2016 had the last February when I didn't have to grind to pick up a Maine open water trout or salmon. 2023 set the new high mark for the month
No, I didn't get into fish every time out. I started the month with a skunking and then had one other "no sign of life" outing later in the month. On the first tough trip, this pic clearly shows at least 2 ice skunk monsters barking at me in upper right
On the other fishless day, I was confronted by an ice shelf that sagged down into deep water as I tried to transit to better water. I didn't stick around
On all the other outings, it was game on. Ice was rarely a problem. Heck, I got to wade in an ice bath that professional ball players would be envious of after a tough game. I just had to be mindful of any bigger chunks bumping me.
There were plenty of openings to drift a bobber and jig through, with the bobber getting yanked under regularly.
The best action, however, was on warmer days when the water was less slushy and I could cover it better with spoons or retrieved jigs. On those days, a retrieved lure outfished one suspended under a bobber by 2:1. I also got into some bigger fish on those days. I had one 20 fish day, followed by a 10 fish day, both exceeding my prior PB for a February open water outing. All browns, with the exception of one small brookie, and no salmon. Maybe this Seeforellen thing is working
We'll see if I can keep the streak going through another March. The signs are good, but it can be a real fickle month on the edge of spring
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