This was for me a much simpler process than we had experienced in the last 2 years, we had just sold our large heavy super powerful Eskimo Z71 auger to Tommy so it was his job to haul that beast around, we had bought the new Ion electric ice auger, very light, very powerful and no stress. During our gear test Tuesday Tommy had his nine year old sister with us and she effortlessly drilled a hole through 18" of ice with the Ion. We drilled 30 holes with the Ion electric in -20 C during the test so it performs.
So heading out we had to head around the tip of an island, as we rounded the tip I noticed a large bed of reeds extending well out from the shoreline which was directly opposite a bay. I thought this would be a likely spot so Tommy, eager to play with his new auger fired up the beast (effortless for a spry 21 year old) and drilled a dozen test holes while Josh and I started dropping transducers to see what depth we had and if any fish showed up. We were laughing immediately, fish marks in all holes, we spread out in three different depths to see what depth they were active at. Very quickly Josh nailed a 9.5" bluegill, very excited this young man was (all these guys are young compared to me LOL) as this was his first ever bluegill in 14 trips trying for them, not only did he catch one, it was a Master Angler quality. Tommy then moved out from the shallowest depth to a hole in the same range as Josh, minutes later he landed another Master Angler, our decision was easy from there. We drilled holes on each side of Josh and set up my six man shelter.
Once we were in and organized Josh immediately nailed two more before I got one, I then quickly caught two more and then Tommy got into them. The pattern seemed to be they would circle around coming past us from East to West, I then caught a small snot rocket (Northern Pike) and much to Josh's chagrin threw it back down the hole. He swore I would not get another fish out of that hole - I laughed at him and then immediately hooked up....my HT light action rod was bent over hard and the drag was screaming as I played a beauty...Josh moved my transducer and helped me land a massive 10.5 inch Bluegill that measured better than five inches top to belly...so much for not getting another fish out of that hole I laughed back at Josh...
The afternoon continued with sporadic but thrilling action as the bluegills were very present but not in a feeding frenzy, every hook set was earned by paying careful to our flashers, our rod tips and even the line itself... we learned a few things as well...short shanked jigs out fished regular jigs about 2 -1, as dusk approached glow jigs provoked aggressive strikes and an ultralight rod with a strong backbone is essential to picking up the soft bite...I thought several times how much Doug and Rebel would enjoy this trip. All three of us are now planning a "family trip" with our significant others as all three ladies are avid fisher girls as well...
All in all a great first trip and each trip after will be made in great comfort as Noah is giving me this for Christmas, I am spoiled....
The HT Polar Escape Magnum Shelter is designed for two ice fshermen. This "pull-over" type shelter features a rugged sled, shelter shell that is laced securely to the base sled, two fold-able chair, zippered door, and traveling cover ! The shelter's venting system delivers fresh air to the fisherman.
FEATURES:
• Durable sled base with built-in runners for easy transporting
• Hi-tech pull-over design for easy set-up
• Heavy duty heat absorbing 600 denier material
• 4-way velcro draped window system
• Easily collapses to fit into a car trunk
• Accommodates four fishing holes for two people
• Includes two fold-able sports chairs, tow rope, and travel cover
• Reflector material on each corner
• Weighs only 85 pounds
• Measures 92" L x 67" W x 65" High Set-Up
Life should be good on the ice in this bad boy...
Until the next trip,
Geoff
