[briansnat]

I've been itching go get out on the ice all winter but something always seemed to come up. I was in no hurry thinking I had plenty of time, but the warm weather lately and open water on many lakes I drove past told me this weekend might be my last chance.

Since I moved to Sparta in August, Lake Aeroflex has become my "home" lake so I decided to head there. I passed Andover Hunt and Fish on the way, but decided to take a look at the lake before I bought shiners. The lot was pretty full, which was a good sign, but when I drove up to the lake there was open water all around the boat ramp. Not a soul anywhere in the lake that I could see.

Damn, so I headed home pretty bummed out. Then I started thinking going north might be better. I decided to check out Ryker Lake, but halfway there I realized I had no bait.

Ryker looked good, a few groups were out on the ice, so I thought I could pick up bait at Fin and Fur on Rt 23. I make the drive there only to find a "For Rent" sign in the window. Out of business. Somebody up there doesn't want me fishing today I guess. Now I'm really going home when it occurs to me that there is another bait store about 5 miles north on 23. I get there, they're still in business and they had bait. Too good to be true.

I finally get on the ice 2 hours after I left the house and discover a bunch of freshly drilled holes waiting for me. The group that had been there moved a few hundred feet away. I made use of the holes and sat down with a cigar, some drink and a book. I managed to catch a LMB and a pickerel. Had a few more flags, but being a bit rusty I was a little too eager to hook the fish and I probably pulled the bait right out of their mouth.

Oh and there were 9 inches of ice. So fingers crossed, it could be good for another weekend.