aim low on a severe downhill angle and shot over her. Rick and Jim Foster (Rick's brother-in-law)both scored the first day, Rick got his two does and Jim shot the big doe I missed. I was able to fill my tags the next day on a small whitetail doe and a whitetail button buck. I had them both down by 11am Sunday morning, then it was back to the house for dinner and then the butchering began. We had all five deer broken down and packed by 3 in the afternoon and Dianne and I were on the road by 4 pm. We got into Denison,IA about 6 Pm and met Pete Straub at his Denison Locker and dropped the meat off. Pete did a helluva job again this year on the sausage and sticks yum.
I put the Ranger away November 1, this year and went into mourning for a week.
Ice fishing has been a blast this year, as any of you have visited this blog before know, my bride loves to fish but had never ice fished. Well she retired from Pure Fishing a year ago in November and decided that she wanted to ice fish. We puchased a Fish Trap Guide and I have to tell you, she got right into it. The first fish she caught was a 13 inch crappie, then a 1lb bluegill and you know the rest of the story, she has been kicking my butt with some regularity. I love it, she gets so excited catching fish. We are sight fishing most of the time and it is really a blast, as you ice heads out there know.
I was on the lake this past week three days and did well all three days on Anglers Bay, Big Spirit Lake, IA.
The winter is getting kind of old but we still have ice fishing to fall back on. I am starting to get my equipment ready for summer. ie. respooling reels, sorting and getting things back in order, getting my components boxes ready, replacing hooks on crankbaits where needed etc etc. You should be doing this as well.
As some of you know I have been contributing some articles to "The Iowa Sportsman" magazine as well as "Family Fish and Game" formerly P2H. I encourage you to support these fine publications, they are all about hunting, fishing, camping and all things out of doors in Iowa and the midwest.
Keep your hooks sharp.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
FALL FISHING AND WHERE THE HECK DID SUMMER GO
I mean wow! I can't believe I haven't posted since June, oh well. This summer was a little different, I fished no walleye tournaments and went on no out of state trips. I have my back stiffened a little bit about gas prices and decided I couldn't afford to go all over the place.
Fishing in Boji Land was excellent this summer, we did well in June on walleyes and August was dynamite for panfish. We cleaned up on bluegills and yellow bass. Yes, we now have yellow bass in the Iowa Great Lakes, I don't know how the hell they got there but they are there, throughout the Okoboji system, I haven't heard any reports of them in Big Spirit as of yet. I don't know if this is a good thing or a bad thing, yellows are supposed to be excellent tablefare. We have some in the freezer but haven't tried them yet.
I was able to spend some quality time on the water with my oldest and youngest grandsons this Memorial Day, and the oldest came up for Father's Day and went fishing with grandpa. He is a senior in high school this year, next year it will be work and off to college for him, so time on the water with grandpa will be rarer than it is now. I hope that won't be true but I fear it will be.
Muskie fishing has really heated up in the last couple of weeks. We had our 27th Annual Upper Great Plains Chapter Release Tournament last weekend and a record 32 releases were recorded, the winner had to catch 3 fish to win it and he was pushed really hard be another 3 fish catch. FANTASTIC!!!! I along with my partner Mark Mitchell blanked, I never even had a follow, oh well that is muskie fishing.
I am getting ready for deer season, I am lucky enough to be able to go to South Dakota and Minnesota this year deer hunting. November will be a busy month for me. I also have been getting the rods, shack, auger etc., ready for ice fishing. My bride informed me that since she has retired she wants to give ice fishing a try. I guess now we need a Fish Trap Guide and some warm clothing for her. OH NO NEW GEAR!!!!
Anyway that is a brief synopsis of what has been going on with me in Boji Land since June.
Fishing in Boji Land was excellent this summer, we did well in June on walleyes and August was dynamite for panfish. We cleaned up on bluegills and yellow bass. Yes, we now have yellow bass in the Iowa Great Lakes, I don't know how the hell they got there but they are there, throughout the Okoboji system, I haven't heard any reports of them in Big Spirit as of yet. I don't know if this is a good thing or a bad thing, yellows are supposed to be excellent tablefare. We have some in the freezer but haven't tried them yet.
