First Time Ice Fishing

TXCOONDOG

TXCOONDOG

Well-known member
Between remodeling my new home, being in the hospital, and having to travel back-n-forth from Texas to Indiana to help my girlfriends mother (82), etc, I just haven't had much time for Predator Hunting. However, while in Indiana, I did manage to break away and do some ice fishing for Bluegills. We kept one out of every ten and ended up with 43 total in a couple hours' time.

What a good time!!!!
 

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cherokeetracker01 said:
Bluegill red ear perch #1 in taste
Caught fresh for breakfast, fried with eggs and potatoes
Walleye #2
Saltwater
Red Snapper and grouper
Ice fishing,,,,you did good txcoondog
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One of the most underrated and often forgotten about fish for table fare is northern pike. I was at a party maybe 10 years ago or so and there was a plate of fish to pass. I tried some and it was amazing. I asked what it was cause the fillets seemed way too big for crappie. Found out it was pike. I used to throw them back all of the time back in the day because I didn't know how to properly clean them. After watching a YT video, it couldn't be easier getting the Y bones out using the "5 piece" method. If you get a good sized one, I recommend trying it.
 
Gar and Shark are good eating, but most don't know how to cook them properly.

It won't be long and spawning season will be here, and crappie fishing will be hot. Getting the boat tuned and ready for good times on the water!!! Last year in March, I caught some eater size Bluecats using chicken breast (clam beds). We will be going to camp in the Galveston state park in September-October and catching Reds in the surf.
 

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That's a lot of bluegills you caught, nice work!

I agree about northern pike - they are far underrated. As far as flavor they are as good as any fish out there. I've eaten them side by side with walleye and preferred the pike. I've made "pike chowder" with them too and it is very good. I just try to leave the fish pieces a little bit large because they may break up when stirring.

And pike may produce a little more slime than other fish, but I fillet them on a piece of cardboard and it helps absorb the water/slime and keeps them from sliding around.

Lastly, they are so fun to catch because they are aggressive and fight hard.
 
TXCOONDOG said:
Between remodeling my new home, being in the hospital, and having to travel back-n-forth from Texas to Indiana to help my girlfriends mother (82), etc, I just haven't had much time for Predator Hunting. However, while in Indiana, I did manage to break away and do some ice fishing for Bluegills. We kept one out of every ten and ended up with 43 total in a couple hours' time.

What a good time!!!!
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So, .....are you ready to move north? :unsure:
 
TXCOONDOG said:
Gar and Shark are good eating, but most don't know how to cook them properly.

It won't be long and spawning season will be here, and crappie fishing will be hot. Getting the boat tuned and ready for good times on the water!!! Last year in March, I caught some eater size Bluecats using chicken breast (clam beds). We will be going to camp in the Galveston state park in September-October and catching Reds in the surf.
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I’ve eaten both and flavor was good, just too chewy for me. I take less chews on steak, lol. I want the fish to melt in my mouth!
 
TXCOONDOG said:
Between remodeling my new home, being in the hospital, and having to travel back-n-forth from Texas to Indiana to help my girlfriends mother (82), etc, I just haven't had much time for Predator Hunting. However, while in Indiana, I did manage to break away and do some ice fishing for Bluegills. We kept one out of every ten and ended up with 43 total in a couple hours' time.

What a good time!!!!
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What Lake?? A lot of bluegill populations got hammered. I know one guy that kept 240 fish from one hole.
 
GC said:
It is hard to beat a few hours in the boat with a kid, a supply of crickets or worms, and a big bed of bluegill in front of you. Add to the fact that they are mighty tasty on the plate.
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Some of my absolute best memories of my dad's dad were made doing just this (I was the kid). Great times. I miss that old fart.
 
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