Don't have to tell me about perch. There is absolutely no better seafood than fresh lake perch.
One of these days I'm gonna get down there and do some Muskie fishing. I've been wanting to try that for a long time. Walking out 100yds and perch fish is great! That's one reason why I gave up ice fishing a few years back and sold all my gear. Out on the bay if you don't have a 'wheeler or a sled you're S.O.L. as you have to go out MILES to get the great spots. Yea first/last ice is good and fairly close, but you're still talking a mile or two. Talked to quite a few guys this year that stayed home because of the temps. These guys are diehards, but with the temps in the morning at -5 or lower, then add a 9 mile ride at 20-30mph, it's just brutal cold. Which is good, more fish for me in the summer.
A gas auger is a smart investment. I've spudded many a hole in my day and don't really care to do it ever again.
Ice here is really thick, some needing the extension on the auger to break thru.
Experts say the lakes are about 85% froze over so should see an increase in water levels this summer.
Spearing for perch? Never seen that before. And I see it works pretty good. Up here spearing is kind of a lost art. Some still spear Pike, but few and far between. Nothing more intimidating than a monster spear locked into a spring loaded launcher. Deadly.
Right now our local walleye contest is just wrapping up (Sunday). Top three places are over 11lbs...