Future FMer's Youth ice fishing get together - who is coming?

[polarsusd81]

On February 21st, I am hosting a get together to bring kids out ice fishing on South Center Lake. Who all is coming? Last year we had kids as young as 18 months all the way up to the big kids like Deitz Dittrich. It is open to all, but really catered to bringing the young ones out and introducing them to the sport of ice fishing. There will be quite a few kids out there I am sure, and the fishing in the spot we have picked out is usually pretty good. We will have some other stuff in case the fishing is slow though. Quite a few companies have donated some ice fishing items to be given away as prizes as well. If you want to come out, let me know. Last year was a blast, and every kid that came out not only caught fish but walked away with some cool prizes as well.

Here is a link to some more information.

These are a few photos from last year out there.

[erickol]

What a great idea. this is so important for them as well as for the future of our "sport" and continuation of our heritage. I would love to bring my girls (6 and 9) if they are in town then just so they can be around other kids fishing ,which they do not get to do often.

Are you looking for food/gear donations too?

[polarsusd81]

I will have a table set up with food again. Last year we had hot dogs and fixings plus a couple different types of chips. I put out a small donation bucket at the food table and at the end of the day, it was exactly the amount that I spent on the food and refreshments. Worked out perfectly. It will probably be the same deal this year.

If people are coming out and have their own ice gear, by all means bring it out. I have about 25-30 older rod and reel combos that the kids can use if they don't have any gear. They aren't Thorne Bros rods, but they get the job done.

I forgot to mention that we will set tip-ups as well. There are plenty of pike and good sized bass cruising the area and a real opportunity to put a big smile on a boy or girls face.

erickol, if they can come out, for sure bring em out. It will be a great time.

[Sandmannd]

I'm planning on it Tom. Bring my three year old for sure and maybe my eleven year old if I can convince her. Do you want me to bring the monster shack up for food and warming?

[harvey lee]

Great job Tom getting this all set up for the kids.

If it were not for events like this, some kids would not have the chance to enjoy the sport of fishing and the great outdoors.

Pat yourself on the back for putting this one on.

[Deitz Dittrich]

Last year was soooooooOOOo much fun... I wish I could attend again this year, but looks like that weekend is already booked. Should those plans fall apart, I will for sure be there!

[NCLaker]

It's great that you organize this event Tom! I would have been glad to help out, but I'll be out of town that weekend. Watching one of my daughter's last college hockey games.

[polarsusd81]

Yeah Shane, if you want to bring the big house out, go for it. Maybe we can set some weeds up on the perimeter and put the camera down and let the kids watch the fish bite the jigs in there. Shoot me an email a c_tom_dobbins at yahoo.com. I need to chat with you a bit, that or give me a call, I lost your number.

NC, sounds like you have a pretty good reason, that is something you can't miss.

I am really looking forward to this. I am hoping to head out to the spot later this morning, maybe noonish to check things out. Plans changed kinda late last night.

[waterwolff]

Sound's fun makes me want to go out and rent a kid. If those boy's of mine would get off there butts and make me a grandpa I'd be in.

Mike

[erickol]

Dang, my girls are still going to be in Mexico with their mom until the 25Th and my 14 year old son couldn't be dragged out on the ice for love or money. Maybe if I can weasel out of work I could lend a hand? Do you want folks to come out and help at all with set-up, supervision etc?

[mpester]

I am bringing my 4 1/2 year old and I know one of my friends is bringing his 3 year old. I am trying to get a second friend to bring his three year old. I started fishing with my girl at new years and she wants to go every time I go. You are doing a great thing setting this event up. It is so important to get today’s kids interested early. Thank you for doing this. I hope we have a nice sunny day in the 30's.

[polarsusd81]

erickol, even if you can't bring the girls out, you are still welcome to come. Same with everyone else, you don't need to bring kids, but we will have quite a few out there. If you are willing to help some kids catch some fish, even better.

mpester, sounds like you guys have a pretty good crew coming out. Can't wait to see the smiles on the faces of them when they start yanking bluegills through the ice.

[mww24]

I'm going to try and make it out with my 5 year old. Much thanks for all who put it on even if I don't make it. It's a wonderful thing to bring kids fishing. Watchin the smiles is better than catchin fish yourself.

[Joe15]

So where exactly is this lake?

[polarsusd81]

Joe, I am not familiar with Murray county, but South Center is in Chisago county, about half way between Forest Lake and Taylor's Falls on Hwy 8. Just north of the twin cities metro area.

I just looked it up, you must be down by Boilerguy in SW MN. It would be quite the hike for you to get up to the lake for the get together. You would probably even beet Barb for the longest drive award. I know Boilerguy wanted to make it up, but I think he said he is working that weekend.

[irishwalleye]

RSVP -- MORE COMING IF WEATHER PLAYS FAIR

[Jordyn Kaufer]

I think I might go with my father if I don't have a hockey game!!

[Jordyn Kaufer]

I can go!!!

I don't have hockey

[Sandmannd]

Cool will be good to meet you and your Dad Jordyn. Maybe get you some more crappies.

[Harp]

Hey Tom

I will be bringing two of my girls out again Alex now 5 the kid in your second picture sporting the fine sunny and Gracie now 9 and the wife are ready to go they had a blast last year. If you need help with anything I would be more than happy to lend a hand.

HARP

[hopeforfish]

I will be bringing some nieces and nephews, they are very excited as they have not caught anything on the ice before.

Hope

[polarsusd81]

Sounds good Hope and Harp. I remember the Alex and Lacey really enjoyed the hot dogs and cheetos last year. They caught some pretty good fish too.

[NavyFishin]

I will be going and bringing my 4 year old son

[gurkster]

Hi Tom - I plan to be out there with my kids. I live close by, let me know if you need a hand with setup, if you need more portables, fishing gear, etc. Email me at rrgierke @ yahoo dot com. Not sure if you remeber me, but I fished with you on the Tue night FBL the last 2 years. I look forward to meeting you all and seeing others again.

Rick (gurkster) Gierke

[Sandmannd]

Cool Rick, glad you can make it. Will be good to see you and the kids again.