Ice-fishing fanatics now happy in their huts

Soon after we all went into the deep freeze in January, you could almost hear the cheers of joy from those hardy ice-fishing fanatics, as they headed out onto the lakes to relax and maybe even hook into a big one. I guess the ice must be thick enough now for those four-by-fours and all the rest loaded down with supplies, and of course those amazing heavenly huts, most of which now come with all the comforts of home.

The art of ice fishing likely began many centuries ago when hunters wandered the barren land and lakes, chopping a hole in the ice with an axe, then sitting on a stump and patiently waiting for a fish to swim by, then they might skillfully spear, snare, or even club their elusive prey. It has certainly come a long way, becoming a popular and traditional winter sport, as well as adding many neat technical features that makes ice fishing a fun and comfortable family pastime.

But over the years, no matter what lures or techniques these avid winter anglers might use, there is never any guarantee when and where one might catch those elusive finned critters that lurk under the ice! Whether it be pike, pickerel, whitefish, or whatever, they are always a challenge and occasionally a fisherman’s delight during any season.

Please don’t get me wrong: I am not, and likely never will be, an ice fisherman. These comments are just strictly my observations about this great sport, and of course I just love to get into the humorous side, just a little bit. I once got talked into going out ice fishing on Pigeon Lake with my father-in-law, the truck went through the ice, and my only experience since that has been from watching Walter and Jack in Grumpy Old Men.

• In the early days most ice fisherman just braved the elements and sat out in the middle of the lake on a stool, hoping for a hit, while taking the odd ‘warm up’ shot from their trusty thermoses! Then the idea came along to create their own shelters for those long days hanging around the fishing hole, and in the early days these huts were called: ice shanties, fish houses, ice shacks, bob houses, tents, and homemade monsters.

• It is great to see the whole family out on the lake for an ice fishing adventure. Nowadays most ice huts are so well equipped that if the fish aren’t biting you can watch TV, play cards, or snooze beside the heater. Many people go out in groups, light a fire to keep warm, or to cook up some chow, maybe even a good old-fashioned fish fry, while others do some skating or snowmobiling, or just carousing with the gang.

• I really don’t know what lures they use these days to attract the big guys, but I am sure there are still those trusty red and whites, wigglers, and all the rest. My question, do they still use live bait, or do they freeze up? They tell me that the new electronic era of fishing now includes sonar, flashers, and a host of other fish finding gizmos. When we were partying at Gull Lake many, many years ago, we also had lots of ‘flashers,’ but they weren’t trying to catch fish.

• I understand the ladies are also adept at ice fishing, although I am sure they might get a whole lot more emotional when they latch on to a big one. An ardent ice angler from Ponoka proudly told me last week once when her husband went back to the truck to get warm, she caught a nice pickerel, but when it started to wiggle back toward the hole, she stomped it, and couldn’t wait to show off her frozen and very flat prize.

• I see where even the ice-fishing community are getting the attention of the politicians. Apparently there are so many ice huts out on Sylvan Lake during the winter the owners now have to go into town and get a permit number. Now if their huts are not removed on a certain date before spring melt, they will be towed and tagged.

• Did you know that the world’s largest ice fishing derby is held at Gull Lake, north of Brainerd, Minn., where more 15,000 anglers meet on a winter weekend to drill 20,000 holes and compete for some super prizes?

On the other hand, please make sure that conditions are safe out there on your lake. In February 2009 100 fishermen had to be rescued off Lake Erie when the ice started to break up.

Whatever the case, good luck, and please enjoy the fresh air, fun, camaraderie, and frozen magic of the rest of your ice fishing season, be sure to throw back the little ones, and have a great week, all of you!