We went out yesterday. About 1:00PM. Fished the east side, fished the power plant -- then decided to go home. My fingers had quit working -- I did not think I'd need gloves, and my hands just do not handle the cold that well any more.

Just before we got back to Bayview Marina we came across a large patch of birds, wheeling and diving, with all kinds of fish showing on the finder -- clouds of bait, small fish, large fish. There was one boat working the school.

I was not about to deploy the trolling motor (as I said, hands and fingers no longer worked very well), so we pulled up, cut our motor and drifted.

Caught a few fish -- went back to the dock.

Again I learned some lessons -- don't go out too early. It's not necessary to cast. It isn't necessary to work the slab very much. I just dropped down, reeled up a bit, and waited for the bite -- they came. Did not hook any of the larger fish -- but, as I said, nothing was working very well by that time.

In fact, we released our fish. I was thankful I had nothing to bring home to filet.

Slowly but surely, I'm learning. Thanks to all you guys here for the advice -- esp. Mr. Varner.

Watching those birds was just like looking at Gulls over a school of Bluefish on the Long Island Sound at sunrise -- not quite as much noise, and this was at sunset.

Hoping to get out there again Monday - if the weather and wind are favorable. This time a wind proof shell, and my old Glacier Gloves from my long ago Codfishing days. A good old watch cap will also help

Nice report

Eleanor glad you got into some fish. When you are catching fish the cold pain seems to go away. Listening to advice these guys on this forum give you is invaluable. I can not begin to tell you how much I have learned from John Varner, JV Nitro, Ruben, Superduck, Seapro Todd and several others. Remember the great days are what make the bad days acceptable.

Fish are commencing at the south eastern corner of portion 4 of 120 acres excluding thence on the west by part of the eastern boundary of that portion thence on the north by the western prolongation of the northern boundary of portion ML 10 of 640 acres the northern boundary of that portion to the most northerly north eastern corner of portion aforesaid thence on the east by the most easterly eastern boundary of aforesaid to the most northerly south eastern corner . and use a purple buzzbait.

O.K. see ya there!
Thanks... I think???

Or -------- look for the BIRDS!

When I brought in my first fish, I could not get my pliers to work well enough to take the hook out of the fish -- plain, ordinary, needle nose pliers -- couldn't grip them - neither feeling nor strength in my fingers.

It's the strangest feeling when you suddenly can't do something you have been doing all your life.

Age is NOT "just a number".

Nice report Eleanor!

Cold weather effects all ages, when not dressed out properly. It is very important to wear loose layers of clothing with somekind of wind and rain shells. Sweating isn't a good thing, so if you start to sweat slow down and cool off. Insulated, waterproof boots will help keep your feet warm and dry. Bring two pair of gloves, in case you get one pair wet. I really enjoy winter fishing, but it can be miserable, if you don't dress to the conditions. God luck to ya

good report i went out saturday and did not do to well.

Nitro is right. Fishing in the winter can be great fun, you just have to be prepared for the unexpected.

Well I tried it today but the wind was just too much for me. Put in across from BPS and once I got under the 30 bridge headed south it was an ocean. My anchor wouldn't hold. Saw birds working around RP but if I got a hit I didn't feel it. Saw very few boats.

I was on RH as well today. Windy - windy - windy. If it wasn't for catfish I would have went home empty handed today. Tried a few normally good spots and drifted them with slabs - two small sandies.

Luckily we brought my jug lines - kept 20lbs of blues for an upcoming fry. I would have sure liked to found the fish working today, but it just didn't happen. Like Steve said, very few boats on the ocean that was RH today. The few I saw were like us, hopping from spot to spot trying to find some action.

Thanks for the reports guys! RH should turn on soon I always tell my guests to over dressed for the cold since you can always remove layer, but most dont listen and ended up hiding behind the center console when on plane Yep, you dont even notice the cold once "fish on"

anybody try today. too windy for me

No, I was going to but the wind was way to bad.... I am off the rest of the week and trying to hit every lake I can... Will not be on Hubbard maybe untill this weekend. I know the birds are on other lakes so they should be on Hubbard. I would bet the afternoon bite is killer