A Few Firsts and a lot of Fun!!!

[Matt Johnson]

I took a large group of people out on the ice on Saturday for their Father/Son Retreat weekend. Many of the participants, both fathers and kids, had never been ice fishing before and some have never even caught a fish! We targeted mainly panfish but found our way into a few bass as well...

Working over a finicky bluegill...

... and his first fish!!!

Father Richard... from Africa and his first time on the ice kissing his price catch!

Bass!!!

Another first!!!

The weather on Saturday was a little windy, but when we started to get cold we brought out the soccer ball and football and played a few games

Most of the sunfish we caught were in 7-9 feet of water on the weed edge. Maggots and waxworms tipped on a little teardrop seemed to be the ticket. By the end of the day these kids were catching fish without a bobber and were hole hopping like the pros!

I sat down with the group at their church before we ventured out on the ice. Once I found out that most of them had never ice fished, and that some have never even caught a fish, I realized it was going to be a fun day! This was one of those days where you really get to see why ice fishing is such a great sport! One of the more fun days I've had on the ice in a long time!

[Rick]

Nice job Matt!!

[USMC130FE]

Matt, that is just awesome. Its great to see someone take the time and put in the effort to do something like this. The smiles on their faces are priceless! Hats off to you!

Steve

[Sandmannd]

Awesome job Matt. Great to get more people interested and get them on fish. Keep up the great work.

[Shack]

Cool Matt, looks like good times.

[Deitz Dittrich]

Bravo my friend!.. .great work getting a few more people addicted to our great sport!

[Steve Foss]

Matt, what an excellent experience to provide. Great for the kids and great for the sport!

[DonBo]

Way to go Matt! I am really looking fwd to the Baby FM Get Together this Saturady. Am taking a neighbor and his son out. Neither have ever ice fished before.

[bturck]

Super job Matt. Definitley more to fishin' than catchin' and you proved it. Hats off. Bill

[buzbunni]

Pretty cool Matt.

I'm sure the blessings went both ways. As much as you enjoyed the time out on the ice with newbies, I'm sure they were thankful for your generosity and expertise as well.

Awesome!

[Jarrod32]

I see a lot of big smiles on a lot of kids' faces. Nothing else needs to be said.

Very nice, Matt.

[DEADhead]

Nice going Matt! Always nice to see youth out there fishing.

[rockman]

Awesome job,Matt.It's a great thing getting the kids into such a fun and rewarding outdoor sport.

[Nate McVey]

Nice job Matt! Thanks for sharing your time and effort with our next generation!

[BigGrassBass]

Awesome story Matt!

You changed lives on Saturday!

[polarsusd81]

Looks like you guys got into some nice fish. Way to go. Always fun to see some kids and adults catch their first fish. That along with getting more and more people in the sport, always good.

[fishcast]

Thats great!

Its cool too cause that retreat was from my church back home. Good to see everyone had a good time, and learned some new stuff.

[Borch]

Sounds like a great event Matt!

The looks on people's faces makes all the time and hard work worth I'm sure.

Nice job!

[blackdog1101]

Very cool. Good on you!

[goose89]

Kudos Matt,

And blessings to you. Those kids will never forget that or you.

[folke2000]

Matt,

Hat's off to you. If one believes in karma, you will be blessed with a trophy this year. The smiles on everyones faces are priceless. You are am incredible ambassador to the sport.

[PikeBayCommanche]

Nice. Looks like they will be back. New anglers courtesy of Matt J.

[irishwalleye]

Great Job!!!

You ever need an extra hand with one of these, drop me a line. I'll help as much as I can.

[Burnham]

well there first time they went out with a pro lol...i wish i was introduced to ice fishing when i was that young, then again i was never really introduced i just started fishing lol

[Fishnblood]

Man, thats awesome! Its always good to see someone take time out for someone else. And let them know the bug that bit them is there to stay!