Both Artemis Sportswomen and WildHERness focus specifically on women who enjoy a passion for the outdoor lifestyle. The event, or rather the learning experience, is open to anyone, and free of charge. All it takes is your time, a fishing license and a willingness to learn.
At exactly 6 o’clock in the morning, my alarm goes off, I suddenly touch my phone to check the weather: zero degrees, and there is a strong wind, making the real feeling somewhere in the area of negatives youth Lovely. Perhaps the coldest, most inhospitable day of the entire winter is upon us so far, and of course, it’s lined up front and center with the ice fishing event.
Arriving at the parking area an hour or so before the scheduled start time, the other organizers and myself were very hesitant as to who, if anyone, would brave the appalling conditions ahead. that ice fish. There is only one confirmed cancellation of 14 registrants so it still looks promising on paper.
Me and my good friend Gabriel Lopez, who is also the president of Montgomery County Habitat For Humanity, helped others set up shelters and prepare to go to the location on the ice. As our little shack began to take shape, one car after another started rolling into the parking area. It is a wonderful sight. By 10 am our entire crew was on the ice.
After giving a short tutorial on ice safety, tip-ups, and a general overview of ice fishing, we split into three groups of four or five “newbies” each for some real hands-on experience. Everyone had their turn drilling a hole, sounding the hole to set the correct depth, and finally baiting and setting the tip-up.
It wasn’t long before the flags started flying. Lots of perch and pickerel were brought up. The wind was blowing steadily and the temperature was really bitter but there were smiles all around. Bird, the NY/NJ/New England Chapter Coordinator for BHA, served delicious hot chili while Megan and I made some homemade breakfast sandwiches for everyone.
The camaraderie and friendships that develop in just a few hours are inspiring to witness. More than a dozen people who hadn’t met before pulling into the parking area were now deep in conversation like long-lost friends. All because of the same commonality of ice fishing.
Cries of “flag!” penetrate the insulated walls of the shelters and within seconds the zippers are open and everyone is piling up. This is repeated. It took me back to my 30-something years, to a place in time where I didn’t care what was on the other end of the line that fired and flew high. Those days I will never forget. A 6-inch perch, a foot-long pickerel, it doesn’t matter. We were about to wrap up for the day when one participant, Ellen, noticed a distant flag. A group ran and huddled as he hauled in the biggest pickerel he had ever seen.
Screams echoed throughout the ice, when suddenly someone raised a flag nearby. Rachel, an attendee in my group, took the lead. I can tell by my line stiffness that this is a significant fish. He did this slowly, if hesitantly, and finally pulled another large pickerel onto the ice. His eyes lit up and a big smile broke out on his face when he realized how big his fish was. That moment was followed by celebratory cheers from everyone on the ice as the two women posed together to show off the fish they had caught. It was a moment I will never forget. Whatever is on the other end of that line is really good enough, and it’s not only good enough, but it’s perfect.
Witnessing firsthand the sheer joy and smiles that only a fish that I usually scoff at, somehow seemed so different all of a sudden. The ultimate goal has changed to an excursion. The hoop is welded shut, and at this time has become a full circle. I see with fresh eyes. Catching the biggest fish, the most fish, or what is considered a “quality” fish, does not matter. A fish, any fish, was the ultimate destination that day. What really matters is to pass on an unforgettable experience; not only for the attendees, but also for myself.
The evening ended with dinner and refreshments at the Broadalbin Hotel where chit chat continued and friendships grew stronger. I can’t wait to do it again next season!
If anyone would like more information or to join the teams hosting this wonderful event please visit the following webpages:
