We walked onto the ice from the north side by the intersection and immediately started punching holes to get an idea of the lake's contours. Dodger and TS settled on a depth of 8ft between the shore and the weed bed, while I circled around it in a clockwise direction, checking depths every 30ft or so until I finally found some deeper water on the far side of the weed bed near the center of the lake. I drilled a series of holes in a letter T shape with the base toward the south, ranging in depth from 10 to 18 feet of water, and immediately marked fish. Taking my new Lightning Rods, I set up the tip up with a shiner and started working the other holes with a tiny jig tipped with a Powerbait honey maggot. The wait for the first fish didn't take long.
First ever iced Pumpkinseed |
Over the next hour and a half I played cat and mouse with schools of neutral panfish, constantly changing baits in the hope of getting the onlookers to commit.
Eventually Dodger wandered over (out of boredom) to suggest moving on to the big lake. Just then the tip up sprang to life and instantly separated hook from the line. That was just the motivation needed to get those guys to move to my side of the lake, and more importantly, move the minnow cooler closer.
While TS and Dodger were setting up near the center of the lake, I was stalking a large school of small crappies. After another hour Tackle Shop finally iced the first pike of the day at 18" and I had another bite off. Dodger managed a few small perch and a pumpkinseed.
After all's said and done, Little Puslinch lake is full of a wide variety of fish, although today they seemed a little tight lipped and needed some coaxing. I'm wondering if it's named for it's diminutive size or for the size of it's fish. Either way, only further exploration will answer that question and after today's multi-species outing I'm all for a return trip.
Hey John. I noticed you're using those clips to put on the lure. I've been looking at them for a while. How do you like them? Are they as easy as a snap swivel?
ReplyDeleteMark
Looks like your turning into one of those weekend warriors?
ReplyDeleteMark - I love the clips. They're easy to use, strong, low profile and allow some jig movement. The only problem I have is with my eyesight. I have to perch my glasses on the tip of my nose just to get the clip in the eyelet.
ReplyDeleteBlake - Yeah (I'm hanging my head in shame). For now I'm happy to get out on weekends, but when things settle down at work and spring comes, I'll be getting out after my shift on the local rivers for a few hours.
Great Blog! Glad I stopped by.
ReplyDeletenice pictures!! i want to ice fish some day... :D
ReplyDeleteAny weekend you can catch fish is a good weekend. Nice job.
ReplyDeleteNot sure how I missed hitting the "follow" button on your blog, but I am going to do it right now.
Ryan - the Average Joe Fisherman
WildFisherWoman-thanks for your patronage. Your on ice adventures are awesome!
ReplyDeleteDeanO-for me ice fishing can be a spiritual experience with the peace & serenity of the frozen outdoors. Sometimes the electronics detract from the experience, but "Wi-fishing" can be fun & productive.
Shane-thanks,your pics of Oregon steel rock!
Ryan-you're a madman, leave those defensless beavers alone.