Yellow perch 'a plenty! Winter is definitely having a hard time getting cold in Northern Michigan this year. As we reached late January I still had not been out ice fishing yet this...

fishyaker Loc: NW Michigan (Lower Peninsula)

Winter is definitely having a hard time getting cold in Northern Michigan this year. As we reached late January I still had not been out ice fishing yet this season! Many of our local lakes are still open, or have a temptingly thin layer of shore ice forming. Smaller water bodies are better, but still lack the hefty ice thickness that I prefer.

After what seemed like an eternity this year, I decided to give one of my local favorite lakes a try today to see what might happen. There was open water out in the center, but upon my arrival I noticed a good number of shanties set up close to shore, and that was all I needed to give me a boost of confidence to join the group. Turns out the ice was just shy of 5 inches, so I felt "OK" about staying out. I went out to my favorite haunt, which was void of fishermen and waiting for my arrival.

Went thru a one pound tank of propane to keep the shack warm, and after approximately 170 perch caught, managed to reach my daily limit of 25 fish. Whew...it sure took a while though! I was using plain hardware for tackle, so at least I did not have to keep baiting hooks. This lake has a reputation for small perch, and today was par for the course. You catch and release a lot of fish during a typical outing. It's a great place to bring children because the action is usually steady.

I started to fish with 2 rods in a pair of holes, but quickly discovered that there was going to be too much action on the bite to keep them from getting tangles. Set aside rod #2 and just enjoyed tending a single rod. Very wise decision. The fish were striking on the drop, or within moments of holding steady and giving just one or two subtle jigs of the rod tip.

It was one of those days when you could do no wrong in terms of lure offerings. Everything I dropped under the ice caught fish. I like experimenting when the fish are hungry because it helps determine just how well any given lure may work in the future. If they ignore a bait during a feeding frenzy, then it most likely is a dud!

Got home, cleaned fish and fired up the skillet with some peanut oil on the stovetop. Ten fish sounded about right as far as portions go due to the rather petite sizes. The raw lengths today ranged between 8 and 12 inches, with most fish in the 9" range. Once you carve out a fillet on a small perch, the meat portion compares to an hors d'oeuvre! The meal was delicious, and I was handsomely rewarded for my efforts on the first outing of the 2023 season.

First perch of the 2023 season for me. A nice ten incher...

Staying warm inside the shanty. You can fish all day in jeans and a tee shirt...as long as the propane holds out!

A good start on reaching a limit of 25 yellow perch.

Time to call it a day...what a blast! The keepers, although not spectacular, ranged between 8 and 12 inches.

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

fishyaker wrote:

Winter is definitely having a hard time getting cold in Northern Michigan this year. As we reached late January I still had not been out ice fishing yet this season! Many of our local lakes are still open, or have a temptingly thin layer of shore ice forming. Smaller water bodies are better, but still lack the hefty ice thickness that I prefer.

After what seemed like an eternity this year, I decided to give one of my local favorite lakes a try today to see what might happen. There was open water out in the center, but upon my arrival I noticed a good number of shanties set up close to shore, and that was all I needed to give me a boost of confidence to join the group. Turns out the ice was just shy of 5 inches, so I felt "OK" about staying out. I went out to my favorite haunt, which was void of fishermen and waiting for my arrival.

Went thru a one pound tank of propane to keep the shack warm, and after approximately 170 perch caught, managed to reach my daily limit of 25 fish. Whew...it sure took a while though! I was using plain hardware for tackle, so at least I did not have to keep baiting hooks. This lake has a reputation for small perch, and today was par for the course. You catch and release a lot of fish during a typical outing. It's a great place to bring children because the action is usually steady.

I started to fish with 2 rods in a pair of holes, but quickly discovered that there was going to be too much action on the bite to keep them from getting tangles. Set aside rod #2 and just enjoyed tending a single rod. Very wise decision. The fish were striking on the drop, or within moments of holding steady and giving just one or two subtle jigs of the rod tip.

It was one of those days when you could do no wrong in terms of lure offerings. Everything I dropped under the ice caught fish. I like experimenting when the fish are hungry because it helps determine just how well any given lure may work in the future. If they ignore a bait during a feeding frenzy, then it most likely is a dud!

Got home, cleaned fish and fired up the skillet with some peanut oil on the stovetop. Ten fish sounded about right as far as portions go due to the rather petite sizes. The raw lengths today ranged between 8 and 12 inches, with most fish in the 9" range. Once you carve out a fillet on a small perch, the meat portion compares to an hors d'oeuvre! The meal was delicious, and I was handsomely rewarded for my efforts on the first outing of the 2023 season.

