Game, set, and match... Ice Fishing 2012 is a wrap...

Later on this week, I'll post on the ice fishing season endgame...  But you know how I roll, here's the trailer.  See you in a few days. 

The Downeast Duck Hunter

The Northern Pike Experience: Part Three

Front:  Uncle Kim, Steve  Back:  Travis, Ryan, Tony

6 plus northern pike

I realize this post finds itself with awkward timing, especially after following the previous post but timing always seems to be the ever present challenge.  As the ice continues to erode, I suspect this will be the last ice fishing post and gears must shift upon the next outdoor affiliation.  For that, let's wrap up the story.

The derby became just another day with some nice pike.  The ticket had an update number to call and with mine holding almost seven pounds, I figured it would be worth a shout.  A very pleasant guy commented on the day in the best way I can remember, "We've got a ten, a nine, and I just got a call that a seventeen is on its way".  Translation, there existed no need to quit early and register my fish so we kept fishing.  With little success, we threw in the towel around four.  A return in the morning made the decision a bit more bearable.

Our next day consisted of moderate action and Ryan garnered the champ pushing a decent ten pounds.  A stiff breeze could not deter our efforts and the camaraderie culminated into one memorable day.  Eventually the wear and tear of all things associated with a vacation began to break down the willingness to continue.  Within minutes, the gear was gathered and the ice train made way for the landing.



I'm most fortunate to have an experience that brings in new personnel into a traditional endeavor that can produce something as memorable as a nice northern pike.  Next year when I'm on my way, you can rest assured that Ryan will be riding shotgun telling me how he's going to catch a twenty at daylight.  That's how I roll... with those who roll...


Have a great day,


The Downeast Duck Hunter

Ryan's ten pound northern pike

Uncle Kim trying to say he caught it

The 2012 West Grand Experience

I really don't know how it happened, but the last four weeks found three weekend ice fishing trips.  The first took us to Pleasant Pond in Island Falls, while the second became an adventure to central Maine in pursuit of a northern pike on North Pond.  Out of nowhere a third voyage surfaced with an invite from Uncle Kim, the esteemed and self-appointed mayor of Grand Lake Stream and Township 27.  West Grand Lake, a regular mainstay and frequented lake, had been scratched of the list of hard water Febauchery™ fishing.  It once again found itself in the ice fishing cross hairs...

March did however prove to enter like a lion as a storm threatened to ruin any plans.  Hardly deterred, Ryan and I hit the road armed with the essential amenities of chaos that included three snowmobiles.  Why three, why not?  Two newbies would be joining us on this opportunity and West Grand would be their first, that in itself is remarkable for they would be chasing salmon and lake trout on one of Maine premier lakes.  Joe and Peter followed as we chirped and chatted on the radios the entire two hour trip...

Peter's first fish- landlocked salmon

The forecast was quite blunt... a load of rain Saturday with temperatures in the 40's and a beautiful day on Sunday with temperatures in the 40's.  Rather than simply choose common sense, we broke out of the landing and onto the ice facing light snow.  The question would be, when does it turn over?

In short time we found the answer, but our efforts towards a nice landlocked salmon or hefty laker would not be compromised.  Within a few flags, hit baits, and no luck, we finally hit pay dirt with Peter's first ever fish.

After two hours of rain winning at the expense of our demise, a vote determined our return to the mayor's house for the night.  The state basketball game would also be on the docket; all of us graduated from Jonesport-Beals and none of us intended to miss the game.  Our hastily scheduled trip forced our truancy, so our support left us accepting the next best thing as the Royals dominated Forest Hills for the 10th state title in just over four decades.

The next morning bore greater promise as the clouds whispered east while the wind turned westerly.  Our chosen location offered success from past years, however more salmon than lake trout were to be expected.  Ryan and Peter took off one way drilling holes with the ferocity of a lion while Joe and I quietly moved south of our base camp.  It had been years since I fished this flat next to the submerged point, but I knew that I didn't want to be near Ryan or Peter.  For that, I promised Joe a fish before all were set and potentially one before the two of us were in.

