So what exactly are polarioids?

After extensive research on the matter I have come to this conclusion.

Polaroids are what you get when you sit on the ice too long!

Come on spring!

Winter recreation is a great time of year. We enjoy ice fishing, sledding, snowmobiling, and cross country skiing to name a few.  I felt it was appropriate to talk about ice safety.

Ice on ponds, rivers, and lakes can be affected by many things. The strength and the thickness of the ice must be known before any activity by you or a family member takes place on it. Safety is of paramount importance. 

The rule of thumb for ice safety is as follows: 

• 2 inches of new clear ice is ok for walking on.
• 4 inches of new clear ice is ok to spend time fishing on.
• 5 inches of new clear ice is ok to snowmobile on.
• 8-13 inches of new clear ice is ok to drive a vehicle on.

REMEMBER – RIVER ICE IS USUALLY 15 – 20 PERCENT WEAKER THAN POND OR LAKE ICE. 

Slush is a danger sign. It indicates that the ice is no longer freezing from the bottom and indicates it is weak and or deteriorating.

Temperatures, precipitation (snow, sleet, rain) are all factors that affect the strength of the ice. 

Never check the ice alone or try to rescue a victim of an ice failure. Why?  Because you could end up going from rescuer to victim very quickly. If you fall through the ice, try to climb out toward the direct you came from. You know the ice was strong up to that point.

In closing, be aware that ice thickness and strength can vary from location to location. By following the few safety tips you can be safer and enjoy the many winter activities in our great outdoors.

 

I promised to write a Blog or two about fishing. Below are some basic fishing techniques that work for me. Try them out at you favorite fishing hole and share them with your fishing buddies:

*If the water is still, use smaller pieces of bait. If there are lots of waves, use larger pieces.

*When the wind blows right across the water, fish with your back to the wind. Your casting is easier and the fish will be on that side because the natural bait will be blown onto the water by the wind.

*When it is cloudy, fish are near the top of the water. When it is sunny, most fish are sensitive to light and are near the bottom.

*Spinner baits, crank baits and plastic worms work best for bass.

*Trout and pike will bite shiny metal lures.

*Fish seem to be most excited by top water lures. Cast near cover, wait several seconds, and then twitch the rod tip so the lure moves on the water surface.

*Bigger fish normally live in heavy cover. Use a plastic worm or jig with a pork rind frog trailer. Cast into the thickest cover, wait for the lure to drop and gently shake the rod tip to attract a bite.

*When fishing becomes slow or difficult, try using a smaller lure.

*Vary your retrieve speed and the lure will look more realistic.

*Try not to frighten the fish, try and keep your shadow off the water and avoid loud noises.

*Setting the hook properly certainly counts to getting your limit. Set the hook as soon as the fish strikes by lowering the rod tip, reeling in the slack line and jerking the rod tip up sharply upward to set the hook.

Now go out and have fun and enjoy the day. A bad day of fishing is better than a good day at work.