The Tournament was cancelled at the ramp. Temperature was 16°F and the wind was already whitecapping the lake at 6:45. The TD said the pick up/drop off dock was unuseable (ice) and the ramp iced over after the first launch. He recalled all boats (when I pulled into the ramp area, there were no boats on the water) and sent everyone home before 7:00.
Although somewhat dejected, I believe it was the right choice. Just think about it, if some went in, with the wind chill around the -5° mark you would only have about 13-15 minutes (once you were pulled out) before bad stuff starts happening.
Oh well, live and learn. I just wish they would have made the call before I drove down...
God I love Florida. We never have that problem here. I had to dip my rod in the water to get the ice off of my guides one time this year and I think that was in February. ~sun ~sweat ~gf