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Recent posts
#11
General Ice Fishing Discussion / Where O Where is the safe ice?...
Last post by djkimmel - December 23, 2019, 02:40:28 PMI drove out to Round Lake Friday afternoon to get my heart broken... Was hoping to be pleasantly surprised by thicker, clean ice considering I was breaking lots of 3/4 to 1/ 1/2 inch ice to fish my last two times in the boat there in late November but no such luck... darn.
Drove up to see an ice-covered lake but it also looked like 2 small, narrow openings in the ice and one very long, narrow strip out in the middle. Got my binoculars out and still couldn't be sure but it was either strips of water on the ice, or open water as all three spots were lower than the surrounding ice.
Bought new blades for my ancient 8" Mora hand auger as last winter it got to the point that all I could do was cut wide, shallow saucers in the ice!! Not good when the ice is 14 to 16 inches thick!! Figured I could at least test that, plus... I'm hoping a new hand drill I bought might make things easier on my aging joints. I had it hooked to a slightly newer (but still very old) 6 inch Mora my brother Jim loaned me.
I was able to spud through the ice with 4 or 5 pokes at the most standing at the boat ramp Friday. Not good. I could see the ice was poor quality. In a few test spots the spud went through in only 2 or 3 pokes! The dead giveaway not to even try walking out at all was the absence of zero tracks or disturbances of any kind out on the lake - I was looking for that too with my binoculars. The only sign someone else had even tried the ice was an auger hole only 12 feet out from the boat ramp. That was it.
I realize ice around shore, especially around objects, tends to be mixed and poor but no way was I going out on 3 inches or less of poor quality ice hoping it would 'get better.' Someone else can be the pioneer (guinea pig) there!!
I walked slowly and gingerly out a few feet on one of the big drain tubes at the ramp and gave my new 8 inch blade a try. Had to be careful there too as it wouldn't take much to break through and put my new blades into the rocks and gravel around the boat ramp. I was happy to see the new blades appear to cut pretty good. Maybe not pristine but I won't be sure about improvements until I can get out on some real ice and stand right over the auger. Hopefully, I can cut holes again halfway decent (or better).
But, the real excitement trying to well up over my disappoint of not enough safe ice comes from my new hand drill auger rig. Unfortunately, my brother had left this auger in his garage for who knows how many years. I had to work at it just to be able to use the threads on the auger arm. The blades were somewhat rusted too. I oiled them and tried lightly sandpapering any obvious rust off around the blade edges. Having tried last year to sharpen my old 8 inch blades, I don't have a lot of confidence in doing that.
So, more disappoint shouldn't have been too surprising... When I tried to use my new drill to cut a hole the blades skittered all over the place!?! I could barely hold the drill in one spot to even make a 'saucer' like my dull 8 inch blades were doing last winter!!! I tried adjusting the speed and torque enough times to know I was not going to get these blades to catch even long enough to start to dig a hole through. It was more challenging not being able to stand right over the drill on the ice, but I came close enough I should have been able to at least get beyond a very shallow saucer about 20 inches wide.
I gave up after a couple minutes because I think if I tried to push harder I was going to cut myself or fall over onto the ice!! Could not keep the auger in one spot with any success for more than a moment...
So, I've asked Santa for a new plain old Mora 6 inch auger for Christmas because I want to be able to drill some holes without wearing myself out. Assuming we EVER get safe ice around Lansing... I imagine there may be safe ice on one or two of the few tiny bodies of water nearby. I have a (chicken) little different opinion about safe ice than some anglers. Don't really like swimming in real cold water. Think I'm going to wait until next weekend to give something, somewhere, another shot. Maybe, if Santa feels I've been a good boy, I'll have a new 6 inch auger to try on my new hand drill...
I would try my ancient 8 inch auger on the hand drill, but I cannot get it apart so far. I'm also concerned the effort of getting it apart might make it unusable. Don't think I've ever taken it apart in the thousand years I've owned it...
