Jackson: Heated insoles make winter seem shorter
I seriously hate to admit this, but as much as I used to embrace winter in all its glory and take advantage of all the fishing opportunities it afforded me, I now count the days until I can again wear shorts and sandals.
I suspect there are countless numbers of you who probably think I've lost my marbles, especially when I go on and on about the joys of winter. That's changed for me ever since I've lost two dear friends who used to ice fish with me.
Buck Squancho and Mike Seeling enjoyed catching bluegills and crappies through the ice. And when we had our annual St. Patrick's Day turkey cookout on the ice, we seemed to attracted other hard-water devotees.
I still enjoy long winter walks in the various forest preserves in Cook, Lake and DuPage Counties - and when there's an inch or two of snow it's even more enjoyable.
Personally, I wear a lighter jacket and hood to go along with my heavily insulated ice fishing boots. I do this because my strenuous 3-mile walk generates lots of moisture, which is subsequently wicked away through the jacket's filling. I need to protect my feet and toes, otherwise I'll have some severe foot problems. But I discovered something that could help me.
I was told about a rather new product by another woods-walker.
He suggested I get a pair of ThermaCell remotely heated insoles.
Now, when I say remote, I mean remote control. A tiny transmitter sends a signal to the insoles, giving you a three-level range of heat control.
I purposely wore a lighter pair of boots for a recent walk through the woods.
The insoles were tucked into the boots and the remote control safely ensconced in a jacket pocket. Instead of the super-heavy wool socks, I chose to wear socks made with a lighter material.
A minute or so into my trek I began to feel the cold through the boots.
I hit the max-heat button and within a very short time my feet felt comfortably warm.
There are no wires or external batteries, and at least 2,500 hours of toasty heat to warm cold feet for about four winters of heavy use.
Check Cabela's or Bass Pro Shop for this excellent winter foot and toe-saver.
The cost is slightly above a hundred bucks.
Costly carp:
Illinois Conservation Police have arrested a commercial fisherman for the unlawful possession and sale of 1,800 pounds of live Asian bighead and silver carp. If this case gets to court, Randall E. Watters of Hamburg could face 2-5 years in jail along having to pay up to $25,000 in fines.
Area fishing report:
Some shoreline salmon are keeping Chicago anglers interested, especially when a crop of fresh show up. ... No ice yet to speak of on the Fox Chain, but walleye activity is good at the Route 12 bridge.
• Contact Mike Jackson at angler88@comcast.net, catch his radio show 7-9 a.m. Sundays on WGCO 1590-AM and get more content at www.mikejacksonoutdoors.com.