I was able to spend some quality time on the water with my oldest and youngest grandsons this Memorial Day, and the oldest came up for Father's Day and went fishing with grandpa. He is a senior in high school this year, next year it will be work and off to college for him, so time on the water with grandpa will be rarer than it is now. I hope that won't be true but I fear it will be.
Muskie fishing has really heated up in the last couple of weeks. We had our 27th Annual Upper Great Plains Chapter Release Tournament last weekend and a record 32 releases were recorded, the winner had to catch 3 fish to win it and he was pushed really hard be another 3 fish catch. FANTASTIC!!!! I along with my partner Mark Mitchell blanked, I never even had a follow, oh well that is muskie fishing.
I am getting ready for deer season, I am lucky enough to be able to go to South Dakota and Minnesota this year deer hunting. November will be a busy month for me. I also have been getting the rods, shack, auger etc., ready for ice fishing. My bride informed me that since she has retired she wants to give ice fishing a try. I guess now we need a Fish Trap Guide and some warm clothing for her. OH NO NEW GEAR!!!!
Anyway that is a brief synopsis of what has been going on with me in Boji Land since June.
Thursday, June 07, 2007
aaaaH Spring Fishin in Boji Land
Well spring has sprung and the fish are moving into their spring bite. I have been getting nice walleyes on Spirit in 8-12 ft of water, with a variety of techniques, live bait drifting, cranks trolling, slip bobbers etc. We saw a 50 inch muskie awhile back, she swam right along side the boat, just under the surface. The pan fish are on their beds in the shallows, on both Gar lakes, Minnewashta, and Center Lake. I have picked up a few in the reeds at Hale's Slough. I have only been muskie fishing once to no avail, but I saw a nice fat 37 incher caught last week in Anglers Bay. Muskie League for the Upper Great Plains Chapter of Muskies Inc. has started but no fish have been taken as of yet. I have spotty reports from Lake Sara in Minnesota. I am heading to Storm Lake tomorrow to check out a walleye bite rumor.
If you get a chance pick up a copy of The Iowa Sportsman magazine, I have an article published in the June issue. I had an article called "Seeking Dragons in Rodney's Bay" in the May issue of P2H(Permission to Hunt) and will have another one in the June or July issue of that same magazine. It is a kick to be published in print!!
Oh, by the way I have changed real estate companys, I am now affiliated with Walters Real Estate, 1013 Okoboji Ave., Milford, IA 51351. 712-338-4544. Give me a shout if you are interested in buying or selling real estate in BOJI LAND.
If you get a chance pick up a copy of The Iowa Sportsman magazine, I have an article published in the June issue. I had an article called "Seeking Dragons in Rodney's Bay" in the May issue of P2H(Permission to Hunt) and will have another one in the June or July issue of that same magazine. It is a kick to be published in print!!
Oh, by the way I have changed real estate companys, I am now affiliated with Walters Real Estate, 1013 Okoboji Ave., Milford, IA 51351. 712-338-4544. Give me a shout if you are interested in buying or selling real estate in BOJI LAND.
Thursday, May 03, 2007
April musings
Well, I am back. I have the Ranger all ready to go and all the spring chores accomplished. We have the walleye opener here at the IGL this weekend, I am not going to be able to participate. I did get up on Little Spirit this week and caught a few eyes and a real nice Largemouth Bass. I look for the bite here to be tough this weekend we have a cold front sitting here now and the forecast is for rain, wind and thunderstorms, typical opener weather.
We have a debate right now in the IGL regarding putting limits on panfish. I support this idea, but many do not.
I had another article published in the May edition of P2H magazine, called "Seeking Dragons in Rodney's Bay". It is an article about muskie fishing on Lake of the Woods.
Short blog this month, I have business to attend to.
We have a debate right now in the IGL regarding putting limits on panfish. I support this idea, but many do not.
I had another article published in the May edition of P2H magazine, called "Seeking Dragons in Rodney's Bay". It is an article about muskie fishing on Lake of the Woods.
