Surviving The Winter

As I write this, winter is in full beast mode. It has hit almost the entire eastern half of the United States like a 2 x 4 to the side of the head. Lakes, ponds, and rivers have iced over seemingly overnight. There may be some open water somewhere but most fishermen are using augers to make it. When Mother Nature gives you lemons, make lemonade. That’s what ice-fishermen do.

I’ll be upfront with everyone from the start. I am not an ice-fisherman, although I did try it once in college. Truth be told, I can’t just sit or stand for an hour or two looking at a small hole in the ice waiting for a bite. I have to be in the water, not on the water. But I give ice-fishermen a lot of credit. With the help of modern equipment and clothing they are able to get their fix, and spend countless hours on the water. In fact, the Cleveland Metroparks help them get their fix, as well as teach people new to the sport, ice-fishing techniques. Several lakes in the Metroparks are stocked early in winter specifically for ice-fishermen. And, as part of Winterrific, Mike Durkalec, Aquatic Biologist, and several volunteers put on an all-day ice-fishing seminar. This is an ideal opportunity to learn the art of ice-fishing.

For those of us who do not ice-fish, all we can do is prepare for the thaw by getting our gear ready. It’s a great time to clean equipment and stock tackle or fly boxes. I’m preparing by changing out my old fly line, and replacing worn out aluminum studs on the soles of my wading boots. I consider those studs to be the most important piece of gear I have. They have saved me from countless falls.

Winter is the ideal time to repair or replace rods, reels, and fly line. 

My oldest fly line is being replaced.

(Click on image for a larger view.)

Changing these aluminum studs is a must. They have saved me from falling countless times.

So, fear not, you non-ice-fishermen, warmer days, and open water are ahead.

Go out and fool a fish!