Have any suggestions of types of houses you/your family like? I haven't done my research but thought I would ask.
We have two homemade houses. One 7x14 and one 8x20. I have been in and fished in so many ice castles though I think you're paying way too much for the quality of the houses. I have a buddy that bought one at the end of last year's season. He sent me a picture in August where the siding on one side of the house was completely coming off in a few different spots. I know of guys that have bought castles and had to take off all door trim and window trim because there was no insulation within 3" of the doors/windows. Know a guy that used to work where they built the frames and said he wouldn't take one if they gave him one. In my honest opinion, they are all quantity and not quality. If you're seriously looking to buy, I highly recommend going to the St. Paul ice expo in early December. They have every commercial house on the market there you can walk through and talk to guys about. After going this year, Firebrand is on the top of my list if/when I buy a commercial house. Each company will have it's pros/cons but when you're forking over $10K plus, you want to do it right the first time.
Building is the best way to go I think. The house we stayed in was cramped with 4 people... I can't imagine having 6 people in it.
Well after yesterday's debacle at the trout pond, I'm headed to some bigger water in northern NH. It's called lake tarleton. It's known for BIG lakers and good Browns and rainbows. It's a pretty deep lake too for its size. I'd love to tangle with a big laker. Any of you guys have luck targeting these? Folks around here say a common sucker on a tip up is the standard way to catch them along with jigging. I'd love to hear any tips or tricks from guys that have had success on lake trout (togue).
Haha I saw that! Too bad the guys' stuff that got burglarized is probably ruined but at least they know who did it to get new back.
19 crappies 12-14" 12 bluegills 10-11" 2 walleye 19 & 22 Threw back quite a few bass and northern too. Was a good weekend.
Fished most of the day Saturday on Lake Winnebago took my wheeler out. Lots of guys with trucks est. 200. I told some co-workers Friday I would not take my truck out there. WBAY - After Fatal Ice Incident, Some Fishermen Staying off Lake Winnebago - January 26, 2015 My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Overall I had an ok day fishing Saturday I caught 6 walleyes threw them all back the bigger was a 23" and the rest where under 12" also caught some white bass all jigging. Hoping for some cold weather in the near future.
My trip for a big laker was a bust on Sunday. It was tough fishing. -3 windchills, 30 mph gusty winds, and after 6 hours and our group having nearly 20 tip ups set we only put one fish on the ice. It was a nice rainbow, but overall I'd call the day unproductive. But, it was still better than a day at work and it was fun spending time with my wife and good buddies on the ice. I'll be getting back to chasing the warm water species hopefully next week. The trout bite has been frustrating these last two trips.
Leech Lake was a bust for me - Not a single walleye and only 3 jumbo perch. We caught a lot of perch, but they were all little dinks.
Devils Lake has not been treating me well this season so I fished Stump Lake over the weekend. Not much luck on the perch. Marked lots of fish and tried lots of different lures and baits to no avail. Only three on the ice. I actually caught more walleyes (all dinks) than perch in 40' of water. I moved into the shallows late in the afternoon. Surrounded by others fishing the 12' flat. Not a thing from 3:30 to 5:00. Then I started marking fish. Caught 8 eyes by 5:30 when all activity stopped. Only two were nice eaters. I'd like to say the others were too big to keep but not so. Tossed the 10 to 14 inchers back. Kept two around 17" to 18". Will taste good at dinner tonight. One of these days I am going to get lucky and hit a good day on the ice. It's just a matter of time.
