Sinker

If you have the trees close to the house, it is worth while to tap a few, just to get a feel for what your getting into. It usually averages out to about a litre of syrup per tap, so if you only tapped 10 trees, you'd have enough syrup for the year, and then some. I have one litre left from last season, but I've been hanging onto it hard. Everyone wants some, but I don't make enough to be giving too many hand outs. I'm going to start storing mine in smaller containers so I can hand more out to friends etc. this year. Its a fun thing to do at this time of year. Not much else going on when the ice is melting. S.

Ha....the whiskey is the most expensive part of the whole process LOL Once things are in full swing, we'll get ya out for a boil. I have some weekends off now, so its a little easier to do this socially. Last year I did it all myself, and boiled a lot of it after work. A lot of late nights. I keep saying I'm going to ramp it up, but its a lot of work, and I need a better set up for boiling. Maybe next year......I say that every year LOL S.

Im not ready at all, soo im kinda thankful for this weather about now. I plan on breaking my trail this week, but I still think its gonna be a couple weeks before anything really starts flowing. A buddy of mine tapped a few trees last week, and got a bit of sap last weekend, but nothing substantial. Im looking forward to it though. Once I see some decent temps, i'll be atter hard. Same as last year, 25 taps. Thats enough! You guys have some nice set ups. Lakerguy, sounds like your going to have a busy season. Where abouts are you located again? I forget now. Bring it on. I look forward to sharing stories! S.

Don't run your engine out of water. Get the muffs, or a barrel of water. You can fill the lower units right from the oil jug without any pump attachments....its a little tricky, but totally doable. This is really easy maintenance, and the only way you will learn is by doing. Very simple stuff. S.

Yep, they're all good. S.

Hey Doug, I think we have talked before, but mostly about waterfowl.....that you? Regardless, welcome to the site! S.

Good for you! You can do anything you set your mind to! S.

My son turns 12 tomorrow. He's taking the course in 2 weeks. He'll have no probs passing, so you shouldnt either S.

Hmmm.....interesting. I could probably hear that from our cottage. S.

Get a liquid filled barometer. They are bang on. Galileo is the brand name on mine. I cant remember where I got it though. Works like a charm, and makes a great decoration and conversation piece. S.

Crappy fishing with a buddy one time, I'm nailing big slabs every cast. He casts out, float buries, and he misses them every time. I'm busting his nuts (obviously) and ask if there is a hook on that jig. He says of course....casts out...float buries...no fish. He finally reels in and looks at his hook and finds its broken off LOL. He fished for over an hour like that! S.

Is that a merganser?? Where the heck did it come from? That's an odd find on the ice for sure! Nice eye! S.

Kewl dood! S.

You go fast, i'll catch the fish in my tiller S.

You have a good one DanC. I have a yamaha built mariner, and its been great since new in '93. Next one is a yammy 40 TILLER! S.

Ive fished the east side until april 20th before, then had the boat in 2 days after at VB. Its looking like a great last ice perch season S.

I have lots of feathers, but I dont tie flies lol S.

Just wait till we get a thaw and refreeze....yikes....break out the auger extensions! I say we're icefishing till end of april on simcoe for perch. s.

Yeah, but go to a new lake you've never been that someone has charted, and bobs your uncle. I hear what your saying though. Its all too high tech for me anyways, so I won't be using it. I have a hot maps chip, and that's more than enough. S.

Whats the problem with that? S.

I got a dakota jacket and bibs 2 years ago and love them. I got them more for work, as they are built tough, but I find myself wearing them more and more. I've been wearing them all winter so far at work. They breath really, really well, and so far I've been dry. No complaints from me at all. S.

The bays is always hit or miss. Its not where you fish, but when. This weekend has a good moon, so im fishing it all weekend. S.

Just got back. Your good to go on a sled. There is some slush, but a lot of it has a crust on it now. Theres a good trail out, but off the trail is nasty in spots. Didnt see any quads, just sleds. Lost 1 fish, and had a few lookers. Pretty quiet night. S.

You'll be fine there. Where you getting on the ice? Feel free to stop and give me a ride out. I'll be the guy in the floater suit dragging a clam....having a heart attack LOL S.

Yep, he wouldnt see a red penny of mine. Ive learned the hard way to always file a report, and call my insurance. Dont feel bad!! S.