Firsts and it's been a long time.

[KegRiver]

Well things are picking up in the Great White North.

Went on day outing, second one since my heart attack.
I went ice fishing with my sister and BIL. Didn't catch any ice but did catch a couple of fish. One microscopic Perch and one small trout.

I've never fished for perch before and haven't been ice fishing in several years. All told I've probably only gone ice fishing a half dozen times in my life.

I aim to do this a lot more often. We had a blast. Sure I had trouble keeping warm and wound up returning t the ruck four times to warm up but I am more then happy with that situation. Thing is I got out and had a great time.

I wasn't at all sure I'd be up to the task, especially the walking but the walking wasn't a problem at all. In fact I had no issues with that at all.
A couple of years ago I would have played out just getting out on the lake much less returning to the truck so many times.

I was even pleasantly surprised with how much fun Perch are to catch. I had always passed on them before because I knew they are small and I figured that would make them boring to go for, but they are lots of fun.

Now I have to figure out what gear I want to purchase to make the time more productive. BIL has a hand operated ice auger but I suspect that would be more then I could handle, because of my lung issues.

So some sort of power auger is needed, and I'll need a tent to cut the wind so I can stay out for the whole day, and a sled to haul the gear.
I already have a good ice fishing rod and hole skimmer, and plenty of appropriate lures.

What else might a older guy need? I have a little buddy heater thanks to AO and more then enough folding chairs. I expect there are other necessities that will become apparent in time and I'd kinda like to take shortcut and get them before I need them.

For most of my life I had to make do in my summer fishing because I simply couldn't afford long trips of more costly needed gear.

Now that I work for myself I have the luxury of being able to do the long trips to the coast, and now I have the boats and other gear I could never afford when I was supporting a family. The one thing I had then that I don't now is years upon years to learn things and acquire gear.

I figure I have ten years at best of good years ahead so I want to get all the little things dealt with as soon as possible, and that mostly means good gear. I know that only time will provide the learning for when how and where.

As you might suspect, I am excited. Excited with this new pursuit.
One doesn't have a lot of excited days starting the day the boy calls you grandpa. You gotta take it when it come cause there may not be many more.

See you all on the ice.

[35 whelen]

Get yourself a battery operated auger.

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[JohnB]

Originally Posted by 35 whelen

Get yourself a battery operated auger.

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I agree, was tired of starting my gas auger. Picked up an Ion x at Peavy Mart, ice fish gear was 30% off. Or you can just buy the auger made for cordless drill, seen one at fishing hole for $299. Look at a flasher as well.

[Talking moose]

A tent.

[CNP]

You've got the ideas already...…..pretty much putting them into action is all that's left:

electric auger
tent tall enough to stand up inside...….3/4 person tent
tent flooring (6 squares of the stuff that fits together like a puzzle on the sides fits a 3/4 man tent adequately)
propane heater (big buddy or sunflower with 20# tank - tank fits inside a milk crate)
shovel
flasher and maybe a camera
5 gal bucket for tackle/seat
crampons for your boots
a sled that accommodates all this stuff...……...60+" long (jet sled xl)

and add some fun to that

[Bigwoodsman]

Glad to hear from you Keg. Good to know you’re on the mend, getting out and enjoying life. All I could add to the above is rod holders. I got a tent and a Strike master 40v auger this year. Expensive but makes life easier on the lake and encourages me to get out there. Being comfortable makes ice fishing better.

10 more good years your selling yourself short, 20 more minimum.

BW

[cowmanbob]

If you think perch are fun to catch....wait till you eat them.

[CranePete]

Glad to hear that you’re getting back into the swing of things after your earlier dilemma. I’d also be looking for an electric auger with a spare battery.
CranePete

[58thecat]

And a few dedicated ice fishing rods....proper tackle for targeted species....nice just to get out sometimes the fish don't cooperate but the outing is what counts.

Tight lines.

[KegRiver]

Originally Posted by 35 whelen

Get yourself a battery operated auger.

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That is what I need to know, I was wondering if they were worth purchasing.

Thanks.

[KegRiver]

Originally Posted by CNP

You've got the ideas already...…..pretty much putting them into action is all that's left:

electric auger
tent tall enough to stand up inside...….3/4 person tent
tent flooring (6 squares of the stuff that fits together like a puzzle on the sides fits a 3/4 man tent adequately)
propane heater (big buddy or sunflower with 20# tank - tank fits inside a milk crate)
shovel
flasher and maybe a camera
5 gal bucket for tackle/seat
crampons for your boots
a sled that accommodates all this stuff...……...60+" long (jet sled xl)

and add some fun to that

I plan on getting a sonar and was thinking a underwater camera would be nice too.

A fishing hut or tent is in the plan as is a sled.

For a tent floor I was thinking those lock together exercise mats made of foam rubber ought to work perfect. You agree I take it.


The plan is coming together!

[KegRiver]

Originally Posted by cowmanbob

If you think perch are fun to catch....wait till you eat them.

So I've heard, but I kinda want fish more then 4 inches long for eating. So far they have proved elusive.
BIL claimed they catch eight inch Perch in that lake so I am hopeful.

[35 whelen]

Originally Posted by KegRiver

That is what I need to know, I was wondering if they were worth purchasing.

Thanks.

Look at the StrikeMaster 40-volt.

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[MBL]

I hope you realize it’s illegal to keep perch from trout ponds.

[WayneChristie]

Originally Posted by MBL

I hope you realize it’s illegal to keep perch from trout ponds.

may want to check the changes in regs a few years ago

[58thecat]

Originally Posted by 35 whelen

Look at the StrikeMaster 40-volt.

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Exactly 10"....gonna pick one up when they have a good sale....still like drilling by hand too....got to get the blood flowing

But if you are unable to go with the electric auger!

[58thecat]

Originally Posted by KegRiver

I plan on getting a sonar and was thinking a underwater camera would be nice too.

A fishing hut or tent is in the plan as is a sled.

For a tent floor I was thinking those lock together exercise mats made of foam rubber ought to work perfect. You agree I take it.


The plan is coming together!

Awesome to hear the plan is coming together...tight lines.

[35 whelen]

Originally Posted by KegRiver

I plan on getting a sonar and was thinking a underwater camera would be nice too.

A fishing hut or tent is in the plan as is a sled.

For a tent floor I was thinking those lock together exercise mats made of foam rubber ought to work perfect. You agree I take it.


The plan is coming together!

Might have this for sale next week. Eskimo 949i insulated used four times

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[KegRiver]

Originally Posted by MBL

I hope you realize it’s illegal to keep perch from trout ponds.

This lake lists the catch limit for Perch at 15, I take that to mean it is legal to retain that many.

Where would I find that regulation about it being illegal to retain a listed species if Trout are present. I searched several years of Alberta regulations using the built in search feature but found no mention of it being illegal to retain Perch in lakes where there is a listed catch limit.

[KegRiver]

Originally Posted by 35 whelen

Might have this for sale next week. Eskimo 949i insulated used four times

I will keep an eye open for your posting. It may be too small, I'll have to discuss it with my BIL. He's the guy who knows when and how to catch them so I go along with what he says.

[35 whelen]

Lots of room for two guys Wouldn't go anymore, though, they advertise at 4 to 6 or whatever, but you always got to cut that in half with all your gear and everything.

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[KegRiver]

Originally Posted by 35 whelen

Lots of room for two guys Wouldn't go anymore, though, they advertise at 4 to 6 or whatever, but you always got to cut that in half with all your gear and everything.

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As long as two of us can fit in it comfortably it should do just fine.

Larry likes to rough it anyway. Plus, we can trade places if he get cold.