2-20/2-21 Gibbins Report

[New Yankee]

Thursday night got out on the ice - first time at Gibbins. Fished Fri/Sat and it went pretty well - I think I cleaned 17 fish - mix of wallies and sauger with the largest just under 16" - we kept them 12" and above except for a couple 10's that were badly bleeding. Threw probably twice that number back. We did as well or better than anyone we spoke with (I think).<P>The house was fine - well maintained and clean - good heat. We were able to drive out even in the grocery getter (mini van) which saved a bunch of loading/unloading etc. <P>Saturday was beautiful - the kids and I had a good time mid day walking about when the bite was non-existent. Met a few very nice groups (thanks Gordy for bringing by the mittens my son apparently dropped on the road!). Shared a beer with Bottomfinder's group from WI - great group of guys. Met some guys from MN/ND at the house just South of us - my wife gave me heck about spending time shooting the bull w/ya'll when were should have been hitting the road! LOL! <P>Very soft bite - I threw everything I had at them - glow lures worked pretty well, but in the end the most consistent producer were plain red hooks with ice busters - shiners and fat heads produced the same. For some reason the kids Zebco 33's and $5 poles I rigged up for them were the hotest in the house - go figure!<P>Would I do a sleeper again - probably - it's different - not bad or good but different. With the wife and kids Gibbins makes it pretty cheap (kids 12 and under are free!). It is nice to be able to drive out and start at first light/stop when you want, but the hot shower and bed is a fine thing also...<P>We got off the ice late afternoon Saturday - made it to Bemidji and stopped - kids blew off some steam at the hotel pool. Did drop by the Bend to pick up a bottle and thank Pam for sending my camcorder back last trip. They are booked solid week ends in March so I may not be able to get back this season. BT - there's a cool one with your name on it there - good luck later this week!

[bturck]

Bob: Sounds like you had a good time with the family and had some fish for supper as well.<P>We're leaving Thursday morning as you know so I will toast to you on Thursday night upon our return to solid ground. Mucho Gracias.<P>The March trip is still on as well, weather allowing. Was hoping to catch up with you on that one. Who knows perhaps they will have a cancellation and it would still work out for you.<P>Sounds like the kids had a good time of it, high priced eqipment, who needs it? I guess its a macho thing.<P>What did your wife and kids think about driving that far out on frozen water? Are they ready to go back again next year? glad you had a good time, thanks for the Good Luck I'll let you know how it went next Sunday. Take care. Bill

[bottomfinder]

new yankee<P>thank you for borrowing me the glow devil<BR>on the 20th it at least caught me a couple<BR>of small eyes. <P>that seemed to be the bite ( slow ) at<BR>least when we were their, we left with a grand<BR>total of 14 with only 1 that made it to 16".<P>we went to Red & Winnie to finish out our trip and did no better on those two lakes either.<BR>glad to meet you and the rest of your family<BR>you seemed to be good people.<P>gary, steve, brad & lee<BR>

[New Yankee]

Bottomfinder - glad all made it back safe and as sound as could be expected. Sorry ya'll didn't do any better down the road! Keep in touch, I'll catch you next year! <P>BT - the wife was suspect when we hit hard water but soon became accustomed to it. Kids were in awe of the place for about 13 seconds and returned to the 5&6 yr olds they are......<P>Sunday afternoon you couldn't have convinced me another trip was needed this year - spent a good deal time baiting hooks and unhooking fish in the house - suspect on reflection that is why my jigging was off - I didn't have a lot of uninterupted time to do it <P>However, after a couple days recovery, I emailed another potential victim, uh...friend - re: mid March - is there a twelve step program for the big pond <P>Good luck BT - I'll be anxiously awaiting a great report!

[bturck]

Bob: If there is a 12 step program I haven't found it. It is definitley an addiction. On the road 5am tomorrow, I'll bring you up to date on Sunday. Bill