I was out of two harbors yesterday until it started raining at about 3:30. It got pretty slushy out there but the ice wasn’t punky yet. I’d also like to get back up there if possible. I love an hour and a half from Duluth so any and all ice reports are appreciated.

Thanks guys. We are heading out early to try and beat the rain. Will just fish until it starts I guess. We were out of Brighton beach the last time I went. Was thinking of heading north a little tomorrow.

So you think it will be unfishable tomorrow morning?

I’m thinking of heading out tomorrow morning. Any dos or donts?

Whatever minnows you like. Shiners, fatheads… just something to tip a jig and add some scent. Helps to seal the deal sometimes.

In MN we can fish 2 lines through the ice, 1 in open water. I couldn’t imagine tending 7 lines. Especially if the bite is hot. When I’m trying to stay mobile, I’ll drill single holes in an area working my way around to locate active fish. If I find a spot that I want to settle in and fish for a bit, I’ll usually drill a 2nd hole for the portable. If I’m fishing with a friend we will often drill 2 holes for the shack and 2 outside for tip ups.

We were also up yesterday. My friend got two 26.5 inchers. My other friend and I got skunked. Had a couple of chasers. Lots of fish that wouldn’t come off bottom in 107 FOW. one thing about marine general, they don’t open until 9:00 on weekdays. Bring minnows with you or plan on starting late.

I don’t have a hub house and have very little experience with them. I do know that if I get the otter sled wet from sitting in slush and it’s cold enough to freeze it once I pull it out of said slush, it’s bad news. That stuff sticks to the bottom of the sled like you wouldn’t believe. Almost impossible to pull by hand. I think it would come off or at least smooth over after a bit if pulling with a snowmobile. But I don’t have a snowmobile either

I love late ice. It can be sketchy, but the fishing can be great! Generally the shoreline will go first and the remaining ice is still walkable. You just need to get to it. I’ve used planks, canoes, hip boots, even an extension ladder to get out. So I’m not giving up yet. Just taking a break for now.

Jig head and twister tail.
1/8 oz, 1/4 oz, And 3/8 oz.
f11 rapala
Mini mite jig
Maybe I’d swap out the 1/4 oz jig for a plain red hook and sinker.

I like basements for utilities, storage, storm shelter. Also the possibility of another bedroom and bathroom. We did a house this summer that had a full walkout basement with in floor heat as well as in floor heat on the underside of the plywood subfloor on the main level. It wasn’t huge, but I liked the open floor plan. Also had a detached garage with a breezeway that isn’t heated as of yet. Homeowner said he wants to put a ceiling mounted LP heater in there. Could have easily been attached with in floor throughout. Personal preference, I guess.

I’ve built a bunch of them. Call Sherman Builders in Mora, MN.

Niiiiiice!

Did you catch any ducks?

The article said it could be 70 years old. I’m not sure where they come up with that number. i wonder how old they get? I was told they can live into the hundreds.

I had one that did the same thing also after I changed the blade. ( mine was the chipper blade) turns out I mounted it on the wrong side of the auger. Top or bottom, I can’t remember. Either way I did it wrong. Put it on the correct side and it cut like a dream. Mine felt like it was going to break my wrists!

I’m a wood butcher!

I can’t remember a single thing that I’ve forgot

Sounds like you’re in the market for a locator!

Bearcat89 wrote:

Velveeta cheese hamburger, hot rotel and chips. Add a few jalepenos, good chip dip

We use Jimmy dean hot sausage instead of hamburger. Best dip EVER!

I think when it gets this cold, the numbers don’t mean much anymore. It’s just really F-ing cold!

Swap the 8 for a 40 and hang on! Or just putt. I don’t think it would ever plane out either, I also agree that gear, gas and batteries up front would help even her out. At least you won’t be flying blind. I almost got rammed once by a guy on mille lacs. He had his nose in the air and couldn’t see a thing! Luckily I was already in gear sneaking through a group of boats so I hammered the gas. He was about 2 feet from my transom when he wheelied by!!

Welcome welcome! It’s gorgeous out today in east-central MN. Sunshine, no wind. Highs around 8. I might go hole hopping. How’s the fishing up in the yoop? I heard they get some jumbo perch over there.

I think any contrasting colors or shades would look nice as long as it goes with the “theme” of the rod. I’ve seen some gold/silver/black metallics that look awesome!

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Looks nice! I have only done one, but it turned out ok I think. I did black, light gray and white. The more epoxy you put on the base layer, the more it will dance when you move it. I’ll post a pic of the one I did in a bit.

Can’t buy this on a shelf.

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Sorry. Had to. It just looked so peaceful out there. I wish I could find that scenario closer to home! Again, great show.

One thing I noticed was a significant lack of flag poles. How would you suggest locating those suspended basin cruisers without a strobe/becon marking the spot?

Great show, Pat! Those were some SLABS!! Just goes to show that if you put in the work, you can be greatly rewarded.