I gave ice fishing another chance this week. My first experience with the lauded winter pastime was a couple of years ago on a sprawling expanse of wind scoured ice near Cody. Despite the productive fishing I vowed I would never do it again, it was an unecessarily brutal introduction.
This past week I spent time with family in Billings. As talk of an ice fishing trip began heating up amongst the elders I tried to steer things in a different direction. A float on the Bighorn anyone? My persuasive efforts failed. Promises of an ice house, heater, and hot coffee were reassuring - as was the fact that my five year old nephew was stoked about the trip. If he could handle it, I figured I could too.
As it turns out, fishing through the ice can be an enjoyable experience after all.
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| The morning sun greets an intrepid ice fisherman. |
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| Punching one through. |
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| The kids loved every minute of it. |
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Not a bad way to spend a beautiful winter day.
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| Waiting for the flag to fly. |
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| Burbot: ugly, but tasty. |
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....as long as you have the right gear. It looks like you're pretty well equipped. It's never been my cup of tea.
ReplyDeleteThe right gear is key. I don't own a lick of ice fishing equipment, I was dependent upon others during this trip. I don't think it will ever be my cup of tea either, but I probably won't turn down the next invite.
ReplyDeleteI really need to catch a burbot, preferably on the fly.
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