I imagine some of you have been out by now, maybe far up north? A friend who lived around here up until recently has just started to send me pictures of trout and perch he's catching through the ice. I forget he moved to Montana in June so that explains why he has safe ice. He told me they usually have safe ice until April 30 where he now lives!! That's a little too much for me. I do like my spring open water fishing!!! Good luck out there, and be safe. I need to fish soon, but not if it involves a possible unplanned swim!!!
Drove up to see an ice-covered lake but it also looked like 2 small, narrow openings in the ice and one very long, narrow strip out in the middle. Got my binoculars out and still couldn't be sure but it was either strips of water on the ice, or open water as all three spots were lower than the surrounding ice.
Bought new blades for my ancient 8" Mora hand auger as last winter it got to the point that all I could do was cut wide, shallow saucers in the ice!! Not good when the ice is 14 to 16 inches thick!! Figured I could at least test that, plus... I'm hoping a new hand drill I bought might make things easier on my aging joints. I had it hooked to a slightly newer (but still very old) 6 inch Mora my brother Jim loaned me.
I was able to spud through the ice with 4 or 5 pokes at the most standing at the boat ramp Friday. Not good. I could see the ice was poor quality. In a few test spots the spud went through in only 2 or 3 pokes! The dead giveaway not to even try walking out at all was the absence of zero tracks or disturbances of any kind out on the lake - I was looking for that too with my binoculars. The only sign someone else had even tried the ice was an auger hole only 12 feet out from the boat ramp. That was it.
I realize ice around shore, especially around objects, tends to be mixed and poor but no way was I going out on 3 inches or less of poor quality ice hoping it would 'get better.' Someone else can be the pioneer (guinea pig) there!!
I walked slowly and gingerly out a few feet on one of the big drain tubes at the ramp and gave my new 8 inch blade a try. Had to be careful there too as it wouldn't take much to break through and put my new blades into the rocks and gravel around the boat ramp. I was happy to see the new blades appear to cut pretty good. Maybe not pristine but I won't be sure about improvements until I can get out on some real ice and stand right over the auger. Hopefully, I can cut holes again halfway decent (or better).
But, the real excitement trying to well up over my disappoint of not enough safe ice comes from my new hand drill auger rig. Unfortunately, my brother had left this auger in his garage for who knows how many years. I had to work at it just to be able to use the threads on the auger arm. The blades were somewhat rusted too. I oiled them and tried lightly sandpapering any obvious rust off around the blade edges. Having tried last year to sharpen my old 8 inch blades, I don't have a lot of confidence in doing that.
So, more disappoint shouldn't have been too surprising... When I tried to use my new drill to cut a hole the blades skittered all over the place!?! I could barely hold the drill in one spot to even make a 'saucer' like my dull 8 inch blades were doing last winter!!! I tried adjusting the speed and torque enough times to know I was not going to get these blades to catch even long enough to start to dig a hole through. It was more challenging not being able to stand right over the drill on the ice, but I came close enough I should have been able to at least get beyond a very shallow saucer about 20 inches wide.
I gave up after a couple minutes because I think if I tried to push harder I was going to cut myself or fall over onto the ice!! Could not keep the auger in one spot with any success for more than a moment...
So, I've asked Santa for a new plain old Mora 6 inch auger for Christmas because I want to be able to drill some holes without wearing myself out. Assuming we EVER get safe ice around Lansing... I imagine there may be safe ice on one or two of the few tiny bodies of water nearby. I have a (chicken) little different opinion about safe ice than some anglers. Don't really like swimming in real cold water. Think I'm going to wait until next weekend to give something, somewhere, another shot. Maybe, if Santa feels I've been a good boy, I'll have a new 6 inch auger to try on my new hand drill...
I would try my ancient 8 inch auger on the hand drill, but I cannot get it apart so far. I'm also concerned the effort of getting it apart might make it unusable. Don't think I've ever taken it apart in the thousand years I've owned it...
I imagine some of you have been out by now, maybe far up north? A friend who lived around here up until recently has just started to send me pictures of trout and perch he's catching through the ice. I forget he moved to Montana in June so that explains why he has safe ice. He told me they usually have safe ice until April 30 where he now lives!! That's a little too much for me. I do like my spring open water fishing!!! Good luck out there, and be safe. I need to fish soon, but not if it involves a possible unplanned swim!!!