Short blog this month, I have business to attend to.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
March Madness
Well, we are entering the time of year where I am torn between trying to get on the ice and getting the boat ready. I decided today to put the ice sticks away. I am going to get the Ranger out and get her ready for ice out and smallies. I need to change the oil in the cool hubs on the trailer, install a new actuator on the PANTHER LIFT,move the radio antennae, clean and wax the hull, put the electronics back in the boat, respool reels, clean rod eyes, change hooks on cranks that need them, clean reels and on and on.
I am going to try some Spiderwire Ultracast and Trilene Maxx this spring. The ultracast is supposed to be wind know free and I believe will probably be comparable or better than Power Pro. I will be using the Ultracast on muskie reels and linecounters. 65 and 80Lb test for muskies and 20Lb for line counters. I am very used to 10Lb fireline on my line counters so it should be interesting. I am really excited about the Berkely Flickershads for cranking!!!
Ice fishing has been good on the grade, you have to sort and the gill bite is still going on Little Millers Bay on West Okoboji. I took a drive around Big Spirit this morning and there was a pack of Fishtraps on Anglers Bay so something must be going on up there, probably crappie and gills.
Oh, by the way I am now a published author, I have an article in the March issue of THE IOWA SPORTSMAN magazine. The article is titled "ICING WALLEYE". You can pick a copy of the magazine up at Casey's stores, they are still free I believe.
I am going to try some Spiderwire Ultracast and Trilene Maxx this spring. The ultracast is supposed to be wind know free and I believe will probably be comparable or better than Power Pro. I will be using the Ultracast on muskie reels and linecounters. 65 and 80Lb test for muskies and 20Lb for line counters. I am very used to 10Lb fireline on my line counters so it should be interesting. I am really excited about the Berkely Flickershads for cranking!!!
Ice fishing has been good on the grade, you have to sort and the gill bite is still going on Little Millers Bay on West Okoboji. I took a drive around Big Spirit this morning and there was a pack of Fishtraps on Anglers Bay so something must be going on up there, probably crappie and gills.
Oh, by the way I am now a published author, I have an article in the March issue of THE IOWA SPORTSMAN magazine. The article is titled "ICING WALLEYE". You can pick a copy of the magazine up at Casey's stores, they are still free I believe.
Friday, February 09, 2007
Extended BRRRRRR
Well, I can no longer complain about no ice and too warm, it has been below zero at night for a couple weeks. We Have Ice. Although I must caution that there is no such thing as safe ice, it is always unsafe somewhere on the system.
I haven't been on the ice in Boji Land since I returned from Ballard's Resort on Lake of the Woods, January 27th. However, the reports I'm getting are that fishing sucks right now. I talked to Ryan Hale this week and he did get into the gills last weekend but they were only in his spot a day and a half.
The Lake of the Woods trip this year was great as always. The only difference this year;the walleyes were on a chew; we caught fish in numbers and size. I believe there were 32 anglers on the bus this year. This trip is sponsored by KMNS-AM62 and "Experience The Outdoors with Rick Dicus. I of course out fished Rick, but he was outdoors. Seriously, I don't know if I caught more than Rick and vice-versa, I don't keep count and neither does he, unless we are in a tournament. The only bet was on who caught the biggest and I think I won that with a nice fat 24 inch walleye. We also caught sauger and some nice perch. The only eelpout caught in our group of 6 was about a 10lb slime ball caught by John (the chessman) Torzon. I'm sure I butchered the spelling on that. Anyway we had a great time, great food, great fishing and great comaradrie.
The other anglers in our group were Wayne(POPS)Warren, Scott (Chopper) Miller from Z98FM out of Sioux City and Jim Nolton from Sioux City, we had a great time.
Oh, by the way I am finishing this on 2-14-07 and it was -15F this morning when I got up, man this is getting old. Anyway keep your line fresh and stay warm. SET THE HOOK!!!!
I haven't been on the ice in Boji Land since I returned from Ballard's Resort on Lake of the Woods, January 27th. However, the reports I'm getting are that fishing sucks right now. I talked to Ryan Hale this week and he did get into the gills last weekend but they were only in his spot a day and a half.
