February 18, 2017 - Saturday
39 degrees/clear/breezy
Pentoga Road

A more perfect day has never been seen than Friday. Reaching a high of 60 degrees, it was pure bliss to be out on the ice, fishing in shirt sleeves without a heavy coat or gloves.According to Carl the Weatherman, today is supposed to be a carbon copy. We can only hope.

There's not a lot to talk about this morning other than yesterday's expedition out onto our local lake.

Checking the bait. In this case, they are wax worms.

I was tickled to find how easy it was to load and unload the Tundra from the trailer. Even with the Clam portable tent shelter, it was less work to pull a trailer than it is to lift and pack everything into the back of the Blazer. The trailer will become a regular part of future ice fishing expeditions, with or without the snowmobile.

The first few minutes on the ice produced the most action of the day. I caught one of the largest bluegills of the year within the first ten minutes with two others coming through the hole right behind.



I had the feeling that I started fishing a couple of hours too late. As the morning wore on, the action slowed down.

Most the day was spent punching holes through the two and a half feet of ice. Often, I'd catch one fish at one then move to another and catch another. It was a day of exploration more than anything.



This four pound smallmouth bass was landed after a five minute fight. Using only four-pound test line, I had to play him easy, yet keep the tension steady. 

After a day of harsh sunshine and a sunburned face, I buried the day's catch in the snow on the ice and came back home. Since I plan to go this morning, I'll add whatever I catch to those I caught yesterday. There'll be fish to clean this afternoon regardless.

Sargie had to close the Vision Center. After a quick shower followed by a frozen pizza, I fell into a deep sleep while relaxing in the recliner. Eight hours on the ice had worn this young fella out.

I want to be out on the lake early this morning, shortly after sun up. One of Sargie's friends and her longtime boyfriend are to meet me on the ice later and we're planning on spending time fishing and socializing. 

Sargie opens the Vision Center this morning, but thankfully, should be home early tonight and has Sunday off.

It's time to roll. Those fish aren't going to catch themselves.

After all, a man's work is never done.

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...

It was early afternoon when I wadded up my winter coat and used it as a pillow against the handle bars of the snowmobile. Lying back, my legs stretched out, my eyes closed against a bright winter sun, I may have dozed off for a minute or twenty.