Coldest winter in 30 years...but some HOT fishing.

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RJ
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Coldest winter in 30 years...but some HOT fishing.

Post by RJ »

The coldest winter to hit Eastern Ontario in over 30 years, ya it sucked. We had ice early and it never left so that was the silver lining. Was it a challenge at times? Darn right but we made the best of it.

The usual suspects came topside this past winter with a few new things thrown in the mix to keep it interesting.

The Crappie bite was great early on probably stayed steady but other species pulled us away from that bite. Having Chevy at the house led to a few impromptu texts. “We fishin tonight?” Often it was yes even if we only snuck out for a few hours. Paydirt was usually found.

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So close to 15…I swear that is the toughest fish to catch around here, a true 15 inch Crappie.

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Only did Quinte once this year. After the day we had I didn’t really want or need to go back…..when ya whack nearly 30 walleye in a day it’s tough to compare to….

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Full report on this wild day is here: http://www.rjnbirdeesoutdooradventures.ca/?p=1357

Probably my favourite fish I landed this winter was this sucka. Most people scoff at Panfish but until you target them regularly you don’t get an appreciation for a fish like this. It fell just shy of the Ontario record but is still headed for my wall.

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Highlight day was one spent with our friends Darren and Sherry up in the Hills. It’s a privately run area with their own stocking program so don’t be thinking this is a MNR stocked lake situation. Though it does shed some light in my eyes as to what those lakes could potentially produce. Incredible day of Rainbow fishing, just incredible.

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Loads more pics from this day are in this report: http://www.rjnbirdeesoutdooradventures.ca/?p=1365

Spent two nights on the Ling…man they’re fun.

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Lakers are always on my mind, whether on ice or the Lund I just love those big headshakes. A truly majestic old fish that should be treasured in our area.

Haven’t spent many days out on the chase but some quality fish have visited the topside for a few seconds…

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More Laker Pics can be seen here: http://www.rjnbirdeesoutdooradventures.ca/?p=1392

File this one under the “It makes no sense” file…..while Crappie fishing I landed this….

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Then while Laker fishing I landed this on a swimbait….

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Bizarre but fun nonetheless.

Spring is here they say, I see at least 3 more weeks of safe ice fishing. Pick your spots, stay away from current and have a blast in the sunshine as the weather finally warms…..

RJ
Last edited by RJ on Thu Mar 20, 2014 12:58 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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CNs
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Re: Coldest winter in 30 years...but some HOT fishing.

Post by CNs »

nice
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Haulin Bass
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Re: Coldest winter in 30 years...but some HOT fishing.

Post by Haulin Bass »

Great Ice report right here. Congrats on your great winter so far. It is so cool to hook the odd surprise when targeting another species.
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campnfish
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Re: Coldest winter in 30 years...but some HOT fishing.

Post by campnfish »

Well done! Those are all awesome fish, especially the rainbows - puts my catches to shame
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trouthunter
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Re: Coldest winter in 30 years...but some HOT fishing.

Post by trouthunter »

Lots of nice fish man.
awesome post
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TheMaverick
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Re: Coldest winter in 30 years...but some HOT fishing.

Post by TheMaverick »

Holy moly! Would you look at the size of them Slabs!
If fishin ain't your mission, then you can kiss my Bass!
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ShawnD
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Re: Coldest winter in 30 years...but some HOT fishing.

Post by ShawnD »

Man ! what a nice post.
Next year... I'll kick myself in the butt and go Ice fishing!
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jona38
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Re: Coldest winter in 30 years...but some HOT fishing.

Post by jona38 »

Wow!! Excellent fish bundled into an excellent report. Well done. Jon
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lape0019
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Re: Coldest winter in 30 years...but some HOT fishing.

Post by lape0019 »

Gorgeous pics RJ.

It never fails though, you target one species, you get another.

Adam
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jesse.page
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Re: Coldest winter in 30 years...but some HOT fishing.

Post by jesse.page »

Awesome pic's RJ.
Look's like this winter went well for you!
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Eli
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Re: Coldest winter in 30 years...but some HOT fishing.

Post by Eli »

Nice fish, and someone else who appreciates burbot 8)
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Re: Coldest winter in 30 years...but some HOT fishing.

Post by Tip-up »

Awesome fish Rob! All of them :shock:
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Re: Coldest winter in 30 years...but some HOT fishing.

Post by Bassassins »

The frozen ling is our favorite shot :) - lots of success there!!!
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Re: Coldest winter in 30 years...but some HOT fishing.

Post by GuinnessGuy »

ooh la la!!! Nice post RJ!
Now THAT is fish porn!
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Re: Coldest winter in 30 years...but some HOT fishing.

Post by ratsotail »

Great diversity as always, RJ and the spice to life. My favorite pic though is the beastly looking Pumpkinseed :shock: :) very cool! I'm hearing through channels you still have around 3 ft. of ice around your region? I guess that would equate to the coldest winter in 30 years!

tight lines,

Jeff
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