Ice is Out!

Got a report from up in North Central Minnesota that the ice went out on a lot of leech ponds last night. That means you can bet Leech Trappers all over are chomping at the bit to get their traps in the water. Talked with my Dad just a bit ago - it sounds like he got his traps baited this morning, and managed to find time for golfing. Warm weather is upon us friends! Its coming as we speak!

The first catch!

The first catch of the year is in!  Just got off the phone with my Dad (AKA Head Leech) - who runs the buying, trapping, and shipping side of wholesale leeches.  Apparently he had some traps in the water - and came up with a whopping 1.5 pounds in the first run!  Certainly not enough to start shipping, but the good news is that they are starting to trap.

As the waters warm up the leeches will get more lively. At this time of the year, they are found in a little bit deeper water.  This is because the nights are still pretty cold, and water temps get pretty cold around the edges of shallow ponds.  Part of the art of leech trapping is gaging where the leeches are spending their time - it takes a well trained trapper to figure it out best.  

Leeches coming soon!

Leech Trapping is soon on its way.  With warmer weather expected in the forecast, we expect ice will be receding over the next couple weeks.  A colder than expected March is leaving us with ice on the ponds a bit later this year.  This will likely affect the overall leech supply, and size of it.  However, we do expect a really large turn out for the Walleye opener this year!

As soon as the ice is out - you can guarantee that hungry leech trappers everywhere will be dropping traps in the water.  You should start seeing leeches in bait shops - and of course here on Jewell Outdoors soon after.  Remember to register at Jewell Outdoors for a free leech give-a-way.  Sign up for the mailing list while you're there too.

Have fun fishing!