My intentions for today was to go to Kokosing Lake and kill some divers. I drove over there yesterday morning to find a very thin layer of ice on the entire lake. I figured with the rain and warmer weather coming, that it would be good for this morning. I got everything packed up (at least I thought), and headed out to slay some birds. When I got to the ramp, I could see that there was still ice on the lake! There is another fella that hunts there almost everyday, and I could see where he went out. So I figured, what the hell......bust some ice and get to my spot. I launch the boat, pack my gear and dog, and start heading out.
As I am getting in the boat, I can see that this ice is about 1/2" thick! Now ice isnt a problem for me......I have an 18' Semi V that can break it up pretty good. What i do have a problem with is that Kokosing is only a 10hp lake. Meaning I cant even idle my 40hp. So all I have to bust through this ice is my 45lb trolling motor. That wouldnt have been bad......if I would have remembered BOTH my batteries. I got about 1/4 of the way to where I wanted to set up, and decided that I better turn back before I get stuck with a dead battery. It wouldnt have taken long for that trolling motor to suck the juice right out of that battery. Now the only thing I can hope for is all this warm weather we are suppose to get will thaw everything out. Looks like we will be river hunting tomorrow!
As I am getting in the boat, I can see that this ice is about 1/2" thick! Now ice isnt a problem for me......I have an 18' Semi V that can break it up pretty good. What i do have a problem with is that Kokosing is only a 10hp lake. Meaning I cant even idle my 40hp. So all I have to bust through this ice is my 45lb trolling motor. That wouldnt have been bad......if I would have remembered BOTH my batteries. I got about 1/4 of the way to where I wanted to set up, and decided that I better turn back before I get stuck with a dead battery. It wouldnt have taken long for that trolling motor to suck the juice right out of that battery. Now the only thing I can hope for is all this warm weather we are suppose to get will thaw everything out. Looks like we will be river hunting tomorrow!