Is it wrong that an “Ice head” needs to fall asleep in early OCTOBER to the gentle hum of the Marcum?? 
Do you believe an angler might be deemed a crazy man if he sets up his otter in the garage AND SITS IN IT with nobody around?? 
Do you suppose there is SOMETHING flowing in the air that has OTHER fellow hardwater lovers firing up their Solos, and squeezing the throttle like he were filming “Jason on ice??” 
There is simply no explaining it, but fellow ICEMEN have to feel it too. Even though the action on the softwater is…………. DANG GOOD the allure of the “Cold Sheet” is getting closer. Timed Otter set ups and take downs are weekly rituals. The Mr. Heater heads are being inspected for any needed repairs. Custom Jigs Line up of Walleye Killers are stepping our of the darkness. Oh yeah for the Fishing freaks it’s NOT too early my friend.
In paging through the Ice of 09 with Rainydaze Guide Service I’ve timelined last Decembers Shotgun start in all honesty as much for my own amusment in the anticipation of 2010 as for fellow crazed hardwater finatics. The first picture features our young Brit Bailey as we ventured out on our bay to test the thickness on December 10th of last year!! The following pics were taken between December 14 through the 21st when we announced “GO TIME”. Nothing better than a few meals of Rainy Lake walleyes for the family Christmas gatherings along with a nice Fiberglass replica of your Trophy walleye!! There are 3 times a year I tell anglers you can tilt the odds in your favor when looking to land a Pig Walleye. Fall, First Ice, and Spring. There is simply no subsitute for getting yourself in the right place at the right time!! I know where I’ll be!! 
