01-19-2003, 05:19 PM
[size 2]We arrived at Mud Creek bay (the scout troop and I) around 6
M, Friday eve. It was dark before camp (on the ice) was set up, and by the time dinner was over and I tried any fishing it was at least 8
M. I sure love my new power auger. I don't know how I ever survived without it. The Ice measured 10 inches. I constructed me a home built ice shelter out of 3/4 inch PVC pipe using a blue tarp as a cover. It measures five feet wide, 8 feet long, and 5 feet high. I rolled my bed roll out and slept in the shelter over night. I had several light nibbles and at 9:00PM I pulled my first Cutt through the ice hole. As I am sure you all, already assumed, it was in the slot limit, so right back down the hole it went. I caught my second fish around 10ish. and about 11 I retired my pole and myself for the night. The moon was full, and very bright. The blue tarp did little to create any dark for me. I woke up around 4:AM and laid there wide awake, I knew I wouldn't get back to sleep, so I got up, got dressed and began fishing again. I caught my third and final Cutt around 6:AM. I did continue fishing until about 11:30, but with no further luck. I think most of you will be pleased to know that at about 10:30AM the DWR cops with guns and all, came out on the ice and was checking licenses etc. I had kept no fish to show, but was pleased to show him my 2003 license.[/size] [size 2][/size] [size 2]My feelings on Strawberry and the new regs are mixed. I enjoy taking a few fish home for a meal or two. With the new regs, it has become very unlikely to be able to do so. I don't know how much more attention I will give Strawberry for fishing this coming year. Right now I am of the feeling that I want to go somewhere where there is a better chance of taking home a few keepers. As it is right now, it has been two or three years, since I have had a "good" catching experience on Strawberry. However, that being said, if the new regs really help, then in the future, fishing Strawberry should become a great fun place to go and catch (and release) many large and healthy fish, that will pull a person in his/her float tube around for several minutes of wonderful bliss.[/size] [size 2][/size] [size 2]Good fishing to you all.[/size]
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