The winter wind whips the falling flakes of snow into tiny tornadoes that twist and skip across the ice, coming to an abrupt halt as they slide down the side of an ice hut.
Laughter squeezes out from under the door. Inside, where it’s cozy and warm, a family is enjoying their first ice-fishing experience together.
Brian Berriault, owner of Backwater Tackle & Line in Midland, calls ice fishing a great family activity.
“It’s the thrill of the chase, the excitement. Who knows what you’re going to have on the end of the line. It’s something completely different than fishing with a six-foot rod.”
He said it’s not unusual on a nice February day to see 200 people out on the ice enjoying the sunshine: “People are enthusiastic about it.”
For some, it’s a continuation of a passionate pastime; for others, it’s the only time they troll the waters.
“It’s amazing. I see a lot of people who fish only in the winter. Some are seasonal workers and construction workers. I don’t see them in the summer. They only fish the ‘hard’ water.”
Don’t be fooled into thinking it’s slim pickings under the ice. While fish do slow down in the colder months, they still must eat, which means the enticing minnow on the end of a dangling line dropped through a hole in the ice is likely to draw their attention.
“Fishing has been stellar, really good the last couple of years,” Berriault said. “You pretty much catch something every day.”
Several species have rebounded in recent years, while others are still showing strong.
“The whitefish, herring and lake trout are flourishing in the last couple of years. The herring come in to spawn and the others follow. Perch are coming back, and the walleye has been amazing.”
Compared to the cost of open-water fishing – boat, motor, dockage – ice fishing is a reasonably priced alternative.
“It’s a great recreational pastime for practically nothing,” said Berriault. “You can get a spool of line for $5 and hand fish off the coal dock for perch. It’s pretty primitive, but effective.”
He noted many oldtimers still jig with a wooden stick – their preferred “rod” being a paint stir stick. Summer reels will work fine, but ice-fishing rods are generally shorter since a full-fledged rod won’t fit in an ice hut.
Those who seek pan fish like perch and crappy could opt for a sensitive, 100 per cent graphite rod, which can set anglers back a pretty penny.
However, Berriault said, “For under $100, including your licence, you could be out on the lake fishing with family. It’s pretty simple.”
Of course, equipment ranges from bare basics to elaborate and expensive, but Berriault does recommend investing in an ice auger.
“I don’t recommend an axe, as you have to start with a big hole,” he explained.
While deluxe power ice augers can set anglers back $1,000, a hand-cranked one does the job for about $60, and a $3.50 bag of minnows fits the bill for bait.
Novices can also rent an ice hut from an operator – there’s no need to decide what equipment is best, the hole is already there and the family is protected from the elements.
“It’s $30 per day per person, and I charge half price for kids,” Berriault said. “Everything is included. I’ll even deliver pizza to your hut door if you want lunch.”
There is no special ice-fishing licence, but Ontario residents over 18 and under 65 need an Ontario conservation licence and outdoor card, which costs $23. There is a one-day licence for $11, but, as Berriault points out, “If you go just twice in a whole year, you’re better to just buy a conservation licence.”
He reminds anglers the licence is good for one year, from Jan. 1 until Dec. 31, so don’t head out in the new year before purchasing a new licence.
Before heading out, it’s vital to check the ice. Berriault stressed safety first.
“No matter where you plan to head out, check with the local OPP or ice-hut operators for thickness first.”
They can also give the lowdown on currents and other features that make some areas unsafe.
“We’re constantly checking the ice thickness, as it changes due to temperature, wind shifts or the icebreaker coming into the bay. Some claim it’s safe at three-and-a-half to four inches, but we try to gauge seven to 10 inches of good blue ice before we put the huts out.”
Just like in business, it’s important to dress for success. Berriault reminds first-timers, “You are in Canada. Winters may not be as harsh as in the past standing on the ice in 30-below weather but you do need winter boots, coats, mitts, hats. Bring an extra set of mitts. When you get a fish or need to clear the ice out of the hole, they’ll get soaked.”
Is a life-jacket necessary?
“Parents sometimes ask is it goofy to get them to wear a life-jacket. No. I’ve had adults who feel better with floater suits and floater coats. For one thing, it’s warm. It’s not about style; it’s comfort.”
Packing ice picks, particularly in the early season, can help if something does happen. And don’t put them in a pack or pocket; hang them around your neck for easy access in an emergency. Mostly it’s about common sense.
“When it’s a nice day and people get out of the ice hut and want to wander, it’s important to make sure you know the ice. There are soft spots.”
Over the years, Berriault has rescued many dogs that have fallen through the ice, as well.
“If you’re unsure, watch for the village of ice huts and stay on the beaten trail leading to the huts.”
Hot spots include Hogs Bay near Victoria Harbour, Penetang Bay, Sturgeon Bay near Waubaushene and Midland Bay. Wherever anglers drill a hole and drop a line, there’s a certain attraction.
“I think the convenience and the low cost of the experience is part of the attraction,” Berriault said. “You can pretty much walk out and do it anywhere. It’s an outdoor winter activity and you don’t need a $300 pair of skis. You can spend a nice day out in the sunshine on the lake. It’s the anticipation of waiting at a six-inch hole and getting something, and you can’t tell what it is until you get it to the surface, and then frantically drilling another hole to get the fish out.”
And braving blustery winter weather to pull in the big one, drawing the line in hand over hand, always makes for a good fish story to share with family and friends.
Know before you go
• Check ice conditions with the Ontario Provincial Police or ice-hut operators before venturing out. Fluctuating temperatures, shifting winds, pressure cracks and visits by the Coast Guard icebreaker can change ice conditions from day to day.
• Dress for success: waterproof winter boots, mitts (wear one pair, bring a second), hat and warm coat, or consider a floater coat or full floater suit for extra warmth and safety.
• Consider bringing along ice picks.
Back to basics
Date: Nov 26, 2009
Ice fishing is an activity that can be enjoyed by families at very little cost, says Brian Berriault owner of Backwater Tackle & Line in Midland.
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