The Lake of the Woods trip this year was great as always. The only difference this year;the walleyes were on a chew; we caught fish in numbers and size. I believe there were 32 anglers on the bus this year. This trip is sponsored by KMNS-AM62 and "Experience The Outdoors with Rick Dicus. I of course out fished Rick, but he was outdoors. Seriously, I don't know if I caught more than Rick and vice-versa, I don't keep count and neither does he, unless we are in a tournament. The only bet was on who caught the biggest and I think I won that with a nice fat 24 inch walleye. We also caught sauger and some nice perch. The only eelpout caught in our group of 6 was about a 10lb slime ball caught by John (the chessman) Torzon. I'm sure I butchered the spelling on that. Anyway we had a great time, great food, great fishing and great comaradrie.
The other anglers in our group were Wayne(POPS)Warren, Scott (Chopper) Miller from Z98FM out of Sioux City and Jim Nolton from Sioux City, we had a great time.
Oh, by the way I am finishing this on 2-14-07 and it was -15F this morning when I got up, man this is getting old. Anyway keep your line fresh and stay warm. SET THE HOOK!!!!
Sunday, January 14, 2007
January Ice Fishing in Boji Land
Well, we finally got some ice, although until the last 2 days it has been iffy. We finally got below zero and have been below 32 degrees for a few days. Big Spirit is pretty much frozen over and West Okoboji is close. Boji has ice in all the bays now. I fished the 1st Annual Harbor View bluegill tournament last weekend and the only ice was Smith's Bay, North Bay and Little Emerson. Although, there was 10 inches of ice in Little Emerson. The tournament was blast and local guide Ryan Hale did an excellent job putting the tournament on.
The tournament was bluegill only with a 10 fish limit. I had a limit iced by 10 AM, but could only get 4 big gills to bite the remaining six fish were small. I had under 4 lbs, I think it was 3.8 Lbs and you need at least 4.6 to get in the money. My fishing partner Rick Dicus (Experience The Outdoors Radio KMNS AM) got 7th and tied for the biggest gill. Good job Rick. The results of the tournament are as follows:
Eric Goodale won the event with a 10 fish limit with the weight of 5.70#'s.Mike Wanser of Nebraska was a VERY close 2nd with a weight of 5.66#'s.3rd.Local hot stick Catland Landegent 5.28#'s4th.Local and fellow IGL's guide John Grosvenor 5.18#'s5th.Gene Weitzema of Sibley 5.16#'s6th.Local Derek Ter Wee 5.04#'s7th.Experience the Outdoors radio host Rick Dicus from Nebraska 4.90#'s8th.Howard "The Duck" from Illinios 4.86#'s9th.Chad Peterson 4.7#'s,very good showing in Chads first tourney10th.Blaine Fopma from S.D. 4.64#'s
Thanks to Ryan Hale for posting the above results at www.hawgz.com, please visit that website, it is a good one.
I also met Thomas Allen from The Iowa Sportsman's Magazine., Thomas is the Executive Field Editor for the magazine, more information and subscription info can be found at www.iowasportsman.com. Thomas is an avid muskie angler and hopefully a new member of the Upper Great Plains Chapter soon.
I was on the ice today and caught a few gills in Little Emerson, it was slow, however. I think the gills are a little tired of being hammered for a month. I talked to Rick and he told me there was a bunch of guys on Templar Point and McClelland's Beach. I think that is a little soon for as far out on the ice as he said they were. I will be getting a ice thickness report for Spirit soon.
January 25th will find Dicus and I on the ice at Lake of the Woods, the bite has been fantastic up there. I hope it won't be a you should have been here last week, deal when we get up there. I will give you a report when I get back.We are staying at the excellent Ballard's Resort again this year, where the service, food and accomadations are beyond compare.