#12
Ice Fishing Stuff for Sale / complete ice fishing setup for...
Last post by kat000killer - August 16, 2019, 09:02:19 AM10" eskimo power auger used twice
2 man schapelle portable shanty brand new
6" power auger
6" hand auger used twice
75 to 100 jigs
bucket full of tipups
bucket full of jig rods
scoops and a gaff
plastic tow tub sled
will not separate 700$ for entire package.
231-5four8five05one
2 man schapelle portable shanty brand new
6" power auger
6" hand auger used twice
75 to 100 jigs
bucket full of tipups
bucket full of jig rods
scoops and a gaff
plastic tow tub sled
will not separate 700$ for entire package.
231-5four8five05one
#13
Ice Fishing Derbies, Tournaments and Festivals / 2019 LSCWA Annual Children
Last post by djkimmel - January 20, 2019, 02:45:51 PMThe Lake St. Clair Walleye Association's Annual Children's Ice Fishing is back on Sunday, February 24, 2019. This FREE event is a great way to introduce children to ice fishing!
The event will be held at the Lake St. Clair Metropark from 9AM to 2PM. Registration located at Lake St Clair Metro Park (Metro Beach), Day Sail Launch, near the Surfside Shelter (Heated Restrooms!).
Call the Club Hot Line @ 1-586-778-0480 or See LSCWA.NET with any questions and to confirm event details.
The event will be held at the Lake St. Clair Metropark from 9AM to 2PM. Registration located at Lake St Clair Metro Park (Metro Beach), Day Sail Launch, near the Surfside Shelter (Heated Restrooms!).
- Free Event!
- Children Learn to Ice Fish!
- All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian
- Refreshments and Prizes Available!
- Taxi Service onto the ice provided!
- Heated tent provide by WCSX 94.7
- Prizes donated by Bass Pro Shop
Call the Club Hot Line @ 1-586-778-0480 or See LSCWA.NET with any questions and to confirm event details.
#14
Ice Fishing Derbies, Tournaments and Festivals / 2019 WCSX Cold As Ice Fishing ...
Last post by djkimmel - January 20, 2019, 02:36:28 PMDetroit's Classic Rock WCSX 94.7, in conjunction with the Lake St. Clair Walleye Association, is hosting their annual Cold As Ice Winter Festival and Ice Fishing Tournament rescheduled for Saturday, February 23, 2019 at the Lake St. Clair Metropark Day Sail Area, from 5AM to 3PM.
There are cash prizes for:
New for 2019: Cold as Ice Winter Festival
In addition to the fishing, enjoy fun activities for the whole family at the Cold as Ice Winter Festival! Including winter games, food and vendors!
GLIF is not affiliated with this event. Please check the WCSX website for accurate details and the latest updates such as changes due to weather and ice conditions.
There are cash prizes for:
- Top 10 Perch: $500
- Heaviest Pike: $300
- Heaviest Walleye: $300
- Top 5 Panfish: $300
New for 2019: Cold as Ice Winter Festival
In addition to the fishing, enjoy fun activities for the whole family at the Cold as Ice Winter Festival! Including winter games, food and vendors!
GLIF is not affiliated with this event. Please check the WCSX website for accurate details and the latest updates such as changes due to weather and ice conditions.
#15
General Ice Fishing Discussion / Ultimate Fishing Show Detroit ...
Last post by djkimmel - January 06, 2018, 01:11:08 AMMyself and some volunteer helpers will be in booth 2411 near the big Ice Shanty Town in Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi at the 2018 Ultimate Fishing Show Detroit Thursday, January 11 through Sunday, January 14. If you want to help out see the post on the GreatLakesBass.com/forum for more info. Helpers get a pass in to the show.
Going to be the largest collection of ice fishing tackle and gear yet at this year's show so don't miss it! For details visit the UltimateFishingShow.com! You can also keep up on the very latest on Facebook at the UltimateSportShowTour.
