Of those who live in the snow belt, who's fed up with winter and ready for some open water action? I quit ice fishing several years ago when breathing the cold air and exhaust fumes from heaters became a challenge. I don't miss ice fishing at all and actually have done some winter fishing in boats when it's been warm enough, but now I am ready for some real warmth.
The lake 12 miles to my north is almost open to the private dock I fish very early on each year but the Mississippi River spot I enjoy so much has a lot of ice on it yet. After this week's predicted 50's and 60's I'm hopeful that enough run-off will have blasted that ice off so we can get back in action. We've had less than normal snowfall totals and wayyyyy too many below zero nights and days this winter and the ice locally is thick. But I can hope the heat drives the ice out.
A birthday in late November and then Christmas left me with a mess of gift cards for Scheels so I now have two new reels to break in. I've been busy cranking out plastics to fill voids in my planos, new line on the other reels, so I am ready big time.
If ya'll aren't already fishing, what are you doing to get ready? I'm pumped.
