AND THEY’RE OFF!  Ice houses were popping up on lakes from Sanborn, N.D. to Detroit Lakes, Minn. on smaller water bodies yesterday as calmer conditions and a recent cold stretch allowed anglers to creep out for some exploratory angling along the I-94 corridor.  We talk about gearing up for safe first steps on the ice in today’s Three Things.

 

Featured Photo: The sun sets over a frozen lake near Bismarck. Simonson Photo.

 

WEATHER (Bismarck Forecast):
Today: Mon 11/19 – Cooler Again. Hi 19, Lo 15, Wind L&V.
Tomorrow:  Tue 11/20 – Warm Up. Hi 40, Lo 21, Wind NW@8.

 

SOLUNAR (Bismarck Times):

Sunrise        Sunset
7:52AM       5:05PM

Moonrise      Moonset       Overhead    Underfoot
3:47PM        3:27AM       10:05PM      9:42AM

 

Moon Phase: Waxing Gibbous (86% Full)

 

EDGE HOUR:   3:15-4:15PM.  The power of the growing full moon will guide your hunt (or early fishing trip?) during moonrise in the Edge Hour.

DAY RATING:

 

THREE THINGS:

 

PICK IT.  A pair of ice picks on floating handles such as wood or light plastic are a must have at this early stage of the hardwater season.  Wrap them around your neck as you walk out to provide added gripping power on the ice in case you break through, and remember to turn around and climb out the way you came in.

SHOCKING.  Your body’s first reaction is to exhale and hyperventilate when it hits cold water.  This causes a massive loss of buoyancy and continued inability to increase it.  That’s why at this time of year a life jacket under those layers is a good idea on those first forays.  Once you’re settled in, you can stash it in your sled if everything checks out.

FOAM FLOATS. For those valuable electronics one can’t live without (ie: cell phones), remember to stash them in a water-tight bag, like a heavy-duty Ziploc with a strip of Styrofoam inserted with it.  That way when it inevitably falls out of your jacket pocket and into the hole – which, you know is the ONLY place it will land, Murphy’s Law fans – it will float AND stay dry.  This also helps to keep it dry and working in case you go through and need to call for help.

Stay Sharp!