The tournament was bluegill only with a 10 fish limit. I had a limit iced by 10 AM, but could only get 4 big gills to bite the remaining six fish were small. I had under 4 lbs, I think it was 3.8 Lbs and you need at least 4.6 to get in the money. My fishing partner Rick Dicus (Experience The Outdoors Radio KMNS AM) got 7th and tied for the biggest gill. Good job Rick. The results of the tournament are as follows:
Eric Goodale won the event with a 10 fish limit with the weight of 5.70#'s.Mike Wanser of Nebraska was a VERY close 2nd with a weight of 5.66#'s.3rd.Local hot stick Catland Landegent 5.28#'s4th.Local and fellow IGL's guide John Grosvenor 5.18#'s5th.Gene Weitzema of Sibley 5.16#'s6th.Local Derek Ter Wee 5.04#'s7th.Experience the Outdoors radio host Rick Dicus from Nebraska 4.90#'s8th.Howard "The Duck" from Illinios 4.86#'s9th.Chad Peterson 4.7#'s,very good showing in Chads first tourney10th.Blaine Fopma from S.D. 4.64#'s
Thanks to Ryan Hale for posting the above results at www.hawgz.com, please visit that website, it is a good one.
I also met Thomas Allen from The Iowa Sportsman's Magazine., Thomas is the Executive Field Editor for the magazine, more information and subscription info can be found at www.iowasportsman.com. Thomas is an avid muskie angler and hopefully a new member of the Upper Great Plains Chapter soon.
I was on the ice today and caught a few gills in Little Emerson, it was slow, however. I think the gills are a little tired of being hammered for a month. I talked to Rick and he told me there was a bunch of guys on Templar Point and McClelland's Beach. I think that is a little soon for as far out on the ice as he said they were. I will be getting a ice thickness report for Spirit soon.
January 25th will find Dicus and I on the ice at Lake of the Woods, the bite has been fantastic up there. I hope it won't be a you should have been here last week, deal when we get up there. I will give you a report when I get back.We are staying at the excellent Ballard's Resort again this year, where the service, food and accomadations are beyond compare.
Friday, December 22, 2006
Icing in Boji Land
Well, we have ice in Boji Land, kind of. We had about 6 inches on Big Spirit in Angler's Bay last week. However, with the rain this week I wouldn't trust it all. I have seen some guys on West Okoboji, in Smith's Bay and Emerson Bay, again I am not going to try it yet. I do think they are catching some gills. They were also getting some gills and a few perch on Anglers and at the grade. I had some luck with jumbo perch down at Trumbull lake 2 weeks ago, I tried it Tuesday and never caught one that I kept.
Bad news on Anglers Bay, the owner of Anglers Bay resort has roped off the access, so you can't walk on there. The access off the blacktop on the north side of Anglers now has a big gate. The only way on now is at Hale's Slough and that is a good mile from Anglers, I can't make that hike with my bum leg, so first ice fishing on Anglers is a thing of the past for me, I will have to wait until ice is thick enough to drive on with the truck or go on with Rick and his ATV; oh well.
Rick Dicus and I made a foray into South Dakota for muzzleloader season,you can shoot two does, either whitetail or mule deer. I had never hunted with a muzzleloader before and it is a blast. I purchased a Thompson Center Encore 50X209, and it is one sweet gun. I spent about 5 hours working up a load the gun liked and sighting it in and I am glad that I did. Rick and shot 2 mulies on Saturday at sundown. I shot a big mulie doe that was leading about 8 other deer and he shot the yearling right behind her. On Sunday, due to the good eyes of Rick, I was able to fill my tags with another mulie doe. Alas, Rick didn't get his second deer, we had a blast. Rick's grandson and his grandson's best friend were along for the hunt Saturday evening and they did a good job hiding and staying quiet, they will both be old enough to participate in the hunt in a few years. I think we are going out next year for the regular rifle season as well. Oh well, I will have to buy another barrel for the Thompson. By the way in muzzleloader season you aren't allowed to use telescopic sights, open sights only. My deer were taken at 40 yards and 86 yards respectively, according to my Nikon rangefinder.
That is it for now. Merry Christmas to all and a Happy and prosperous New Year.
Bad news on Anglers Bay, the owner of Anglers Bay resort has roped off the access, so you can't walk on there. The access off the blacktop on the north side of Anglers now has a big gate. The only way on now is at Hale's Slough and that is a good mile from Anglers, I can't make that hike with my bum leg, so first ice fishing on Anglers is a thing of the past for me, I will have to wait until ice is thick enough to drive on with the truck or go on with Rick and his ATV; oh well.
