Family day team effort - Simcoe

[icefisherman]

After quick recovery from Saturday punishment today was a breeze. Friend gave me and the boys ride on his snowmobile and what a difference it makes when you travel as a human to your spot instead of barely get there all exhausted. Even the -32 degrees didn't scare us. Coldest ever fishing day for me. We were counting on two heaters and two huts.
For some reason the Mr. Heater I bought from a guy in Barrie couple weeks ago didn't want to start in the morning. Tried it over 100 times...in the beginning the pilot light was coming up but didn't want to fire up after that...when trying to light it up on low the pilot kept extinguishing....later on even the pilot didn't want to start... if anyone knows if those things can be repaired please let me know how to fix it...otherwise will need to go in the garbage. Paid $70 for it and only lasted 2 trips...... not happy with it...who knows why the guy sold it to me...


The other heater in my buddy's hut worked fine so kids were kept comfy all morning. In the meantime I kept moving around drilling holes and barely marking any fish...the kids/buddy's hut though was marking from time to time...and slowly started getting them on the ice...Eventually I gave up on my scouting operation and went in their hut to warm up and get few whities myself. Had to work very hard for the last fish but eventually ended up with 4 limits and about 10 other bumps we missed. Toughest bite I had on the ice this season. We really had to work for them...only singles showing up and not always biting...well not every day is the same...Meegs again did all the damage but had to really fines the presentation, change tubes, lure size etc.
Kids were happy, reeled in some fish was nice and sunny and even warmed up to about -15 when living.
Not a bad way to spend family day....
Whities are in the brine waiting for the smoker in next couple days weather permitting.
Few shots from the day:
















Cheers,
Ice Fisherman

[alf]

Great catch! Smoked whitefish sounds really good!

[Toner]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdnOhjev3BU

Don't use a cotton swab, use a pipe cleaner the swab may get stuck and then you have to pull the whole unit apart like I had to do once.

[intothedeep]

Nice going man, you seem to have those jigged whities dialed in... Nice way to spend a day with the family, and smoked fish to boot

[FSHN 247]

Just love seeing you out there with the boys!!!!
Another great day, congrats.

FSHN 247
Jay

[seabast]

Good job!
my heater had the same issue on Sunday. After leaving it in front of the wood stove for two minutes it fired right away. I just think it doesn't like -30, just like other things. Tried it an hour ago and it's -22 and worked just fine. Have u tried it since?

[icefisherman]

Good job!
my heater had the same issue on Sunday. After leaving it in front of the wood stove for two minutes it fired right away. I just think it doesn't like -30, just like other things. Tried it an hour ago and it's -22 and worked just fine. Have u tried it since?

Interesting enough I did try it as soon as I got home...it fired the first time...go figure...when I need it the most out in the cold it doesn't work, when it is in the house and I don't need it bammm fires no problems ...will try to clean it in the next couple days to see if this will help on the next cold day.

Cheers,
Ice Fisherman

[fisherboy]

WTG guys shame about the heater but great job making the best of it some great fish and I'll bet great memories with the boys -- keep it up dad!

FB

[huntinnut]

The guy you bought the heater from may have run it on a big tank with no in-line filter. They are a fussy heater. Blast everything with compressed air. It's likely the pilot port has a little speck in it or something to make it fussy.

[Fry Flier]

Nice fish and a great family outing. I stayed home with mine today. Would have liked a day on the ice but the rest of them do not fish other then the wife once and a while. She is a big fan of the vexlar and watches it closely on the ice. Thanks for sharing your day, appreciate it.