Meanwhile, Back on the Ice

The weatherman says we'll see 70s today, and I can count in my mind at least half a dozen plants in the yard that have flowers. Cold days may still be ahead, but spring is trying hard to happen in Georgia, and I'm thinking more about spring trout fishing than any kind of winter patterns.

That said, I was unable to accept an invitation that would have had me ice-fishing just this week, and I'm reminded that winter and hard-water fishing are still going strong in the north. In fact, my last ice trip of last year was late in March. Jeff Sundin, who I've gotten to ice-fish with twice this winter, posts daily reports about fishing in northern Minnesota. He does a great job of compiling input from a bunch of different fishermen, and I enjoy spending a bit of vicarious time on the ice through his reports.

Making a big jump from Northern Minnesota to Louisiana's Red River, today is "Media Day" at the Bassmaster Classic. The pros are off the water for interviews and receptions and final preparations before the competition begins tomorrow morning. Many of my industry friends will be busy today, either doing as they begin their coverage of the event or preparing booths for the giant sport show that is an important part of the Bassmaster Classic.