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Xtreme Sport Fishing

Ice fishing season just around the corner
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With our boats now put away for the winter, many of us are now focusing on the ice fishing season, which should be only weeks away.

Every winter Canadians die in ice-related accidents; remember its not always a good idea to venture out alone on the ice, especially "first ice," but many of us do, so it's always a good idea to have someone along in case of an emergency.

Things you should pack include ice picks, throw rope, whistle and a cell phone if possible in a top pocket. Always tell someone where you are going and when you will be returning and make sure ice is safe enough before venturing out. You can test the ice thickness with an ice chisel or auger before venturing out too far. Avoid river ice where there is current and ice that is white or grey; this holds air and snow. Clear blue ice is the strongest.

I don't venture anywhere this time of year without my Nautilus survival suit, if anything did happen then this suit will keep me afloat if I do break through. You could also use a PFD (personal floatation device) Stay safe and use this chart as a guide to safe ice travel.

Our open water season ended with mixed results this past fall. It was a real hit and miss on our rivers in the North. Down south on the Red River they have had about the same results. Some anglers are heading north right now to fish for rainbows and brook trout. I would still wait a week or so for safer ice. A friend from Flin Flon recently sent me a report and photo of some incredible rainbow trout fishing he and his wife got into down south a few weeks back, with his wife reeling in a huge rainbow measuring 28 inches. Don Lamont sent me a photo of a 13-pound walleye his buddy caught on Tobin Lake, Sask. recently. Don and his fishing partner pounded the large walleye on Tobin with 10 being over eight pounds. First ice is approaching and don't miss the big rainbow trout bite that will happen during this time; it can be the best fishing you will have all winter. I will be heading south once again for this. You can read more local fishing reports and from around the province at my site: www.xtremesportfishing.com/forum

Looking for some local fishing updates? Have any great local fishing stories or photos? You can get in touch with Dave Colibaba by e-mail at: colibaba@mts.net

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