So there I was, in shanty land once again when I got a flag and on the other end of the line here is this big pike. I was very happy to finally land one bigger than 40 inches. They usually break the line every year. I had help with this one from my friend Gene who stopped by on his snow machine to visit and was just about to leave as the flag went up. Gene did a great gaff job on this big pike. He was 43 inches and weighed about 18.5 pounds. Made my day and my season seeing as we did not get to ice fish until very late this year. Sent this one to the taxidermist and can't wait to see it on the wall next year. I also got some good use out of my new shanty that I almost did not put out due to the late forming ice/short season this year. Now the ice is good and we will be likely fishing until April 1st or later up north. If anyone is in the area, give me a call if you want to go ice fishing. The best time to go is in March and April (yes April) when the ice is thick, the fish are biting, the people are thin and the weather can be devine.