We are now four days into Covid Alert Level 5 lockdown (number two). French, Slaney and I decided to take a well isolated midweek break from these harsh realities and socially distance ourselves on a frozen pond well away from the general public. Three trucks, three Argos, three augers, three sets of Ice Fishing Lines and a great big pond with lots of space. As usual French ripped his 2017 Argo Huntmaster, I piloted Project 6x6 and Slaney operated his 2018 Huntmaster 8x8 all fitted out with tracks, convertible tops and windshield. Our destination today was much closer to home than usual as we headed into the country near Bauline.

Before venturing out onto the ice with the Argos we drill and measured ice thickness with a large number of holes out across the pond where we planned to travel. This was the only way to make sure body of water would be safe for walking or machine or neither. We made the job easier by using our cordless drill adapted ice augers. My Milwaukee M18 Fuel drill along punched over 100 holes today on a half charge of one battery pack so we never even broke a sweat. 

My ice measuring stick with a hook on the bottom quickly and accurately told the tale of ice thickness. We measured 8.5-9" of solid ice every where we went, we gave the run ins and run outs a wide berth of 500 yards or more.

Some people have said to stay off the ponds this year, which I believe is non-practical and not useful advise. My advise is for everyone to personally Check Ice Thickness EVERYWHERE You Plan To Travel on a pond. Don't take unnecessary risks. Don't travel alone. Don't take someone else's word. Carry personal & machine recovery gear and have an action plan if something goes wrong. Having an emergency warm up kit at least back at your vehicle or trailer is another practical level of safety to overcome the onset of hypothermia. Practical considerations would be a heat source, sleeping bag, closed cell foam camping pad and full change of dry clothes.

Today was our first day testing out our recently fabricated Automatic Hook Setting ice fishing rigs. They are made from an HT rod holder/ice fishing tip up rig & a 28" ice rod/reel from Canadian Tire The HT rig is modified by removing the tip up gear and fabricating the automatic hook setter from wire and moving one of the eye loops.

I also tested out these new inexpensive HT rubber coated wire ice fishing stick holders which work very well with these awesome ice fishing lines purchased at Outdoor Pros last winter.

Project 6x6 continues to run well and is by far the most convenient way to carry a load of gear into the woods including cooking equipment, knapsack, collapsible ice fishing hut, stove, lines and more.

I'm pleased to say we weren't skunked and my automatic rig was officially christened catching a number of trout, we kept a few legal size fish for the pan. One thing is the new rigs are very quiet so a small bell on the rod tip would be a great addition.

Around mid-afternoon we moved up to the next pond.

Lunch today wasn't anything crazy, just some snacks and fresh coffee made from water boiled at home and kept hot in French's Yeti Thermos.

As usual we stayed well after sunset and weren't disappointed as we struck into a number of trout just as darkness fell. All in all it was a great first day of our ice fishing season, it was great to try out some new (to us) waters closer to home.

Cheers, MIKE

Copyright © 2025 Michael Smith