MN Fisher

Well, the "March of the Morons" has begun. Running an errand this morning, all three small lakes attached to Minnetonka (Emerald, Seton, Black) in my neighborhood had idiots on the ice even though they were all open water less than a week ago. Then I find out that the Sheriff's Patrol has been cruising the shores and chasing them off the ice. Don't know if any fines were involved, but there should have been. 'Endangering public servants' comes to mind, as any 1st Responder will be risking their life to save one of these brain-dead Darwin Award candidates.

I hear you there, brother.

So 2" isn't deep enough - would 3.25" do you? ProLatch® Bait Container StowAway® 3700™

Why go through the trouble of doing that when Plano has one already - $11 on Amazon 3700 Open-Compartment Deep

That's a Flourocarbon line, not a Nylon.... For me, it's Sufix Siege all the time....

^ If that don't catch something in that 'pond' - there's nothing in the pond to catch.

Those two have way too much fun. Not that Lynn encourages them or anything.

For panfishing I've gone entirely to the Rocket Bobber in slip mode....never an issue.

Exactly - with the lesser amounts of snow we've had the last few years, that has exacerbated the drought situation. We need the snow for the spring melt/soak in/run off to replenish the ground water.

We're kinda use to it, part of being Minnesotans. And this morning it's warmer - all of 9 degrees (grin) I don't do anything with my truck, it sits out in the parking slot open to everything. Might be a little slow on initial crank, but still always starts. Basement is heated, so no issues with pipes at all as the main-line comes into that before branching off.

Could have used that back in '91 when we had our Halloween Blizzard that dumped a bit over 20" on my driveway over the three days it snowed.

#1 - empty gatoraid bottle, dump and rinse #3 - coffee can, seal and take home to dispose of Far as someone else in the boat - if you wanna watch, that's your kink...I don't really care.

Get out on the water - with the ulcerated sore on my ankle, launching and landing the boat was a non-starter this past year. After a bit of surgery on it last week, it's already looking much better, so fingers-crossed, I'll get Bass Trek out next year. Also learning the EchoMap 9sv I purchased last spring, but have never gotten the transducer wet. Beyond that, just catching some nice fish - either framed-photo worthy or freezer worthy...either would be fine for me.

It's basically the honor system, John...and most people here are honorable enough to follow it.

Is that a regulated thing in the rules, Russ, or just personal observation. We don't have size limits or slots on bass here - you can keep 10" or 20"....doesn't matter according to the rules. We're just limited to 6 total in possession - which is livewell PLUS freezer...if you got 3 at home in the freezer, you're limited to 3 keepers on your outing.

Al Lindner has been preaching that since the beginning, and I've followed it since I could first cast a line. Selective harvest IS the middle ground....

I'll keep an eye out - Black and Emerald are the two that get the 'early birds'.

^ If going the easy route - then Tom's suggestion of the Testors Enamel is right on the money. It's oil based, dries very hard and applies easily with even cheap brushes. Won't be quite as durable as a good baked on powder, but should be fine, and touch-ups are easily handled. Ya, a 1/4oz bottle will handle several dozen jigs...you don't need to slather on thick coats, a couple thin ones, letting it dry between them, will do the trick.

Yep - mine is lightweight and very rainproof as proved during a downpour when I was shorefishing this year. Columbia Men's Glennaker Lake Jacket - currently 25% off at Columbia's site https://www.columbia.com/p/mens-glennaker-lake-ii-rain-jacket-2089791.html?srsltid=AfmBOorK-ZPVYvTWFhtJa-ytSST983-Bl5aSYmIhJwirW1Y__ZhSRCGF

For me, ya - but they're still fishing the shore of Black Lake as of yesterday.

Funny thing is - when I was on my way to an appointment in Waconia on Thursday - I saw a guy wind-surfing Lake Waconia...temp my truck was registering was 37 and it was windy....he was making a good clip across the water.

^ Which is pretty much the only difference between Striker and Echomap. The Echomap 93sv and the Striker 9sv only differ in that the Echomap has pre-loaded maps, both can make maps just in case the body of water you're fishing isn't included in the list of Echomap pre-loaded maps.

Personally I'd go with VMC DuoLocks if I was to ever use snaps.

I'd be wary of a 7# ring even up here where the state record is only 8lb15oz and a 6# bass is a rarity. A good tug by a 5# fish during a fight can pull more than 7#. Down where you are - I'd think a 18# ring would be minimum I'd accept given the DDs you can pull out of your waters.

Yep - first thing I do when I get a new jerkbait is put an Owner Oval on the front, either as a new add-on or replacing the round ring. Crankbaits get the Owner Teardrop....wider wobble with that.