Winter is definitely having a hard time getting co... (show quote)

Nice catching Yaker. Under those conditions I might even like it. Thanks for the report and pictures.

bknecht Loc: Northeast pa

fishyaker wrote:

Winter is definitely having a hard time getting cold in Northern Michigan this year. As we reached late January I still had not been out ice fishing yet this season! Many of our local lakes are still open, or have a temptingly thin layer of shore ice forming. Smaller water bodies are better, but still lack the hefty ice thickness that I prefer.

After what seemed like an eternity this year, I decided to give one of my local favorite lakes a try today to see what might happen. There was open water out in the center, but upon my arrival I noticed a good number of shanties set up close to shore, and that was all I needed to give me a boost of confidence to join the group. Turns out the ice was just shy of 5 inches, so I felt "OK" about staying out. I went out to my favorite haunt, which was void of fishermen and waiting for my arrival.

Went thru a one pound tank of propane to keep the shack warm, and after approximately 170 perch caught, managed to reach my daily limit of 25 fish. Whew...it sure took a while though! I was using plain hardware for tackle, so at least I did not have to keep baiting hooks. This lake has a reputation for small perch, and today was par for the course. You catch and release a lot of fish during a typical outing. It's a great place to bring children because the action is usually steady.

I started to fish with 2 rods in a pair of holes, but quickly discovered that there was going to be too much action on the bite to keep them from getting tangles. Set aside rod #2 and just enjoyed tending a single rod. Very wise decision. The fish were striking on the drop, or within moments of holding steady and giving just one or two subtle jigs of the rod tip.

It was one of those days when you could do no wrong in terms of lure offerings. Everything I dropped under the ice caught fish. I like experimenting when the fish are hungry because it helps determine just how well any given lure may work in the future. If they ignore a bait during a feeding frenzy, then it most likely is a dud!

Got home, cleaned fish and fired up the skillet with some peanut oil on the stovetop. Ten fish sounded about right as far as portions go due to the rather petite sizes. The raw lengths today ranged between 8 and 12 inches, with most fish in the 9" range. Once you carve out a fillet on a small perch, the meat portion compares to an hors d'oeuvre! The meal was delicious, and I was handsomely rewarded for my efforts on the first outing of the 2023 season.

Winter is definitely having a hard time getting co... (show quote)

Nice narrative and photos FY, great you got out there on the ice and had some fantastic catching. Got that same ice shelter for son Gregg as a Christmas present but it has not yet been used this year. Had some decent ice in late December but since then it’s been nonexistent.

OJdidit Loc: Oak Creek Wisconsin

Nice day Yaker, glad for your success!

bknecht Loc: Northeast pa

fishyaker wrote:

Winter is definitely having a hard time getting cold in Northern Michigan this year. As we reached late January I still had not been out ice fishing yet this season! Many of our local lakes are still open, or have a temptingly thin layer of shore ice forming. Smaller water bodies are better, but still lack the hefty ice thickness that I prefer.

After what seemed like an eternity this year, I decided to give one of my local favorite lakes a try today to see what might happen. There was open water out in the center, but upon my arrival I noticed a good number of shanties set up close to shore, and that was all I needed to give me a boost of confidence to join the group. Turns out the ice was just shy of 5 inches, so I felt "OK" about staying out. I went out to my favorite haunt, which was void of fishermen and waiting for my arrival.

Went thru a one pound tank of propane to keep the shack warm, and after approximately 170 perch caught, managed to reach my daily limit of 25 fish. Whew...it sure took a while though! I was using plain hardware for tackle, so at least I did not have to keep baiting hooks. This lake has a reputation for small perch, and today was par for the course. You catch and release a lot of fish during a typical outing. It's a great place to bring children because the action is usually steady.

I started to fish with 2 rods in a pair of holes, but quickly discovered that there was going to be too much action on the bite to keep them from getting tangles. Set aside rod #2 and just enjoyed tending a single rod. Very wise decision. The fish were striking on the drop, or within moments of holding steady and giving just one or two subtle jigs of the rod tip.

It was one of those days when you could do no wrong in terms of lure offerings. Everything I dropped under the ice caught fish. I like experimenting when the fish are hungry because it helps determine just how well any given lure may work in the future. If they ignore a bait during a feeding frenzy, then it most likely is a dud!