Joe's first ever lake trout

Sure enough, after ten drilled holes and setting up five ice fishing tip ups it happened.  The fourth flag rose behind us and the reel was churning.  Joe had the honor of this fish for he was new to this game and for him to catch a fish greatly superseded my own satisfaction.  My goal for him to catch a fish or two, maybe three if things looked up.

I have been video taping the bulk of the catches this year, but in no way was the camera set up and Joe only has a photo to remember this decent trout.






After that first flag, everything else relished in perfection.  A flag here, a salmon there, two in two minutes, and the fish were on!  Even Ryan, witnessing this act of impressiveness, opted to chase the gravy and brought two ice traps over.  It would be fair to suggest that we were dealing with a flag and usually a fish every 20 minutes for the entire morning.  Never had I seen salmon fishing like this, and I've been part of some serious stories.  Ryan and I understood the magnitude of this feat, I'm not sure if our partners realized the comparative excellence witnessed on the ice.  I suppose they'll understand when they find themselves on a day without a flag.

I'll let the video below show the bulk of our success.  Within my three weekends of ice fishing, enough great memories were created to share down the road.  Great friends, great fishing, and great times already leave memories only to make me itch for next year.  One more potential trip is in the works, but time, temperature, and the spring thaw may change that.  We will see and until next time, take care.

The Downeast Duckhunter

West Grand Lake Trailer

Post will be up in a few days, until then take care...

Coleman 10-Cup Portable Propane Coffeemaker with Stainless Steel Carafe- Review and Field Test

During the one year anniversary celebration over at the Outdoor Blogger Network, I was fortunate to be drawn to review a portable propane powered coffeemaker by Coleman.  To honor my end of the exchange, I have created a field test out ice fishing to augment the gear review.

Size and structure:
This coffee maker isn't light weighing in at 9.5 pounds, but it is important to mention this is a 10 cup capacity device.  Coupled with the carry case, I found that I could pack cream, sugar, coffee, spoons, and other amenities with ease.  This was convenient out on the ice and made for fast packing.  For anyone who purchases this, do get the case.  This coffee maker would in my opinion seem very well suited for the remote camp or family camping trip, not exactly right for the back packer or minimalist when it comes to hunting or fishing.

Performance:
I put this Coleman propane coffee maker to work on an absolutely insane day, gusty with a variety of mixed precipitation out on a lake seven miles from the landing.  Set up was very easy as the coffee maker utilized a one pound propane cylinder and the InstaStart™ auto ignition button to get the coffee brewing immediately as the PerfectFlow regulator streamed a consistent amount of fuel (up to 4500 BTU's).  The entire unit worked to specs as the coffee maker pulled the lake water through the filter basket of ground coffee down to the stainless steel carafe.  Within twenty minutes, my ice fishing crew was drinking steaming hot coffee.  In terms of general performance based on the field trial, the Coleman propane coffee maker operated without a hitch on one cold, breezy, and wet day.

Overall impression:  At first the size of this coffee maker took me back, but when considered for the appropriate circumstances this product will be fine.  I did like the directions on the side as with any Coleman, for I had neglected to read the owners manual and found that there is a process to follow in order to ensure maximum operation.  Without a doubt, this coffee maker delivered enough coffee for my ice fishing crew and was a cinch to clean up.  The elements did not affect the burner and the auto ignition was instant.  For any trip for a longer stay or for places like your camp, this product will certainly prove useful.  However, don't expect to be mobile with this product as it isn't that type of product.

Here's the field test on West Grand Lake in eastern Maine...



I received the Coleman Propane Coffee Maker at no cost through the Outdoor Blogger Network in exchange for a gear review.  In no way am I financially or contractually bound to either of the before mentioned parties.  I thank both Coleman and the Outdoor Blogger Network for the opportunity.