Kip’s Comments - February 12, 2025 — LadagePhotography.com

A Five Star Day to Strive to be Like Tanner, Meredith, Dave or Josh

On my phone I have the DNR app so I always have my licenses with me. A bonus feature on the DNR app is the “Feeding Times” section found in the “Toolbox” tab. The “Feeding Times” advises when wildlife - to include fish - are most likely to feed and is rated with stars. Today was a “Five Star” day according to the app, so I was out on the ice early. In my mind I was ready to pull enough bluegills and crappies above the ice to have a fish fry for supper tonight.

I am proud to say that I did not get skunked. The bluegills were tiny (and returned to the water) and I do not take largemouth bass home, but I did not get skunked. That was a good thing.

As I was catching and sorting I thought of how I was finally able to emulate my buddies Dave, Tanner, Meredith, and Josh. Each of those persons are people who can catch fish under challenging conditions, or they know where to go for fish, or really - each is just a better angler than I can hope to be. While I was enjoying pulling fish up I was also satisfied to know I was experiencing ice fishing like local experts do. That was fun!

(I do not intentionally leave out other local fishing talent. The four folks named are some that I have discussed fishing with recently. So many of you - nearly all of you - are much better than me when it comes to catching fish and you know it. I have accepted my lesser skills and respect each of you for your angling abilities.)

As for today’s pictures - I recorded these during my catching and sorting process.