Got home, cleaned fish and fired up the skillet with some peanut oil on the stovetop. Ten fish sounded about right as far as portions go due to the rather petite sizes. The raw lengths today ranged between 8 and 12 inches, with most fish in the 9" range. Once you carve out a fillet on a small perch, the meat portion compares to an hors d'oeuvre! The meal was delicious, and I was handsomely rewarded for my efforts on the first outing of the 2023 season.

Winter is definitely having a hard time getting co... (show quote)

Also love those in line ice reels, I used to use an old fly reel and my buddies thought I was a bit crazy. Once they came out son Gregg got me a reel(pun intended) one.

fishyaker Loc: NW Michigan (Lower Peninsula)

Fredfish wrote:

Nice catching Yaker. Under those conditions I might even like it. Thanks for the report and pictures.

Thank you Fredfish! Yes...having heat makes it very comfortable. When I fish without a shanty, I bundle up big time and usually don't stay out as long! When your hands get wet from handling fish, it is extra nice to be able to rinse, dry on a towel, and still feel warm!

fishyaker Loc: NW Michigan (Lower Peninsula)

bknecht wrote:

Nice narrative and photos FY, great you got out there on the ice and had some fantastic catching. Got that same ice shelter for son Gregg as a Christmas present but it has not yet been used this year. Had some decent ice in late December but since then it’s been nonexistent.

Thank you BK! That shanty was at a great price point when I bought it last year, and I wish I had invested in it sooner! Gregg will really like it. Not to heavy to tote out, especially if you use a Jet Sled to pull it. Those inline reels are also handy, as you mentioned. Kind of like a multiplier styled fly reel and perfect for panfishing. I have not tried one on large fish like pike or lake trout, but I think it would be OK. When I target larger fish I have a couple of small spinning reels that perform well.

fishyaker Loc: NW Michigan (Lower Peninsula)

OJdidit wrote:

Nice day Yaker, glad for your success!

Thank you OJ! The air temp was hovering right at 32, with a steady breeze and occasional freezing rain. I was in 16 feet of water and it felt like God had sent a memo to my guardian angels to cordon off the space beneath me with a full school of perch! The Vexilar flasher screen stayed lit up with fish constantly during the 4 hour time span! The average wait time between hook ups was under 2 minutes! Even small fish are fun to catch...with lots of 5 to 7 inchers on this lake, which is why it took so long to get some larger ones for the fry pan!

FourchonLa. Loc: Fourchon Louisiana, South Louisiana

fishyaker wrote:

Winter is definitely having a hard time getting cold in Northern Michigan this year. As we reached late January I still had not been out ice fishing yet this season! Many of our local lakes are still open, or have a temptingly thin layer of shore ice forming. Smaller water bodies are better, but still lack the hefty ice thickness that I prefer.

After what seemed like an eternity this year, I decided to give one of my local favorite lakes a try today to see what might happen. There was open water out in the center, but upon my arrival I noticed a good number of shanties set up close to shore, and that was all I needed to give me a boost of confidence to join the group. Turns out the ice was just shy of 5 inches, so I felt "OK" about staying out. I went out to my favorite haunt, which was void of fishermen and waiting for my arrival.

Went thru a one pound tank of propane to keep the shack warm, and after approximately 170 perch caught, managed to reach my daily limit of 25 fish. Whew...it sure took a while though! I was using plain hardware for tackle, so at least I did not have to keep baiting hooks. This lake has a reputation for small perch, and today was par for the course. You catch and release a lot of fish during a typical outing. It's a great place to bring children because the action is usually steady.

I started to fish with 2 rods in a pair of holes, but quickly discovered that there was going to be too much action on the bite to keep them from getting tangles. Set aside rod #2 and just enjoyed tending a single rod. Very wise decision. The fish were striking on the drop, or within moments of holding steady and giving just one or two subtle jigs of the rod tip.

It was one of those days when you could do no wrong in terms of lure offerings. Everything I dropped under the ice caught fish. I like experimenting when the fish are hungry because it helps determine just how well any given lure may work in the future. If they ignore a bait during a feeding frenzy, then it most likely is a dud!

Got home, cleaned fish and fired up the skillet with some peanut oil on the stovetop. Ten fish sounded about right as far as portions go due to the rather petite sizes. The raw lengths today ranged between 8 and 12 inches, with most fish in the 9" range. Once you carve out a fillet on a small perch, the meat portion compares to an hors d'oeuvre! The meal was delicious, and I was handsomely rewarded for my efforts on the first outing of the 2023 season.

