Saturday at The Gut.

[Del Gue]

Headed out at 6 with my son and my Dad. After a brief stop at Dockside for some bait, we were off to the Gut. Dragged the sled out to the ice (12 inches) and was set up by 7. By 9 we were joined by 50-75 of our closest friends, 8 ATVs, 2 trucks and a camper. It looked liked the Champlain Vally Fair out there. We all did our best to accommodate and share the ice. The bite was slow but consistent. Perch, bass and pike were tripping the flags. At 11 one of our farthest flags went off. I got excited because I had baited it with one of the larger shiners. My son grabbed the line and started to work the fish. It was fun to watch him doing everything I had taught him. Slowly pulled the line in until he felt the fish and then set the hook. He would pull her in until she ran and then let the line loose. when she would stop running he would pull her back in. I told him " when you get her to the hole and she sees you get ready because she will take off again" sure enough, boom! off she goes. This happened 3 times and the total fight took about 5 min or so. He finally got her to the hole and worked her head into position and pulled her through. When about 6 inches of her was through the swivel snapped. It was one of those moments that freeze time. He and I standing there for what felt like an hour, unable to move watching this fish "almost" on the ice. She pumped her tail and FLOP! right on the ice! 34 inches and 9 pounds 5 oz of pike flopping around. A Lot of yelling and high fives. Not the largest pike ever but the most enjoyable one I've watched landed! I had kept a few on Thursday so after a few pictures back she went.
Ended the day with 5 pike, 2 bass and 8 Pickerel landed. Also had about a quarter of a pail of nice size perch to clean for dinner. The bite shut off after 11. I think the noise on the ice that day drove most of the fish off. They will be back!

[WildFisherWoman]

Way to go! What a great time. He looks like he had a blast out there....

[Gecha (Gerry)]

Great story and nice catch.... a moment you and your son will cherish forever.

[snogoose]

Very nice story! we saw the "Fair" as we drove past to Dilllenbeck. On the way home around noon. we all agreed "shoulda' turned left insteada right on the way up!"...Nice day for both of you! Congratulations!

[Brian]

A good story of a very memorable day. Thanks for sharing.

[Wellsley (Frank)]

Great pic, he won't forget that day right away.

[raz]

Great post, great fish, great day on Champlain. Congrats to you all!
Very nicely done.

[lazycs]

nice report, looks like a good day on the ice, creepers look like they where a must...

[Reelax]

Very nicely done.. One proud and happy looking boy there... He is hooked for life!