Skud

Congrats to all Brian. Sweet jacket too.

Was out this morning for only three hours. The bite started out good but died around 10am where I was sitting. 18-19 fow straight east of Gilford to the north end of the pack of people. Only kept 4 keepers to add to yesterdays catch. Still only a few machines on the ice.

Went out for a few hours with my two lads since the temps were decent. Skidoo's and Quads were on the in limited numbers south/east of Gilford. There was steady action in 15 fow of water but we could only connect with smaller ones. We kept the 15 largest(8") out of 50+ caught. The kids lasted for about 2 hours only since they just had to roll around in the standing water on the ice. My sister and bro-in-law came out for a bit just for the walk but fished while there. On leaving the lake you could see the open water that extended from the north end of Gilford S/E across to Crate's Marine in Keswick. The south winds pushed the ice at least a few hundred feet north. I hope the machines stay clear. Here are a few more pics. Will be out again in the morning.

Well it could have been but I might have ate the first one. Caught this when I was out with TEP on Monday in Cook's Bay.

Here is the happy fisherman. The dark line behind him is open water. Here I am trying to find some keepers in the flurry of action. I would rather be back where I was yesterday in South Carolina.

I bought one four months ago and love it. You will not be disappointed. Take the time to learn all the great features. There's a ton of them

Yes, thanks to a handsome guide(wink,wink)

Heading out today at 5:30pm to go golfing four days in South Carolina. Hope to be ice fishing on Cook's Bay come Monday. Headed to Pittsburgh last Saturday to watch the Steelers on Sunday squeak by Green Bay. Awesome game. Caught the edge of the storm that hammered Virginia going down though. Cars in the ditch everywhere off Interstate 79.

Great pics Brian. It was a beautiful day. Great to be outdoors but also a good day to get lots of work done. Gotta pay the bills.

WOW! You really did shed the pounds Steve. You and your family look great. Good to hear from you.

Holy Moly!

There has been many sightings of one in Innisfil. The 6th line and Huronia rd. area(confirmed 'off the record' by MNR). There is also been reports of a 'family' of cougars in the area of Hwy 9 between Hwy 400 and #27 down in the swamps. I believe!

I am still see fresh tracks where I hunt but the deer have gone completely nocturnal. I still will sit in the blind during the occasional afternoon just in case one gets antsy and starts moving before sundown. When the snow comes I will have to track one down.

Pike, cause that's the only thing I can catch.

Can we switch up that elk for a couple of women in bikini's? That's a 'feel good' scenario too.

Hey, I just found out that it's okay..................as long as you don't get caught!

LOL!

Maybe we have to start harvesting all those squirrels running around out there. My toes and fingers have finally stopped tingling thanks to the Rye. Thanks for the outing Brian. Until next time.

See you in the morning Brian. I will be at your truck for 5am.

I have lots of work on my plate at the moment Mike. I can work 7 days a week. Last weekend I worked all day Sat and Sun. Perhaps after Dec 5th. Is there still even a bite then?

Those are some pretty wild looking places you fish. What's that big building all about? Great pics. Thanks for making us all envious.

It's all those damn Cougars!

There used to be loads of Jacks, Snowshoe and Cottontails in rural Cookstown when I was growing up. Fields of snow would be packed down with their tracks. It has been over 15 years since I have seen a Jack or Snowshoe. Very few Cottons around still.

The support cable pops off once in awhile but I always make sure it is hanging properly and below the ice. My machine also marks a small swivel very well at 60 fow with the wide beam but after that the quality really drops off. The narrow beam marks well to 80 fow and then stops marking soft baits and small spoons. It is a good machine and I know how to adjust the settings so it is at it's peak performance in different depths and situations but the Vex is more sensitive/stronger. I researched all the ice machines available and made an educated choice on quality, features and price. I will keep it until it dies (which may take over 20 years). Just wish I had bought one 10 years ago.

I bought the Hbird 45 last winter and I really enjoy having it. But I believe I would enjoy any of them. Even if the fish don't hit, the chase is very entertaining and helps pass the time on slow days. It also shows how the fish react to your lure so you can change up if they fail to bite. That in itself is worth the money. The narrow beam is certainly stronger for deeper water but falls short of the Vexlar and the Marcum. After 80 fow only large spoons and heavy jigging lures(Raps a Badboys) will show on the screen. Small lures and soft lures(tubes) do not show making it hard to play the fish into a hit. I have used the lowest Vex (fl-8?)a few times and it is very sensitive and has a strong signal well past 100 fow. The variable zoom is great but I do only use it down at the bottom. I did catch more fish with it but if I was to buy again it wouldn't be a Hbird.