With the possible exception of fishing beaver ponds and catching rising brookies with a lightweight fly rod and dry flies, catching fish through the ice provides an unrivaled sense of immediate thrill. They are mostly bluegills, perch, and crappies, caught on a short pole the length of a forearm. Modified with an uber-sensitive piece of spring steel affixed to its end, it can detect the subtle nibbles by which panfish announce their presence. I believe that there is something more to ice fishing than icy madness. Invisible pressure builds until there is an unnerving crack that grows both in speed and volume as it works its way across the lake and, inevitably, your heart missing a beat, travels between your legs in its search for the distant shore.
Ice fishing is fun.
Because spending 5 months of the year NOT fishing is inconceivable. Because you have a legitmate reason to buy and wear winter boots with names like Sub-Arctic and comfort ratings down to 40 below. Because you will be able to mesmerize your friends with stories of being so cold that your hands refused to turn the key in the ignition. Work Outdoors at GORP Jobs Click Here. All rights reserved.