catawba boat ramp

[BILLY JOE]

ramp was ice free and 2 empty trailers in lot. broken up ice was more towards yacht club looks like it could blow ramp shut if wind would blow in right direction .

[Dr.Ed]

That photo of the open ramp is tempting but I know if I put my boat in the water and went chasing the walleye, Mother Nature would swoop down with a blast of southern air and slam the door with a big flow of ice and where does that leave me??? Later.....

[Jawbreaker]

Wow, looks like there's gonna be some jiggin' Rapala action from the boat this year!

[pimplepounder]

Wow, looks like there's gonna be some jiggin' Rapala action from the boat this year!

This sure sounds good, we will jist have to watch the temps the next week or so.Getting stuck on the lake because of pack ice? I dont want to experience that adventure.

[Jawbreaker]

If the weather that's here today makes it over there, a lot of that will get busted up! 30mph South winds and thunderstorms is what they're calling for this evening.

[Jawbreaker]

Looks like all the ice is on the North shore. Still calling for a couple more days of stiff West wind here. Not too aweful cold either. Better get the boat ready, sure won't be needing the sled this year!

[wakina]

I know most of the experienced people who fish this time of year are good to go! This is directed at those new people who may be venturing out this time of year for the first time in those frigid waters. Please make sure that your equipment is in tip top shape, all batteries fully charge and in good condition, fuel tanks if not topped off at least have more than an adequate supply of fuel, all safety equipment in top notch condition and stay constantly vigilant for floating debris. It can be pretty lonely out there this time of year so being prepared for the worse will or can save you some major pucker later.

[Beepum19]

Quick question. Curious if jigging with typical ice lures is still effective on open water? How do you go about doing it? do you anchor or drift?

[Madd Matt]

I was up at Lakeside this week and I swung by Mazuriks a few times. I didn't see any ice at all. Channel Grove Marina had a "skim" inside the boat ramps, but East Harbor had rolling white caps across the entire harbor because of the West Winds.

-Matt

[pimplepounder]

I wonder what the surface water temp is around there? I remember two years ago I was out in late November and it was cooling down real fast that night. The water in my live well was getting a crust. On my way in, the water was like apple sauce and I ran out of fuel for my main engine, my fuel gauge was stuck. I fired up the kicker and brought it in on that. This cold water makes me just a little gun shy. I do know this I will never go without a kicker.. I figure with some rain water influx, that will get rid of the ice for good.