Going to be the largest collection of ice fishing tackle and gear yet at this year's show so don't miss it! For details visit the UltimateFishingShow.com! You can also keep up on the very latest on Facebook at the UltimateSportShowTour.
#16
Member Contests and Special Deals / Cabela's Ice Fishing Classic! ...
Last post by djkimmel - December 11, 2017, 11:13:52 AMCheck this SALE specifically for ice fishing tackle, gear and accessories out FAST at Cabela's because it ends December 14, 2017! A very good selection of ice gear! Use the following link to go directly to the SALE landing page! Thanks!
#17
General Ice Fishing Discussion / Ultimate Sport Show opens tomo...
Last post by djkimmel - March 15, 2017, 09:03:29 PMThe Ultimate Sport Show Grand Rapids opens tomorrow, Thursday, March 16, 2017, at DeVos Place downtown on 303 Monroe Ave NW. The big show opens Thursday at 1pm until 9pm. Friday - 11am until 9pm, Saturday - 10am until 8pm and Sunday - 10am until 5pm.
GreatLakesBass.com/GLIF will be in the middle of the 2000 aisle in booth 2015 next to Grandt Rods. Stop by and say hello. There's at least one large vendor with lots of ice fishing tackle, jigs and gear - Thornapple Outdoors (K & E Tackle, Stopper Lures) at the end of the 1800 aisle.
GreatLakesBass.com/GLIF will be in the middle of the 2000 aisle in booth 2015 next to Grandt Rods. Stop by and say hello. There's at least one large vendor with lots of ice fishing tackle, jigs and gear - Thornapple Outdoors (K & E Tackle, Stopper Lures) at the end of the 1800 aisle.
#18
Safe Ice Reports / Lake St. Clair Ice Report 2/6/...
Last post by djkimmel - February 07, 2017, 04:24:07 PMFrom Justin Clark at Sportsmen's Direct on Jefferson Ave - the 2/6/2017 Lake St. Clair ice report - very sketchy out there and we don't want to see anymore fatalities! Please! Be very cautious. This was before all the rain we had today so things may have gone down hill.
#19
General Ice Fishing Discussion / Celebrate conservation and fam...
Last post by djkimmel - February 02, 2017, 05:13:19 PMCelebrate conservation and family fun at the 44th annual Outdoorama
Check out this article for the latest on all the family fun, outdoors and conservation things going on at the 2017 Outdoorama February 23-26 at Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave in Novi. Stop by booth 5714 to say hello at the GreatLakesBass.com / GLIF booth!
Check out this article for the latest on all the family fun, outdoors and conservation things going on at the 2017 Outdoorama February 23-26 at Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave in Novi. Stop by booth 5714 to say hello at the GreatLakesBass.com / GLIF booth!
#20
General Ice Fishing Discussion / 2017 Outdoorama Detroit GLIF i...
Last post by djkimmel - January 29, 2017, 07:31:04 PMGreatLakesBass.com and GLIF will be in booth 5714 at the upcoming Outdoorama Detroit, February 23 through February 26. Here is a floor plan of the show showing our booth location.
Outdoorama is an all outdoors show for all hunters and anglers. A great way to beat cabin fever again for all of us. Outdoorama is at the Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave, Novi, MI 48374.
Show hours are:
Thursday, 1pm - 9pm
Friday, 11am - 9:30pm
Saturday 10am - 9pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm
Visit www.greatlakesbass.com/shows or www.outdoorama.com for more information. For late-breaking details, changes, deals and show info visit the Ultimate Sport Show Tour on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ultimatesportshowtour.
Outdoorama is an all outdoors show for all hunters and anglers. A great way to beat cabin fever again for all of us. Outdoorama is at the Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave, Novi, MI 48374.
Show hours are:
Thursday, 1pm - 9pm
Friday, 11am - 9:30pm
Saturday 10am - 9pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm
Visit www.greatlakesbass.com/shows or www.outdoorama.com for more information. For late-breaking details, changes, deals and show info visit the Ultimate Sport Show Tour on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ultimatesportshowtour.