Rick Dicus and I made a foray into South Dakota for muzzleloader season,you can shoot two does, either whitetail or mule deer. I had never hunted with a muzzleloader before and it is a blast. I purchased a Thompson Center Encore 50X209, and it is one sweet gun. I spent about 5 hours working up a load the gun liked and sighting it in and I am glad that I did. Rick and shot 2 mulies on Saturday at sundown. I shot a big mulie doe that was leading about 8 other deer and he shot the yearling right behind her. On Sunday, due to the good eyes of Rick, I was able to fill my tags with another mulie doe. Alas, Rick didn't get his second deer, we had a blast. Rick's grandson and his grandson's best friend were along for the hunt Saturday evening and they did a good job hiding and staying quiet, they will both be old enough to participate in the hunt in a few years. I think we are going out next year for the regular rifle season as well. Oh well, I will have to buy another barrel for the Thompson. By the way in muzzleloader season you aren't allowed to use telescopic sights, open sights only. My deer were taken at 40 yards and 86 yards respectively, according to my Nikon rangefinder.
That is it for now. Merry Christmas to all and a Happy and prosperous New Year.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
BRRRRRRR
Well, it is cold this morning 4 degrees Farenheit. I haven't been fishing in over a month, I put the boat away in the middle of October and haven't even been shore fishing. I am getting reports from my sources that the walleyes and muskies have been on a chew. Nice fish being taken on all the lakes. Remember, muskie season closes on the Iowa Great Lakes tonight at midnight, the rest of the state remains open.
I will be taking a look around the area today to see if there is any ice on the bays, the wind dropped down last night so there might be some, I don't think it will hold though, the wind is supposed to blow again today. I will be giving ice reports as the season progresses.
I haven't done much hunting this season, ducks and geese a couple of times and pheasant an equal amount. I did hunt out of a lay out boat on Silver Lake, that is cool, you lay in the bottom of a really shallow but surpising stable lay out boat right in the middle of the decoy spread. You really get a different perspective.
I will be heading to South Dakota next week for the opener of muzzle loader deer season. I have never hunted deer with a smokepole and am looking forward to it. I purchased a Thompson Center Encore .50 Cal. It took me a while to work up a load that the gun likes but I got it done. This hunt is a kind of homecoming for me, I haven't been back to South Dakota deer hunting since my hunting accident 40 years ago. My wife Dianne is going along, we will be meeting Rick Dicus and his wife Shirley out there for the hunt.
Speaking of Dianne, she retired this month from Pure Fishing after 42 years of good work for a fine company. I am not letting her retire totally, I am putting her in charge of the basic house breaking of the lab puppy we are getting. I will keep you informed about how that project is progressing.
Any way right now other than preparing for the deer hunt, it is all about waiting for ice. I hope you ice heads have you reels spooled with fresh micro-ice, fireline, whatever, checked the plug and put fresh gas in the Strikemaster and checked your waypoints for your ice fishing spots. I see Vexilar has a new unit out this year, Clam has put black lining in the Fishtrap tents and much more new ice fishing stuff to be tried.
So much stuff so little time. Pray for ice.
Keep warm.
I will be taking a look around the area today to see if there is any ice on the bays, the wind dropped down last night so there might be some, I don't think it will hold though, the wind is supposed to blow again today. I will be giving ice reports as the season progresses.
I haven't done much hunting this season, ducks and geese a couple of times and pheasant an equal amount. I did hunt out of a lay out boat on Silver Lake, that is cool, you lay in the bottom of a really shallow but surpising stable lay out boat right in the middle of the decoy spread. You really get a different perspective.
I will be heading to South Dakota next week for the opener of muzzle loader deer season. I have never hunted deer with a smokepole and am looking forward to it. I purchased a Thompson Center Encore .50 Cal. It took me a while to work up a load that the gun likes but I got it done. This hunt is a kind of homecoming for me, I haven't been back to South Dakota deer hunting since my hunting accident 40 years ago. My wife Dianne is going along, we will be meeting Rick Dicus and his wife Shirley out there for the hunt.
