Hard water 2013-2014

[silver one]

With the snow on the ground this morning and even thought we have about 45 days of hunting left, the thought of hard water has me thinking it might be a good time to get the gear out and get set up.

Had a tough year for ice last year in the Allegan,Barry county area but when I did get out I had the best season for ice fishing I have ever had.

just wondering how many out there hit the hard water when it arrives.?

[JWheeler]

I'm ready for some ice action. I have 3 children 3-6 years of age, picked up a clam 6 pack that I can't wait to share some time with the kids in.

[IRon]

I love ice fishing. But the ice down here hasn't been good the last couple years and didn't get out once last year. Hoping for a more normal winter this year. Bluegills, Crappie, pike and occasionally get up to Gull for some smelt action. Lots of fun .....

[Just Hook'n]

I tend to wait until the water is "soft" again.

Once a year we get the itch and go drink some beer, but since we don't have fish finders and nice setups, we typically just go dril one or two holes, set up a tent and drink.

[hear fishie fishie]

Hoping for some safe ice on Saginaw bay this year so I can chase some

"eye's". Only made it out a few times last year.

[stcroixx09]

i spend a lot of time on lake of the woods (MN side). should be early ice hopefully locks solid this year for good ice. last year 8 in broke up floated north then came back down and froze for ****. first trip is scheduled for 12/22-12/29 but could go early if things work right. iv'e spent the last 6 Christmases up there; i know kinda selfish of me lol

[EdB]

I love it, hope I can put the big shanty out this year. I could not put it out last year due to ice thickness. Here's some pics from my gallery going back some past years.

I like this kind of "ice" fishing during the winter a lot too:

Don't let this be you:no:

It was just a drill on my lake

Good luck this season!

[King Slammin']

Now that's a Crappie!!!

[Nailer]

Not much better than a mess of gills through the ice.

[Paulywood]

I honestly haven't been out the last 2 winters. Between Parker being born and starting a new job it just didn't work out. Now that Parker is older and I don't have to work weekends anymore I plan on getting out at least a few times this year. I used to go out to different lakes and fish a lot of different species but mostly just go to Higgins and fish smelt now. Instead of running all over chasing fish, I let them come to me!

[silver one]

Ed

Those are some dandy gills.

[SUPERTRAMP]

Looking forward to fishing with you again this year Joe. Had a blast last winter.

[JWheeler]

Have only checked one spot last week, wasn't quite ready. With the cold that we have now, ice should take shape pretty quickly. You guys use your heads and be safe.

[silver one]

I would say by this weekend there will be safe fishing in the souther part of Mi. I have to work.