First of 2026

The weather this year has been crazy. Highs in the 40s some days with rain and highs in the single digits with snow on others. Makes for questionable ice conditions. Getting too old to take chances like I did when I was in my 20's and 30's when only a couple inches of ice worked. Now want 4ish to feel comfortable....finally have had a good run of temps and Sparty had been scouting conditions pretty regularly. So we decided to hit a local lake and give it a go.
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Ice was good and temps were pleasant with little wind. Haven't fished since before Halloween. Didn't slay them but felt good to put a bend in the rod. We caught a lot of gills and good number of crappie, first of 2026.
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Brought home 20 between us. Hope the ice conditions hold with the upcoming warmer weather and rain forecasted this week. For those hitting the hard water, be safe.