Why do you ice fish?

[hookncook]

about 15 years ago, my brother re-introduced me to ice fishing. As an adult, it looked a lot different to me than what I remember as a child.

As I fished, I met some of the regulars, guys that fish the same spot year after year; and eventually got to be welcomed into the club. There was Pete- the old guy, Bob, his buddy Randy, my Cousin Chuck, my dad, my brother.

I often find myself attracted to the stump that sits on the edge of the bay, and think about the conversations of years past, and all the B.S that was dealt on that stump. Every year when the ice melts, it's bitter sweet, we part ways for the soft water season. Sometimes we run into each other at walmart, shore fishing, or in a boat; but it really isn't the same.

On the eve of the ice forming, I find myself fantasizing about that stump again, laughing and sharing smoked salmon, jerky, or [PoorWordUsage] with the crew of regulars.

Of course catching a fish once in a while is nice too.

[Esox_Magnum]

For me it's my addiction and the fact that cutting a hole big enough for the boat and to cast was getting to be to much work, and moving spots was a pain....I enjoy the time with the wife/daughterfriends who share the shack with me but also enjoy the days I'm out all by myself....If it wasn't for work I'd fish every day....

[deadeye]

I like it because I think I am more confident and catch fish easier on ice. Plus if I get sick of fishing there is plenty for me to do. I'm not stuck in a boat for the duration.

It started for me when I was a kid, I was able to get a flasher and a auger for little money so with those two things I was on a level playing field with almost anyone. I didn't need a boat or all kinds of stuff to catch a lot of fish. Just time and energy to find spots. Nobody could really out-do me because of gear, just effort and time was the equalizer.

Now its nice because I can get out there and there is less people than in the summer, no jetskis, usually its a lot more quiet. I also can get to places that are a pain in the summer too, hike in lakes are easier to fish. I think its a little exciting too cause there is always that thought in the back of my head that I'm on ice lol. Oh yeah, there is always the fact that there is no bugs too. I hate mosquitoes.

[bottom-bouncer]

For me it's my addiction and the fact that cutting a hole big enough for the boat and to cast was getting to be to much work, and moving spots was a pain....I enjoy the time with the wife/daughterfriends who share the shack with me but also enjoy the days I'm out all by myself....If it wasn't for work I'd fish every day....

+1

[Down Deep]

First Reason- I like to fish.

Second Reason - It gives me something to do during the cold winter months.

Third Reason - I find it low key no brainer fishing. Cut a hole, set up the Otter, drop a line and see what happens.

Forth Reason - I like the fish-frys.

Fifth Reason - I get a few of my friends who golf all summer and don't really like to fish out for a day of fishing.

Sixth Reason - I like the cost. If I'm sensible about gear purchases it is an inexpensive way to get fishing.

[Marcus Taplin]

It's my chance to drink beer and get away from the wife....I think I heard that line in a song once...

I just love cold weather....call me crazy but I do!

[muc33]

I love the solitude and the fact that I actually feel like I learn something about fish and habits and tackle and the lure every day. Plus I am an addict and fishing keeps me sober.... I've only changed drugs.

[Random guy]

I got started young and it became a way of life.

[Hardyboy]

I ice fish because of the solitude and quiet. The thrill of popping holes and finding what lies beneath the sheet of ice. The whole process of ice fishing is an addiction for me.

[Norm1980]

I figure when it's 0 degrees out either I'm going to be sitting in the garage drinkin a beer & playing cribbage OR i could be sitting in the Ice House drinkin a beer & playing cribbage with the added bonus of catching a fish every now and then I'll take the ice house any day!!

[Knoc]

I was born into it. Dont really know how to live without it. Its something I have always done and enjoyed, and always will.

[reinhard1]

stated out as a kid with a chisel and no shelter for years up around Duluth. i like to go to place where for the most part your alone, although a few people is fine. my favorite is when it's cloudy and a light snow is falling and i'm up north with friends and the only thing i hear is the wind at times and nature around us. still get excited as ever when that tip up goes up and line is going out. like it more than open water but not by much. good luck.

[TruthWalleyes]

I Ice fish because i can't get my boat in the lakes during the winter!

[CrewJones]

makes me feel like a big boy, need all the toys to get out there and set everything up. Then turn the heater on and actually have fun. Not freezing siting on the snow machine as a Kid not catching nothing..

that flasher really changed my life, added much more action and made me realize if i was in the right spots, that helps with my patience. Almost the same as the Game camera in the woods.

Might just be getting older too, but I refuse to acknowledge that

[OnAFly]

Because if I'm sitting in my house for more than two hours at a time, I go nuts.

It combines three things I love:

Cold weather

Being outside

Fishing

[leech~~]

Why do you ice fish? What?

Because I gave up drugs and I don't have anything else to do!

[EBass]

Not much to do in the winter. I would like to get into snowboarding again though.

[peerchking]

I like moon boots Jonny

[JediTrav]

What else am I supposed to do?

[Jarrid Houston]

Part of my heritage, and it feels like home everytime I pop a hole and set up the clam. Cant wait for walkable ice. Hopefully this weekend, I will venture out feeling the same feeling I got when I was a little kid. gotta love fishing in general, but especially the hard water!!!!

[Rippinlip]

No misquitoes to deal with.

Seems like a better bunch of people on ice then summer fishing.

Extends my wheeler time.

Easier to keep the beverages cold.

Can use 2 lines.

I can have my whole ice fishing set-up in the truck with me all the time to hit whatever body of water I can.

[TRZ II]

For the meat,and it gives me more time to drink.

[robert aldrich]

gets me off of video games and i was introduced seriously to ice fishing two years ago.

[wahoo]

Started when I was 4 years old with a neighbor who made the very best spears and chisels in his garage in Brainerd. I was a welder by 8 helping him turn out 800 or so spears and a hundred or so chisels. I have never missed a winter and love the solitude. Plus, watching fish in a darkhouse teaches one a lot about fish.

[Get'n Jiggy]

Great Therapy!