The crunching of snow under heavy boots and the dragging of the sled before sun up sets the stage for our next adventure. Dark silhouettes move about the ice to find the right spot to set up. After a brief burst of noise from the power auger fades into the trees, the stillness returns to the ice and I again remember why I do what I do.
The pink and golden glow of the sun streaks across the ice like fire. Holes are cleared of slush, traps are baited, and our basecamp for the day is set up and organized. Ice fishing in Maine is as traditional as it comes and helps to beat cabin fever for sure.
Venturing out to one of Maine countless lakes and ponds to fish “hard water” is more than simply fishing. Something about dropping a line through the ice is different, much different than anything else. It brings a sense of hope, of optimism, and yes sometimes frustration. It’s a sport that most can enjoy simply, and to incite that hope and anticipation is possibly the most important reason why people fish.
That hope may be to catch a fish, to put dinner on the table, or even simply to take a picture of “the big one” that didn’t get away. It’s different for everyone, but exciting non-the less! Ice fishing brings people together in a similar way that hunting does. It’s a primal instinct to hunt and fish for food and that time spent together is important and more valuable than many other pursuits. Fishing with first time ice fishing folks, and especially children is very rewarding. First, they often don’t know what to expect, and secondly, their excitement when that first flag (and everyone after that) is priceless! There’s nothing quite like a few kids chasing after flags and running around on the ice on a cold winter day. Let’s face it, winter is 6 months long here in Maine, and you simply have to make the best use of your time.
Whether you’re perched upon a white bucket jigging with a jig rod, or comfortably enjoying the view from the ice shack, listening to the crackle of the woodstove, you are doing something worth-while and spending your time wisely! Chapped lips, sunburned cheeks, and cold hands go with the territory and remind you that you are alive.
As I look back at my 30 years plus of ice fishing I can still remember the people I’ve fished with (some of which are no longer with us) and I can recall many of the stories we’ve walked off of the ice with. Some of those stories are told over and over, and each time the wind blows a little colder and the fish get a little bigger! I also look ahead; I look ahead at all of the days to be spent with my family, with new friends and new clients that will soon become friends. I’m optimistic and hopeful, and yes sometimes frustrated, most usually when I lose a fish! Fortunately that frustration is soon diminished, “Flag UP!” and it’s off to the next adventure…
The pink and golden glow of the sun streaks across the ice like fire. Holes are cleared of slush, traps are baited, and our basecamp for the day is set up and organized. Ice fishing in Maine is as traditional as it comes and helps to beat cabin fever for sure.
Venturing out to one of Maine countless lakes and ponds to fish “hard water” is more than simply fishing. Something about dropping a line through the ice is different, much different than anything else. It brings a sense of hope, of optimism, and yes sometimes frustration. It’s a sport that most can enjoy simply, and to incite that hope and anticipation is possibly the most important reason why people fish.
That hope may be to catch a fish, to put dinner on the table, or even simply to take a picture of “the big one” that didn’t get away. It’s different for everyone, but exciting non-the less! Ice fishing brings people together in a similar way that hunting does. It’s a primal instinct to hunt and fish for food and that time spent together is important and more valuable than many other pursuits. Fishing with first time ice fishing folks, and especially children is very rewarding. First, they often don’t know what to expect, and secondly, their excitement when that first flag (and everyone after that) is priceless! There’s nothing quite like a few kids chasing after flags and running around on the ice on a cold winter day. Let’s face it, winter is 6 months long here in Maine, and you simply have to make the best use of your time.
Whether you’re perched upon a white bucket jigging with a jig rod, or comfortably enjoying the view from the ice shack, listening to the crackle of the woodstove, you are doing something worth-while and spending your time wisely! Chapped lips, sunburned cheeks, and cold hands go with the territory and remind you that you are alive.
As I look back at my 30 years plus of ice fishing I can still remember the people I’ve fished with (some of which are no longer with us) and I can recall many of the stories we’ve walked off of the ice with. Some of those stories are told over and over, and each time the wind blows a little colder and the fish get a little bigger! I also look ahead; I look ahead at all of the days to be spent with my family, with new friends and new clients that will soon become friends. I’m optimistic and hopeful, and yes sometimes frustrated, most usually when I lose a fish! Fortunately that frustration is soon diminished, “Flag UP!” and it’s off to the next adventure…
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