More Ice, More Snow, More Coffee

Ken K said:

Too many beans perhaps?

This was a fish of a lifetime which is still swimming around today. She was out of the water just long enough to get a tape on her (42.5") before being released. Estimated weight of 24-30 pounds.
Second trip out this winter.

Ken,

Beautiful Pike. Nice tip up rig. Never saw one like that. Those must be for BIG ice. Great looking hemostats hanging from the collar. Dual purpose?

db said:

There is another possiblity energy, around here we have lakes that have 20+" in some places and less than 1/2 " less than 100 yards away. It might be possible that they ventured out on thin ice due to an undergound spring, an area with a lot of water movement, or perhaps the effulent from a nuclear power plant.

And as a fellow fisherman, you know I'm telling the truth.

db, absolutely true. You have to know the water before you venture out into areas where there is a possibility of moving water. But, my experience is that there is a slight discoloration in those suspect areas. But, if they were newbees, it can happen. We have to be aware of where we are. Even after we drill a hole, I always take the ladle and reach down to check depth. Puts me in the comfort zone. Not to mention the intial test hole which we do about 5 ft from shore!

[Randy Stewart]

Nice fish there Ken!

Great looking hemostats hanging from the collar

I don't feel so bad now, I noticed them too. I was almost embarrased. Thanks energy.

Randy Stewart said:

Nice fish there Ken!
I don't feel so bad now, I noticed them too. I was almost embarrased. Thanks energy.

Randy,

Embarrassed? I'm envious! I used to have a pair and they were better than the pliers they sell today for removing hooks. The hemostats are thinner, easier to handle and easier to see around for that delicate operation. In addition, a fisherman can always explain why they have them. Without a tackle box and tackle, try explaining why you may have them under the seat of your car or clipped on your collar. Hello? It's also helpful to keep the tips free of any discoloration.

[Aaron Lupo]

energy said:

Randy,

Embarrassed? I'm envious! I used to have a pair and they were better than the pliers they sell today for removing hooks. The hemostats are thinner, easier to handle and easier to see around for that delicate operation. In addition, a fisherman can always explain why they have them. Without a tackle box and tackle, try explaining why you may have them under the seat of your car or clipped on your collar. Hello? It's also helpful to keep the tips free of any discoloration.

Pssst Say the word and I can send you a couple pairs, we have lots of them where I work.

[Ken K]

You guys were supposed to be looking at the fish...




Actually, they are multiple purpose and they don't rust.

Good for removing hooks from fish, fingers, heads, etc.

Helps when pulling the tag end thru when tying knots.

Clamps onto the end of the line when a gator bites you off and you don't look foolish fumbling around looking for the line.

Can stop bleeding when fish bites down on a finger.




Other than that, I have no idea what your talking about...

[Randy Stewart]

It's also helpful to keep the tips free of any discoloration.

Is the discoloration you're talking about come from when the fish swallows the hook? I always get 2 or 3 a year that I just can't get the hook out of and they bleed on the stats! I just didn't know that the blood was what caused the discoloration! Learned something new again.
I had a pair taken away last year. I was launching my boat and a Wolverine Lake peace officer was there. The public launch just happens to be behind the cop shop. I had used the stats while fishing on shore and had clipped them on my pole, when I loaded the boat I clipped them on the ignition key float. Even though they weren't discolored he wanted to see in the car, boat, etc. Put it this way, I'm glad I gave the illegal stuff up long ago.

[db]

I had a pair taken away last year.

Stew, are you serious? They were taken away? No self-respecting cop would take away someones hemostat. (of course we are talking about the metropolis of Wolverine Lake - drove through there today.) They are even sold by Cabelas! Not even an ISO auditor would be that low!

If any of you don't know what a pike's or walleye's mouth is like, try putting your hand in the garbage disposal and turning it on. I still have scars! Also, hemostats are the safest way to dislodge hooks on fish you wish to return. They cause a lot less damage than pliers.