WINTER WONDER!  This weekend is setting up to be quite good for sportsmen getting on the ice.  With high temps in the 20s and low winds, expect to see many in the general population making their first moves to hardwater.  We continue to share our tips for this time of year in today’s Three Things.

Featured Photo: Angler’s Eye View.  Get in on the action this weekend as conditions will be great for early ice fishing.

 

WEATHER (Bismarck Forecast):
Today: Fri 12/7 – Great Start! Hi 22, Lo 9, Wind W@6.
Tomorrow:  Sat 12/8 – Get on the Ice! Hi 25, Lo 9, Wind S@8.

 

SOLUNAR (Bismarck Times):

Sunrise        Sunset
8:13AM       4:55PM

Moonrise      Moonset       Overhead    Underfoot
8:21AM       5:35PM        1:00PM        12:34AM

 

Moon Phase: New @ 1:20AM

 

EDGE HOUR:   7:45-8:45AM.  Calm winds, sunrise, new moon and moonrise will give you good animal movement in today’s Edge Hour!

DAY RATING:

 

THREE THINGS

 

PULL IT.  While a sonar unit is perhaps the most useful tool on the ice (second to the auger…maybe?) in the heat of an on-ice battle with a big fish, it’s important to remember to remove the transducer from the hole shortly after hookset.  This will prevent line from tangling around the puck, float and cable and help you land more fish!

 

CHECK IT.  While good ice has set up most everywhere in the state, it’s important to check thickness as you move along.  Some areas could be six to ten inches, while places with moving water, migrating birds or spring-fed bays may only be glazed over.  Be sure to use a spud bar or your auger to check every so often if you’re headed out for the first time!

 

PICK IT.  Just in case, it’s good to have a set of ice pics around your neck this time of year as you venture out on new ice.  Made of floatable plastic or wood, these self-storing life-savers provide grip on water-coated ice where there is very little traction in a sudden emergency.  Stab-and-pull while kicking your legs to get free of the hole!

Stay Sharp!