Fishing Fishing Fishing Fishing Fishing Fishing Fishing: My 2024 Open Water Season Recap & Ice Fishing Hopes

Okay, let’s cut to the chase-this year’s open water fishing? It’s been… meh. Don’t get me wrong, I still love casting a line at 5 a.m. before the sun even thinks about peeking over the lake, but man, did the big ones play hard to get. Let’s break it down, no fluff, just a guy who’s been chasing bass, walleye, and the occasional monster catfish since he was 10.

Why This Open Water Season Felt Like a Tease

First off, let’s talk about the 10-pound+ club-the one I barely joined this year. Normally, I’d have at least 3-4 fish over that mark by late summer, but 2024? Only two. TWO. And one of them was a walleye that I swear fought like it was trying to drag me into the lake (worth it, though-tasted amazing with lemon butter). The other? A smallmouth bass that looked like it had been hitting the gym… or maybe just eating all the bait in its cove.

The “Almost” Moments That Haunt Me

Ugh, the near-misses are the worst. Like that time I had a catfish on the line that felt like it was pulling a boat anchor. I fought it for 15 minutes-15!-and right as I was about to net it? It snapped my 20-pound test like it was dental floss. I sat there for 10 minutes just staring at the water, thinking, Did that really just happen? Still haven’t forgiven that fish. Or the bass that jumped out of the water, shook my lure, and then gave me a little “see ya” splash before swimming away. Rude.

Where I Went Wrong (Maybe?)

I’ve been going over my notes like a detective on a cold case. Here’s what I think might’ve been off:

• Bait choices: I stuck to my go-to plastic worms for too long. Maybe the fish were tired of them? I switched to live minnows later in the season and caught more, but it was too little too late.
• Timing: I usually fish 5-7 a.m., but maybe the big ones were moving to deeper water earlier? I tried midday once and caught a 8-pound catfish (wait, no-8-pound. Close enough). But still, not the 10+ I wanted.
• Lake conditions: This year’s water levels were weird-some spots were too low, others too high. That probably messed with the fish’s feeding patterns. I should’ve scouted more, but I got lazy.

When “Blind” Didn’t Mean “Epic” (But Still Fun)

Let’s be real-“blind” is every angler’s favorite word, but this year? My blind days were more “meh” than “epic.” I had two days where I caught 20+ fish, but they were all 1-2 pounds. Don’t get me wrong, catching that many is fun, but when you’re chasing trophies, it’s like winning a consolation prize. Still, I’ll take it-better than going home empty-handed.

The Best “Meh” Blind Day of the Season

One Saturday in July, I hit my favorite spot on Lake X. The water was calm, the sun was out, and I had my favorite rod (the one with the neon green handle-don’t judge). I cast out, and within 10 minutes, I had a bite. Then another. Then another. By noon, I had 2 fish in my cooler-all smallmouth, all under 2 pounds. I sat there, ate a sandwich, and thought, Well, at least I’m not skunked. But then I saw a guy next to me pull in a 12-pound walleye. Of course he did. Of course.

Looking Ahead: Ice Fishing Hopes (Please, Let Them Be High)

Okay, enough of the open water blues. Let’s talk about the good stuff: ice fishing. This is my favorite time of year-no bugs, no sunburn, just me, my auger, and a hole in the ice. And this year? I’m determined to make up for the open water slump.

My Ice Fishing Game Plan

I’ve already started prepping, and here’s what I’m doing differently:

• New gear: I bought a new ice auger (the old one took 10 minutes to drill a hole-no thanks). Also, a portable fish finder-no more guessing where the fish are.
• Scouting spots: I’ve been talking to local anglers (and bribing them with donuts) to find the best ice fishing spots for big fish. Word on the street is that the walleye are stacking up in the north cove of Lake Y.
• Bait experiments: I’m ditching the fake maggots and trying live wax worms. I’ve heard they’re catnip for big walleye and bass.

Why I’m Optimistic (Even If I Shouldn’t Be)

Look, I know ice fishing can be just as hit-or-miss as open water, but there’s something about sitting on a frozen lake with a hot cocoa that makes me feel lucky. Last year, I caught a 15-pound northern pike through a 1-inch hole. It was chaos-my rod bent so far I thought it was going to break, and I almost dropped my cocoa. But it was worth it. That’s the magic of ice fishing, right? The surprise factor.

Final Thoughts (No, Not a Summary-Just a Rant)

So yeah, this open water season was a bummer. But hey, that’s fishing. You win some, you lose some, and sometimes the fish just decide to be jerks. But that’s why we keep going back, right? For that one day where everything clicks-where you catch a monster, high-five your buddy, and think, This is why I do this. And maybe that day is coming soon, when the ice is thick enough, and I’m sitting in my ice shanty, watching my fish finder light up, and thinking, Finally.

Anyway, if you’re in the same boat (pun intended) with a slow open water season, don’t give up. Ice fishing is coming, and who knows? Maybe we’ll both catch that 10-pound+ fish we’ve been chasing. And if not? Well, there’s always next year. But let’s be real-next year better be better. I’m not getting any younger, and my tackle box is starting to judge me.