Speaking of Dianne, she retired this month from Pure Fishing after 42 years of good work for a fine company. I am not letting her retire totally, I am putting her in charge of the basic house breaking of the lab puppy we are getting. I will keep you informed about how that project is progressing.
Any way right now other than preparing for the deer hunt, it is all about waiting for ice. I hope you ice heads have you reels spooled with fresh micro-ice, fireline, whatever, checked the plug and put fresh gas in the Strikemaster and checked your waypoints for your ice fishing spots. I see Vexilar has a new unit out this year, Clam has put black lining in the Fishtrap tents and much more new ice fishing stuff to be tried.
So much stuff so little time. Pray for ice.
Keep warm.
Monday, October 09, 2006
Muskies on Boji
The skies are moving on Boji. I got 4th in the Idso Muskie Fest this past weekend, by catching a 33 inch skie. Todd Schlenger won first with a wonderful 49 inch fish, Pete Hildreth won 2nd with a 45, Pete's partner caught a 35 for 3rd(sorry I can't remember your name) and my fish won 4th. Todd caught his 49 on a Wades's Wobbler, Pete a Bulldog, his partner as well. I caught mine Trolling with a Buck Perry Spoonplug. I use spoonplugs a lot, it has been a sleeper lure on Boji for years, some guys think they are too small. I see that Rollie and Helens Muskie Shop is carrying them in their catalog this year.
I also caught a 39 inch skie last thursday on Boji on a M&M Spinner bait in Smith's Bay. I caught her on a figure 8 right at the boat awesome! I tell ya there is nothing like catching a skie on a figure 8, the adrenalin rush is something!
I see a lot of boats fishing for bluegills in Smith's Bay right now. GOOD LUCK
I also caught a 39 inch skie last thursday on Boji on a M&M Spinner bait in Smith's Bay. I caught her on a figure 8 right at the boat awesome! I tell ya there is nothing like catching a skie on a figure 8, the adrenalin rush is something!
I see a lot of boats fishing for bluegills in Smith's Bay right now. GOOD LUCK
Sunday, October 01, 2006
Upcoming Elections
This post is not directly related to Fishin In Boji Land, because it isn't about what is biting, where the bite is or what techniques are working.
However, in a sense it is. I want to encourage all of you who honor me by reading my ramblings to vote next month. I don't care what your positition is, you should at least vote your conscience.
I for one am sick and tired of the environmental issues in the state of Iowa, being decided exclusively in Des Moines by the corporate agricultural lobby. I believe we need some level of local control on some of these issues. To date every time some science shows increasing pollution, the politicians call for another study. This stuff has been studied to death, the surest way to bury an issue is fund a new study.
I do believe that these issues will affect our fisheries and probably have already! I know that my beloved Iowa Great Lakes, in particular West Okoboji have algae blooms that I didn't see years ago.
So, whatever your position is on this issue, I encourage you to vote for the candidates that agree with your position. Take the time to read their positions and hold their feet to the fire if they won't answer the questions you have.
Well thats enough of that rant but this is becoming a big issue here in Boji Land.
Oh, the perch are biting on Spirit . The gills and perch are going on the weedlines in West Okoboji.
Later
However, in a sense it is. I want to encourage all of you who honor me by reading my ramblings to vote next month. I don't care what your positition is, you should at least vote your conscience.
I for one am sick and tired of the environmental issues in the state of Iowa, being decided exclusively in Des Moines by the corporate agricultural lobby. I believe we need some level of local control on some of these issues. To date every time some science shows increasing pollution, the politicians call for another study. This stuff has been studied to death, the surest way to bury an issue is fund a new study.
I do believe that these issues will affect our fisheries and probably have already! I know that my beloved Iowa Great Lakes, in particular West Okoboji have algae blooms that I didn't see years ago.
So, whatever your position is on this issue, I encourage you to vote for the candidates that agree with your position. Take the time to read their positions and hold their feet to the fire if they won't answer the questions you have.
Well thats enough of that rant but this is becoming a big issue here in Boji Land.
Oh, the perch are biting on Spirit . The gills and perch are going on the weedlines in West Okoboji.
Later
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)