Ice Out 2024

Warmest winter on record?

Man, what a warm winter!

So says the dude fishing the Sea of Cortez…

Once again Susanne & I spent a couple months down in the Baja. I started receiving ice out guesses and inquiries several weeks ago, to which I replied that I will only accept them when the contest starts. Last year I started it on March 23rd, which coincidently is today’s date.

While it was a warm, strange winter at VBL it was also warmer in the Baja. Ocean temperatures were 2 or 3 degrees warmer than the normal for that time of year. The yellowtail were sparce (they like it cold) but the dorado and marlin were prevalent.

So back to the ice out contest….

Here’s a “cut and paste” from last year’s ice out contest:

• All guesses will remain secret.
• Pick a date that you think the ice will be gone in Vermilion Bay (as determined by our crack team of judges) and email me your guess (vbay@drytel.net).
• Guesses will be accepted once this blog is posted. (Already sent one? Better resend!!)
• The first person who predicts the correct date will be declared the winner. Note: Several people may ultimately guess the correct date; only the first guess will be declared the winner.
• The contest is open to anyone interested in Eagle Lake. The only stipulation is the winner must pick up his / her prize here at the lodge.

Pro Tips & Strategy

• Consider that I will be posting regular updates showing ice conditions. Do you guess now or wait for more information? Waiting comes with a risk of having your date “scooped” by the competition.
• The “Electric Beaver” has ice out contest results dating back to when Gord still had black hair…maybe some research is in order?

The unusual weather this winter may be “the big unknown”….. I know some of you are already boating on open water. Don’t let that fool you…..it’s still winter up here, albeit with very little snow. Picture from today, March 23, 2024……

Above is the partial list of guesses from last year in the order they were entered. May 9th was the correct date and was the second guess of the contest…….good work Jim Drew (tough luck Red Demon)!

2024 is a blank page awaiting the winning guess! Let the contest begin!

Bonus contest!

Be the first to post in the comment section below the correct names of the Sea of Cortez fish species in the photos above, and win a fabulous “atta boy” and a cold Pacifico-like beverage at VBL!

Adios amigos!