I fished a local ice fishing tournament this weekend. The temperature was below freezing. The wind was howling. And the bite was slow. I had a fabulous time!
When I arrived, I scanned the ice and quickly developed a strategy. I set up my tip-ups in a “straight” line, with each successive tip-up penetrating deeper into the water column.
From base camp, tip-ups 1 and 2 were in the shallower portions of the water column. Tip-ups 3, 4, and 5 were in the deeper portions of the water column. This layout helped to identify where the hungry fish were lurking. Tip-ups 4 and 5 hooked ravenous yellow perch of respectable size.
I have a new found respect for yellow perch. After I set the hook, the fish shook its head and swam from side to side, the whole way up. What an aggressive species!
I had a fabulous time for several reasons. First, I was warm the entire time, complements of my new gear. Second, I found and caught fish. And third, I made some new friends. 😉
