How tough are you?

[Riverwhy]

Power plant lakes offer some decent fishing when the temperature gets around 20 degrees.  Not bad if the wind is mild.

[TRRANGER]

Fished Stockton one morning for club tourney, it was 16 deg at take off, my boat was in the garage as usual.  Hooked and went to the lake, 1 1/4 hour drive to ramp and we took off at a slow pace. Got to a point I like and after about 10 minutes had a fish on, pulled my measure board to check length, he measured but he also stuck to the board like the tongue to the flag pole, got water in livewell and was able to get  fish off the board. My buddy and I laugh about that to this day, been five or six year ago. It was sunny and calm that day got to about 40. Won that derby on a jerkbait caught fish all day it was a blast. My buddy will not longer fish with me when there is a jerkbait bite, I could not get him to get bit, gave him my rod, my jerkbait, front of the boat everything I could think of. Picked up his jerkbait rod and caught fish behind him. Fun time love winter basin.

[Mitch f]

So many dangers get magnified by the cold. I won’t take the risks I used to. I usually don’t go out in the cold unless it’s above 30 degrees 

[dan hufferd]

On 12/29/2017 at 3:48 PM, Mitch f said:

So many dangers get magnified by the cold. I won’t take the risks I used to. I usually don’t go out in the cold unless it’s above 30 degrees 

I am extra careful on Stockton in the winter. Cool water high wind can make you dead with one bad decision. I recogn I have done everything I want to. Maybe having your last day to be one on the water wouldn't be too bad. I am still careful. 

[IL Fisherman]

Thanks for all the responses.   Most of us become whimpy as we get older it seems. Hope we get some warmer days in January and February so this Illinois guy can come try some winter fishing.  Snowing here and 15 degrees.   I also dislike winter more and more the older I get.  

[Sprint21fter]

Launched this morning at a balmy 18 degrees and the boat was frozen to the trailer it was entertaining for a few minutes.

[Old plug]

As far as all this cold stuff goes. I been there and done that. i will not being doing it anymore. 

[Mitch f]

7 minutes ago, Old plug said:

As far as all this cold stuff goes. I been there and done that. i will not being doing it anymore. 

Wisdom

[Old plug]

Yes it is Mitch. FORCED knowledge you might say. Both .i and the wife could have cery easally frozen our finger tips taking down Christmas decorations out in the yard   even with thick gooves on.. I have ro avoid anything under mid 40s anymore bare handed 

 

[Gavin]

The weather is fine. Great canoeing & camping weather and the icicles on the river bluffs can be spectacular. Would be better with more snow.