The Ice Fishing Guild- Maine Event: Blogger Derby

 Here's the video trailer from last year's pikefest...

This Saturday in south central Maine, an ice fishing convention has been planned and I conveniently thrust myself in the plans.  A pursuit of the almighty toothy bastard, the northern pike, will ensue and I look forward to the potential of a trophy.  Comprised of a decent amount of Maine bloggers, this should make for some interesting perspectives over the next week or so...

We'll see how it plays out, but here's the line up so far...

Erin over at ...and a strong cup of coffee

Travis over at Just North of Ordinary









Steve over at The Maine Outdoorsman









Ryan over at "I don't have a blog, but I like being on the Downeast Duckhunter"

Tony over at the Downeast Duck Hunter











Here's to debauchery, lies, half truths, and the demise of the one they call Rabid.

Stay Tuned

Close but no cigar... congratulations Dad!!!

19 inch brook trout weighing in at 3 pounds 7 ounces

 My second jaunt onto the ice brought about some interesting circumstances as the bulk of the day resulted in next to no action.  Once the afternoon arrived, so didn't the flags...

14 inch brook trout, 2nd place today

After several stolen baits and two smaller culprit brook trout (8 and 9 inches respectively), I landed a decent 14 inch brookie while my father yanked a fine 19 inch/3lb 7oz keeper as I returned from taking the ice auger to the truck.

The season champion still retains the title

Although my father's prize could be considered a fine trophy, he still came up short to the current family record powered my last weekends behemoth score of almost 4 pounds and 21 inches.  When asked what he intended to do with his quarry my father immediately retorted, "I intend to eat this fish".  Well done Dad and thanks for a great day on the hard water.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend,

The Downeast Duck Hunter

Brook Trouting Hard Water Preview Video

Here's the teaser for my first ice fishing excursion this past weekend. Have a good one.

The Downeast Duck Hunter

New one for the books...

The first of my limit was 13 inches, the second just 21 inches & 4 pounds.  Great brook trout fishing today!

Here's a picture of the two trout I caught today.  Not too bad for my first time out this year.  The ice is still sketchy so be careful if you opt to tread out on the hardwater.

I'm in the process of compiling the video and photos for my first ice fishing video including the lunker that almost got away.

Until then,

The Downeast Duck Hunter

Happy New Year: Black Duck Style

I opted to bring in the new year forgoing the ice fishing pursuit as a monstrous blizzard dumped plenty of snow on what little ice had formed over a short spell, but rather trying my hand at a duck that has been fairly mum on the scene for me this year.

The tide was approaching which meant the ducks would be arriving to browse amongst the exposed seaweed and rocks.  With just two black duck decoys, my hopes was to arouse the interest of just one of the duck world elite.  And that happened... way too fast...

Within minutes of setting up, two committed blacks arrived and I chose my limit carefully and sniped the drake from about 20 yards.  I raced against the breezy NW wind and waded out in the shallow water to acquire the product of my efforts.

This is still a lot of day left, but an approaching cold front and gale force winds may leave this black duck as the last for my vacation but the first for 2013.  Have a great and wonderful new year full of ducks down and tight lines.

Best,

The Downeast Duck Hunter