Rizzo

agreed. I have heard nothing but success stories about Island Lake and pike. I don't think you will get big ones there but the numbers are apparently good. And for a kid...even a 20 inch pike is a huge fish

Although I minimize my own use of electronics to a mid-level fishfinder on my boat, I would think the right elctronics, in the hands of a skilled angler who knows how to use them, could be quite useful. Good electronics with a guy who doesn't know how to fish? Forget it.

I have some friends who fish walleye there. Pretty far from the access point though. Don't know what the pike fishing is like

let us know how it goes!

sounds like a great day!

amazing! And some of the math here makes me laugh. No lying, I have literally seen stores advertising $3 each or 3 for $10...I told them I will take 3 but want to pay for each separately

go a bit later in the day on a Saturday and I imagine you can find some vacated holes. I only ever used little minnows when ice fishing for perch and they work great. That would be my suggestion but maybe someone has some good lure tips

biodegradable certainly the way to go on these things.

Thanks for the report, great pictures and sharing the information about your father's battle and advice. Condolences to your family.

must be nice!

wow super gross. No offense, just have never been able to get my head wrapped around catfish. Thankful that I never catch them myself, just have to unhook the odd one my kids deep hook. Either way, you do have some nice specimens there...just not my cup of tea!

solid finish. how long was that fish?

wow those are some crazy temps. got me shivering over here just thinking about that

...ya casting is not a real temptation for me (especially in this cold!). Trolling or jigging will be on the itinerary

nice! Ice fishing already and even a snow machine on the ice. Good times. I still have one more open water musky fishing adventure on the mind

Have never done anything even remotely close to these experiences...hope you find a good one!

that is ridiculous!

Right on. I know what you are saying about the "early" fish. If I have a musky follow early (like first 15 minutes) or a rod goes off early trolling...you better catch that fish because there ain't gonna be nuthin happening the rest of the day. No clue why, but that early fish can be a real curse.

yes I have also seen this from both pike and musky. Never managed to get one of em to bite either

I had no idea crow hunting was a thing. I am aware of the expression "eat crow"...just didn't think people do it voluntarily!

Those are definitely some dead ducks you got there. Enjoy your new hobby!

man I hate stuff like this. People are jerks.

Great pictures!

Maybe try some of the resorts? Most places have probably winterized their motors by now and maybe have them sitting in a shed somewhere...that leaves a tinny turned upside down or sitting lonely on a trailer.

been wearing the same one for 30 years and thankfully never needed it...no clue if it will actually float should I take the plunge. Nice pictures though. Hopefully someone with some technical knowledge can point you in the right direction. Ice picks would be a good start if you want safety (so I see on the youtube videos)