We took a trip to Burlington yesterday and of course I had to do a drive by down around the river just to see what was going on. The Miss was mostly frozen with just a small portion open, I believe because of some construction barges in the area. Needless to say there wasn't much going on. Usually I stop by a farm and home store in Burlington so I can walk the aisles of the fishing section but I skipped it on this trip. I had already spent my allowance. No need to look at fishing gear I couldn't buy. Next week I'll get some another allowance.

So far I'm hearing mixed reports about the thickness of the ice in my area. I've heard of ice from five to twelve inches in the area. No catfish yet.

Deer season, not cat season

My older brother and I went on a ride about just to see what was going on out in the deer woods. We didn't see any deer and just one group of hunters standing around three pickups with their orange on. So I guess we didn't see anyone really hunting. Things have changed or atleast it seems that way. All the local creeks and the Skunk River are froze over. The only way I can describe how I feel when I see "my" river frozen over is to compare it to a kid finally making it to Disneyland or Six Flags and the park is closed. Damn I'm a big baby! Don't say it, either one of you!

My big accomplishment today was getting the barrel cut in half for the shad tank I'm building. As you might think it was a little cold outside but it's done. I wonder how many days until the shad start running? Has winter even started yet?

I just looked through craigs list, checking to see whats for sale. Conclusion; not much. There were a few 1648's but nothing bigger in jon boats. When a guy buys an 18 or bigger he must keep it because you rarely find a used 18 or bigger for sale. There are times I want a bigger boat but then I find myself thinking I don't. I've been so damn good this year Santa might bring me an 18 or 20 footer. I know, probably not! I don't suppose a bigger boat would help me catch any more fish anyway.

?

It wasn't a good day. Started out raining, turned to a mix that slicked up the roads pretty good. Although she protested quite a bit I made the warden take me out for supper. Slippery roads aren't going to keep me from eating! Earlier today I finished up the last bait trap I was making so I think I have seven traps now. The next project is the shad tank. If all goes well I might get started tomorrow. It is awful cold though. Next to fishing, I like to spend time in the garage or outside just tinkering around with my fishing gear. It's something to do until the catfish come up the river next spring
The Skunk River is completely frozen over, even through the sharp bends by Rome. I don't like it! Nothing I can do about it, I guess

Flippin"

Tonight I was flipping the channels as I am often accusesd of doing and I came across a show called Hillbilly Hand Fishing. Although I wouldn't do it myself I am always willing to watch others do it but this show was a little different. There were a few experienced noodlers trying to teach what they called "city dwellers" to noodle. Just as I am sure nobody would want to watch me attempting this type of fishing, I couldn't and didn't watch but just a few minutes of it. Had it been just the guys who do it all the time it would have been a good show and occupied me for a half hour on a cold December night, but it wasn't so I continued to flip.

I ran into Terry down at Oakland Mills yesterday so I ran home, grabbed his reel and headed back down to the river and handed over the goods. There is no doubt he enjoyed it more than I did. I would have like to add that reel to my collection. Anyway, enjoy the reel Terry!.

I slacked off yesterday and didn't get much done but this morning I did get back to the trap I'm trying to finish. One more funnel to build and add to the trap and it will be done. The door, tag and tie line are in place already. I might get bored enough later and finish it just to have something to do.

For years I have watched countless trophy size flatheads and channel cats being taken illegally or tossed back into the river with injuries that were probably fatal by the snaggers at Oakland Mills but finally those days have come to an end. In 2011 snagging will be illegal below the Oakland Mills dam on the Skunk River, just south of Mt. Pleasant, Ia.

The winner is.....

Congrats to Terry from Winfield, Iowa.

Terry is the lucky winner of the Abu Garcia 6500C3. We contacted him by phone and he was thrilled about winning the reel. We will be posting a photo of Terry with his new reel in the near future. Be sure to check out sliprig.com on a regular basis as there may be a new giveaway or game for 2011.

Thanks to everybody who visited sliprig.com this year. We wish you the best for the upcoming year.