Future ice fisherman

[David LaPell]

My son and I have been going out more with my brother in law and his son, who are practically professional ice fishermen. While the fishing wasn't the greatest (both days we went out were the day before storm fronts moved in), my son is starting to come into his own. He listens to every word about how to set up his tip ups he's got, and he is doing ok at jigging.
One day he caught his first lake trout, just shy of being legal, and his next time out, he caught his first tiger musky, small, but they are few and far between up here, most lakes don't have them and what one's do are tough to get one.

The real highlight was watching the airplane come in above our shanty and land on the far end of the lake. Ice fishing is pretty much over here as a warm up is coming in and most fish worth keeping will be out of season before this weekend, but he's hooked and is ready to try again next winter.

 

[shouldazagged]

Yep, he's got the fever. Nice to see.

 

[llowry61]

Good for him. Finding your true passions early is a good thing. It will be a life ong pursuit for you and him to enjoy together. I have many fine memories hunting with my dad uncles cousins etc.

 

[Onomea]

Fine looking boy there, David. Good to see him looking so happy!

 

[bill2000]

Nothing like the smile of a kid holding a fish just caught.

 

[dockmurgw]

Love to see kids out on the ice in the winter. Great way to kick the winter blaa's, and its good for them. I see some wrapped ice fishing gear under next years Christmas tree.

 

[Sixgun100]

I will be spending a lot more time at my place in VT in a couple of years. So, Ice Fishing is something I have to learn. I have fished most my life, but in warmer climates. Looking forward to it! Great pics and great times. Thanks for sharing!

 

[Mr.Harry]

Yessir! Put the boy on his first Togue! Good work, they can be finicky ******s! And where there’s a little guy like that, generally there’ll be a real monster not far behind. Those lakers can get reallly big. Like in the mid teens. As in lbs, not inches. What waterbody are you on and in what part of the country? I love icefishing here in northern New England. My daughter isn’t quite ready yet at 4, maybe in a year or two. Good for you! Couldn’t think of a better winter hobby.

 

[Mr.Harry]

A power auger is the best investment you can make, in terms of keeping that sport fresh, rewarding, and more user-friendly. Especially when the ice gets over 20”. Trust me. Electric is the most current trend/tech, but old school liquid fuel get the job done fine too, just heavier to haul around.

 

[TheHobbyist]

Thanks for the post, David. It is so nice to see people, especially the younger generations, enjoying the outdoors versus the 'smart phone' and video games. I am an Eagle Scout and all the time in the Boy Scouts really enjoyed being out in the woods and with family on vacations.

I hope more people open up their doors, step outside, and see the grandness of nature (not trying to have a Bob Ross moment...).

 

[Mr.Harry]

Here’s a quality rainbow from a year or two ago. A small laker from a week or two ago (bleeding, an eater. That the size for an eater angway) and some views -

Ice fishing is never, ever, under any circumstances “a walk in the park”. It ain’t bass fishin’ in August. That’s for damn sure. But, it’s awesome. The rewards are special and resplendent of the effort invested. Isn’t that life on a nutshell anyway? Sort of?

 

[BigBill]

You actually go ice fishing to catch fish?

I been out a few times and caught nothing. My co worker goes ice fishing and I asked him. He told me they go to eat and drink. I guess they use a propane grill.

I went out one time we had 3” of ice. When I walked the water came up through the hole, scary. About a few days later we had 20” of ice when the zero temps hit.