Hopatcong 02-18-2017

[Andrushkin33]

So,

Even though forecast called for a nice warm day ---- just had to get out and do some ice fishing .... just had to .... received a call at 5am that ice was more or less good at State Park and off I went.

Absolutely beautiful day to be out with an amazing display of flags ... flags were flying before I even managed to finish setting up and whole day was a constant marathon from one to another ... lots of lost fish, lots of small fish and destroyed bait....

Got the grill out to the lake and enjoyed a nice bbq while all of us were there. Pickerel, perch, hog bass, sunnies and crappy were all landed through the day.

Landed 6 bass from 18" up, 8 pickerel from 18" up, one confused crappy at 11" multiple perch and sunnies as well.

Now for the fun part of the day. Shoreline was warming up much quicker than I have expected and my midday I have already managed to go in up to my knees .... that should of been a first clue to through a plank out since further out ice was solid 7 to 8" Of course in order to act on a first clue you have to have some brain cells and apparently they were in short supply for me for the day.

After everyone left and only me and my buddy remained hot bite continued. By 5:30 pm it was time to finally leave ice for good. Packed it in and back to car I went. Everything was going nice and smooth until I approached shoreline again and this time went for a swim ... got in a water up to my chest managing only to keep my head dry .... what can I say water was colder than expected but at least air temperature was good... seeing my predicament my friend did not waste a single second ....and immediately whipped out a cellphone to record my leisure swim .... due to colorful language I will not post that video ....well technically I would but I am yet still to receive it from him.

Overall ....amazing day for fishing ... glad to be out from a drink and off to search for more brain cells ....

Side note. People who went in on Sunday are not with me and they did not go in at State Park.

Pictures and video coming soon.

Please be safe if you are still venturing out.

Andre

[FASTEDDIE29]

I saw the pics of some of the fish caught. Looks like it was a slaughter at the SP indeed. Way to get it done guys. Your all nuts! Haha! I'm glad you got out of the freezing water ok buddy! That's something I wouldn't wish on anyone! Trust me I know what it feels like! I gotta say it's time to out the ice fishing gear away for the season. It's just not worth it this year! Maybe next year will be better! Who knows! For now, let's get the open water fishing party started.

There's always something to catch in the GREAT GARDEN STATE!!!

[bunker dunker]

the had to get someone out at riverstix also.glad your ok but i hope you learn a lessen.had that been 10ft of water this could have been a hole lot different

[Skunk City]

Glad you made it out alright, sounds like a fun day besides the swim. Can't wait to see the video .

[Mikey topaz]

I saw sunday hopatcong fire was out to the rescue! All my huddies tyat live on the lake thought it was me lol told em nope just andre!!! Dont worry bout it hes fine hope you got that crappie before you fell through buddy die to see you swimming with a crappie in your mouth.... got it!!!!

[Mikey topaz]

[Anthony]

anyone know if the state launch is free of ice?

[henro]

I stopped by the state launch yesterday to take a look. The ice is free at the ramp and along the outside edge of the lake but there is still a lot out in the middle.