Ice fishing still good despite questionable weather and some thinning ice

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Seasonal sports enthusiasts my be wondering where winter went. Shawn McCarten of “It’s a Keeper Bait and Tackle” in Janesville says the early cold snap really helped get the ice fishing season off to a great start.  McCarten says it’s the best year he’s had in the five years he’s owned the shop.  He admits mother nature has thrown a curve ball, but despite the recent warm snap and rains, stable ice can still be found on many area lakes.  Some of the trouble spots include areas around existing ice fishing holes, because the lack of freezing temperatures at night, and rains, are thinning the ice around the holes.  He also says run off along the shores is making access difficult.  McCarten advises extreme caution and relying on the advice of experience local anglers.