Die Hards

[DOGFISH]

As I was coming out of the building, at the close of work, I noticed a parked truck with a fishing kayak on top, all partially glazed in snow. Someone waved an said hello. It was Zack Ditmars, all bundled up. I said, I was wondering who would be out kayak fishing on a day like this. He said yes, I was pickerel fishing. I asked did you catch any. In typical fisherman fashion, with a tad bit of frustration, a smile and a head shake, he said "no." Pickerel fishing can be difficult we discussed. I then noticed, under Zack's arm was a paper sack. Luckily, next to where I work is an adult beverage store, respite for many a wary kayak fisherman. Of course knowing Zack, I knew it was just so he could go home, relax and contemplate the next pickerel fishing trip.

So, I raise a glass to all of those intrepid fisherman who go fishing on days such as these. It brings back memories of my younger days when trout fishing and other trips, when I would be out fishing in the snow. It is a solitary meditative type of fishing and good for the soul.

Good luck.

[ronaultmtd]

Yep...I pass on the frozen wet stuff, but headed out first thing in the morning to see if the Rockfish are still up in the rivers...going to fish the Pax upstream around Long point dragging a coach 347 jig with a big Zman swimbait and an XRap XR14 bunker color...

[J. Rentch]

Hope Zack wasn’t on the Severn, Pickerel have been very scarce for the last year.

[Slobber Bob]

It is a solitary meditative type of fishing and good for the soul.

There tends to be a peaceful quietness when your out on a gray, snowy day that is quite enjoyable.

[EMSer]

Couldn't agree more....

There tends to be a peaceful quietness when your out on a gray, snowy day that is quite enjoyable.

[WOOD YAK]

I was thinking of doing it... Zach did it... Good for him!, I'm sure it was worth it even sans fish, it usually is...

[YakMan1731]

I'm all in on the peaceful calm being worth it, even sans fish. Spent Saturday morning out paddling with some Snaggedline guys and even though the wind picked up earlier than I planned there was definitely something to be said for being bundled up with lines in the water while the snow comes down. Marked a lot of fish, but they weren't having it. Next time!

[ronaultmtd]

Early winter this year...looks like a cold hard one...time to switch to soaking catfish baits and chasing pickerel in the creeks...

[zditmars]

Checking for reports I came across this post and took me a minute to realize i was being referenced here haha. Fish or no fish, a day on the water is better than any other. I did manage to find a 19" pickerel the following day (12/10/17), which is only the fourth and largest one this year. Was happy to remove the shad dart lip ring this fish was wearing and set it free to be caught and released another day. Contemplating going out this afternoon but waiting to see if it will rain or not. Cold is one thing, but cold + wet is no bueno. The snowy pic is from 12/9, and pickerel 12/10.

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[Mark]

Good work on the shad dart extraction!

[J.A. Veil]

I ventured out into two Severn tidal creeks Friday morning to see if any pickerel had shown up. In over two hours of casting live minnows to shorelines that have produced well in the past, I had zero bites. The weather was not harsh enough for me to consider myself a diehard.