1. After the guide is finished collecting the bait that didn't make it in the bucket, he collects three large dip nets of slush ice off the floor of the boat.

2. Before leaving the marina, the guide adds heated lake water to the bait tank.

3. At least a 1/4" of ice collects on the top of the gunwales between the marina and the first stop.

4. Before dropping fresh bait, it is necessary to dip the rod in the lake to melt the ice collected on the rod eyes.

Went out with James Allen today. A little after 7am the temp was 21 degrees with a 17 degree wind chill. Boated over 70 fish during the day with a 60-40 percent split between striper and magnum sandies. No double digits today however we managed numerous stripers in the 5lb range, a wad in the 3-4lb range, plus the dinks. Had the goal of the trip been putting fish in the box, we would probably been off the lake by 9am. The only ones that made it to the box were the aggressive 12-14" stripers that sucked the shad in so aggressively that may have been nearly passing the hook before getting them in the book. We had 8 rods in the water however at one point in the trip, James and I could only manage to keep three baited. All the fish were caught in the channel holding between 30' to 40' with a few occasional black outs during the mid-day.

It may have been cold, but it was a terrific day on the lake!!

Been there, done that, got a t-shirt . Sounds like our trip up there Tue. only without the fish. We only caught 2 between four of us . Anyone know a good shrink that has 2 for 1 pricing? Didn't have a paid guide though. Just add winds to the description above.

you can always dress warm good job! any pics?

Nope, no pics. Every fish that wasn't gut hooked went back into the lake. The ones that were; well they weren't bragging size fish. The bigger the fish the lighter the bite. Pulled one in with the line wrapped around the jaw hinge when the hook caught the line

I don't know about James' hands, but my fingers were so numb I had a hard time thumbing the bait caster when I attempted to throw a lure. If I wasn't bringing a fish in or rebaiting along with James, my hands were withdrawn into the sleeves of my coat. I don't think either of us could have used our digital cameras we had. This is the first time I have ever pulled fish out of the lake that felt warmer than my hands

haha been there a few times!