Why aren't you boating? (A place to brag or vent)

[mtudb24]

Who's not still boating in Michigan? Ice is just a little inconvenience when your after the birds. HAHAH

 

[Madman]

Although winter in WI is not really conducive for boating, I still find related activities to get me through until spring. With the Yamaha tucked away, this is the time of year I turn my efforts toward catching up on household projects and maintaining the rest of our fleet. 15 to 20 years ago, I built 3 kayaks and a canoe. The first boat I built has seen better days and I’m still weighing my options on what to do with it. The other three are in excellent condition, but I’ve decided it’s time for a cut and polish, and new deck lines. I also need to replace the racing tape I used to help protect the stems and sterns. You can tell it’s not completely necessary because these are actually before pics, but it’ll still keep me busy through the coldest part of the winter.

 

[biffdotorg]

12” of ice in our bay and 10.5” on my early walleye hole. Game on! Saw plenty on livescope and brought the first one home for the pan! Nothing better!

 

[Coult45]

12” of ice in our bay and 10.5” on my early walleye hole. Game on! Saw plenty on livescope and brought the first one home for the pan! Nothing better!

View attachment 229561
View attachment 229562

View attachment 229564
View attachment 229565

Clear ice like that is terrifying. It always looks thin. For some reason, if I can't see through it, it must be stronger and thicker.

 

[biffdotorg]

Clear ice like that is terrifying. It always looks thin. For some reason, if I can't see through it, it must be stronger and thicker.

You know it. And to make it worse, there is nobody on my end of the lake on the water. So it’s just me and the ice.

I literally walked all the way out drilling holes every 100 yards to test ice first. And while driving out, I was watching the ice crack in front of my SXS the whole way! I’m way more courageous when there is an inch of snow on top, so i don’t have to see it.

 

[biffdotorg]

Although winter in WI is not really conducive for boating, I still find related activities to get me through until spring. With the Yamaha tucked away, this is the time of year I turn my efforts toward catching up on household projects and maintaining the rest of our fleet. 15 to 20 years ago, I built 3 kayaks and a canoe. The first boat I built has seen better days and I’m still weighing my options on what to do with it. The other three are in excellent condition, but I’ve decided it’s time for a cut and polish, and new deck lines. I also need to replace the racing tape I used to help protect the stems and sterns. You can tell it’s not completely necessary because these are actually before pics, but it’ll still keep me busy through the coldest part of the winter.

Probably some of the most beautiful boats I have ever seen! Wow. I would be afraid to use them.

 

[Madman]

Finished detailing the Redfish “King” this week. New deck line, weatherstripping on the hatches, racers tape on the stem and stern, polished, waxed and ready for the next 20 yrs! It’s been interesting reconnecting with these boats. Has me thinking I should make more for the grandkids! Unfortunately my eyes are 20 yrs older and I’m not sure that my skills are at that level anymore…

The next one needs a lot more work… and will keep me busy until spring.

 

[Madman]

Probably some of the most beautiful boats I have ever seen! Wow. I would be afraid to use them.

Thanks, the biggest “problem” having these boats is all the love we get when launching, recovering and even sitting at a traffic light! You also have to be willing to get wet because you can’t just drag them on shore!

 

[biffdotorg]

Well she dropped well below the donut last night, but the fish were moving!

I lost a monster at the hole as I just could not get it started up the hole. But I did land one that was meant for the fry pan!

The crowd was even cheering on the TV behind me!

 

[Thermobrett]

Well she dropped well below the donut last night, but the fish were moving!

I lost a monster at the hole as I just could not get it started up the hole. But I did land one that was meant for the fry pan!

The crowd was even cheering on the TV behind me!

View attachment 231124

I really miss walleye fishing on Erie. You don’t realize how good you have it with a family full of charter captains until you grow up, move away and then they start passing away.

 

[biffdotorg]

I really miss walleye fishing on Erie. You don’t realize how good you have it with a family full of charter captains until you grow up, move away and then they start passing away.

Amen, grew up eating walleye so often, a person grew tired of it. Nowadays, I cannot imagine growing tired of it, as I realize it is such a treat and a great amount of effort went into finding and catching these fish.

My retired neighbor responds, "that's a $30 plate at Spankys" (local restaurant)

 

[sbeassie]

Amen, grew up eating walleye so often, a person grew tired of it. Nowadays, I cannot imagine growing tired of it, as I realize it is such a treat and a great amount of effort went into finding and catching these fish.

My retired neighbor responds, "that's a $30 plate at Spankys" (local restaurant)

Ha, I say the same thing down here when we catch a black drum "That fish is $20 per filet in a restaurant". This one is borderline too big.

I don't know anything about ice fishing, but it looks like a good way to pass some winter days.

 

[biffdotorg]

The way I explain it to the customers I speak to all over the world, Think of the movie Grumpy Old Men, it's exactly like that. Everyone in a their shanty or Ice Castle and walk from house to house like a small city with plowed roads. If you have a drink/jerky to share, you are welcome to come visit any house any time.

We actually have a bar setup on the lake next to us with holes drilled, so you can fish and socialize. There is also food delivery on the lake. You can pre-order breakfast burritos etc and pick up at the landing!

 

[Thermobrett]

The way I explain it to the customers I speak to all over the world, Think of the movie Grumpy Old Men, it's exactly like that. Everyone in a their shanty or Ice Castle and walk from house to house like a small city with plowed roads. If you have a drink/jerky to share, you are welcome to come visit any house any time.

We actually have a bar setup on the lake next to us with holes drilled, so you can fish and socialize. There is also food delivery on the lake. You can pre-order breakfast burritos etc and pick up at the landing!

Putz and Moron...

 

[Neutron]

Putz and Moron...
View attachment 231217

Great movie

 

[Thermobrett]

Great movie

Both movies are in my top 5 with Captain Ron being #1.

 

[biffdotorg]

Temps come up 30 degrees, sun comes out fish cooperate. It’s still only 4f.

 

[steelhorse454]

Nice walleye...I used to fish Mosquito Lake in Ohio with my Dad 50 years ago. We would fish 3-4 days a week 10-12 hours per day. Boy those were the days. I caught a 10.5 lb. Walleye at 12 years old.....Tried to give my Dad the pole as that fish was kicking my butt, but he said "Nope, land it or loose it." and on 6 lb test line. If I was any older or stronger, I believe that fish would have beat me...

 

[Thermobrett]

Nice walleye...I used to fish Mosquito Lake in Ohio with my Dad 50 years ago. We would fish 3-4 days a week 10-12 hours per day. Boy those were the days. I caught a 10.5 lb. Walleye at 12 years old.....Tried to give my Dad the pole as that fish was kicking my butt, but he said "Nope, land it or loose it." and on 6 lb test line. If I was any older or stronger, I believe that fish would have beat me...

Me at 8 on our charter boat in Port Clinton.


Me at 16 in Port Clinton on our dock partners charter boat. This was 28 1/2” 14lb Fish Ohio.

 

[biffdotorg]

one more week of the MN Walleye season before it closes up. and the house has to come off the first week of march. Hard to imagine at -25f.

But some beautiful sunshine at those temps. And a couple fish.