Winter is definitely having a hard time getting co... (show quote)

Never been ice fishing before but with that setup, I'd have to agree with Fred's sentiments. Looks like fun. Is that board on the ice for you to keep your feet on? Somewhat of an insulator for your shoes?

Papa Jack Loc: Indianapolis

Congrats!

Whitey Loc: Southeast ohio

fishyaker wrote:

Winter is definitely having a hard time getting cold in Northern Michigan this year. As we reached late January I still had not been out ice fishing yet this season! Many of our local lakes are still open, or have a temptingly thin layer of shore ice forming. Smaller water bodies are better, but still lack the hefty ice thickness that I prefer.

After what seemed like an eternity this year, I decided to give one of my local favorite lakes a try today to see what might happen. There was open water out in the center, but upon my arrival I noticed a good number of shanties set up close to shore, and that was all I needed to give me a boost of confidence to join the group. Turns out the ice was just shy of 5 inches, so I felt "OK" about staying out. I went out to my favorite haunt, which was void of fishermen and waiting for my arrival.

Went thru a one pound tank of propane to keep the shack warm, and after approximately 170 perch caught, managed to reach my daily limit of 25 fish. Whew...it sure took a while though! I was using plain hardware for tackle, so at least I did not have to keep baiting hooks. This lake has a reputation for small perch, and today was par for the course. You catch and release a lot of fish during a typical outing. It's a great place to bring children because the action is usually steady.

I started to fish with 2 rods in a pair of holes, but quickly discovered that there was going to be too much action on the bite to keep them from getting tangles. Set aside rod #2 and just enjoyed tending a single rod. Very wise decision. The fish were striking on the drop, or within moments of holding steady and giving just one or two subtle jigs of the rod tip.

It was one of those days when you could do no wrong in terms of lure offerings. Everything I dropped under the ice caught fish. I like experimenting when the fish are hungry because it helps determine just how well any given lure may work in the future. If they ignore a bait during a feeding frenzy, then it most likely is a dud!

Got home, cleaned fish and fired up the skillet with some peanut oil on the stovetop. Ten fish sounded about right as far as portions go due to the rather petite sizes. The raw lengths today ranged between 8 and 12 inches, with most fish in the 9" range. Once you carve out a fillet on a small perch, the meat portion compares to an hors d'oeuvre! The meal was delicious, and I was handsomely rewarded for my efforts on the first outing of the 2023 season.

Winter is definitely having a hard time getting co... (show quote)

Looks like a great day on the ice an some great eating fish there fishyaker 😊. Besafe out there man 👍

fishyaker Loc: NW Michigan (Lower Peninsula)

FourchonLa. wrote:

Never been ice fishing before but with that setup, I'd have to agree with Fred's sentiments. Looks like fun. Is that board on the ice for you to keep your feet on? Somewhat of an insulator for your shoes?

Thank you Four! Yes...you have a keen eye for details on that foam board! It is a garden kneeling pad and I rest my feet on it to keep the cold of the ice from going up into my boots. It makes a huge difference when wearing standard Winter boots. I wear classic heavy "bunny boots" when I plan to be outside sitting on a bucket without shelter. They are too clumsy to wear when fishing inside of the shanty.

The only downside with ice fishing is that you tend to stay in one place instead of roaming around...but I do plenty of roaming in the warm months when I fish so this is just a different approach! I think you would enjoy it...especially when the bite is on! Thought about going back out today but I just got back from the dentist from having a couple of tooth implants drilled and also need to do some snow removal for a few neighbors before the temps drop and things harden up around here!

I'll get back out tomorrow!

fishyaker Loc: NW Michigan (Lower Peninsula)

Papa Jack wrote:

Congrats!

Thanks Papa Jack! It was great to be out, and catching fish was a bonus! Perch again for dinner tonight, although this time I plan to batter them in Panko crumbs and simply bake in the oven!

fishyaker Loc: NW Michigan (Lower Peninsula)

Whitey wrote:

Looks like a great day on the ice an some great eating fish there fishyaker 😊. Besafe out there man 👍

Thank you Whitey! It was one of those days when you wanted anybody that is a skeptic of how much fun fishing can be to come out and experience it first hand! Kind of one of those "Caddyshack" times when everything lines up and you are in for a real treat!

NJ219bands Loc: New Jersey

Nice 😊