Passaic River Pike...through the ICE.
 

After a hard week on hard water, I decided to sleep in today and not join the maniacs up north. First show on my TV this morning was on river Pike through the ice. Convinced our river Pike would be just as eager, I hopped in the truck and headed to an area I was pretty confident would hold safe ice. 5 minute hike into the woods lead me to a uniform, safe 5" of river ice. Tied myself to a rope that was tied to a tree on the banks for reassurance and had picks around my neck but luckily, didn't have to use either. Set up tipups and waited. Finally got a flag around 3:30 and it was game on. Very strong fight with some violent runs, but iced my first river Pike! Not an ice tournament worthy fish, but a thick 27". Had one more runoff before I called it quits around 4:30.

DISCLAIMER: Just because I was able to find safe ice on the river does not mean it is safe everywhere! No fish is worth a plunge into 32 degree water, use your head and be safe! Lots of open, flowing water on my way in and immediately downstream.

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Re: Passaic River Pike...through the ICE.
 

Thats sick dude... Good sh*t! Crazy the river froze up that thick!

Re: Passaic River Pike...through the ICE.
 

I have heard people go out on the Delaware river and fish for walleye through the ice. A+ for the effort on the Passaic !!

Re: Passaic River Pike...through the ICE.
 

You're a braver man than I am, venturing on river ice this early in the season. Glad you got back safe and had some fish to show for it.

Re: Passaic River Pike...through the ICE.
 

That is great. Just the other day I thought back to when I was 17 & thought of trying to ice fish the D&R canal for pickerel. How does current affect the offerings? Do you use like a half-ounce weight?

Re: Passaic River Pike...through the ICE.
 

I would have never thought this was possible here in nj...you have seriously amazed me, wow very impressive... Crazy, but awesome.

Re: Passaic River Pike...through the ICE.
 

I e seen crazy kids walk on Passaic in Elmwood Park and be rescued later. Outstanding! Be careful though as rivers are deceiving

Re: Passaic River Pike...through the ICE.
 

I was in a spot with no current, so only 1/4oz was needed.

Re: Passaic River Pike...through the ICE.
 

Hahahahahahahahahahaha, you crazy angler! Nice river Pike!!!:D

Re: Passaic River Pike...through the ICE.
 

robertski your a sick man!! but i like itt😀