An ice fishing season does not go by in Indiana without someone losing their life. In almost every tragedy, poor judgment was the culprit. Last week, a 77-year-old man died when he fell through the ice near Linton.
A week ago Wednesday, Todd Staley and I fished a lake in the same area as Linton. There was 3 inches of crust over 3 inches of good ice. We soon learned the frozen cap was not uniform. The closer we drilled holes to the shore, the thinner the ice. We entered the frozen pond from an extended dock.
We took a long rope with us and never stood close to one another.
Todd and I knew that this would be the last day we could safely fish this lake. We quit a little before dark. I made it to the dock, with my equipment, first. Watching Todd gather his stuff, the temptation was to go back onto the ice and help. However, the safest thing to do was stay put.
During the day, we had both fast action and periods where the fish would not bite. It was like the bluegill were swimming by in big schools. When they came by our baits the fishing was great.
Amazingly, Todd caught nine slab bluegill on a jigging Rapala. He also caught two 15-inch bass. I caught two big gills on the same line (a two-hook rig) at the same time back to back.
We left the ice with 40 nice bluegill measuring up to 9¾ inches. We also threw back about that same number.
I will check a Henry County pond today. The rain last week may have actually helped make more ice by getting rid of the snow. Two years ago, Bob May and I ice fished March 3. That is the latest I’ve ever found safe ice.
u u u
Two fine conservation organizations have upcoming fundraising banquets in the Anderson area. Unfortunately, as in years past, they are scheduled for the same night, March 13. I propose that the two committees get in touch with me, next fall, so we can set these wonderful projects on different evenings.
Doors open for both banquets at 5:30 p.m.
The Hunting Heritage Banquet will be at the Mill Creek Civic Center in Chesterfield. This banquet features a “Super Raffle Early Bird Special” package with registration postmarked by March 7. Participants receive $300 worth of raffle tickets plus two chances at the super bonus gun of the year or a $500 cash option.
Contact Kevin Anderson at 639-1263 for more information.
The East Central Indiana Chapter for the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Banquet is being held at the Anderson Days Inn.
Banquet attendees who join RMEF will receive a free Browning hunting knife. This banquet also features an “Early Bird Special” with registration before March 6.
Fishing trips, guns, art, meat and other items will be available for raffle and silent and live auction. Bob McGee of McGee Jewelers is again donating three pieces of fine jewelry.
Contact John Segraves at 774-4415 for more information.
Contact Rick Bramwell: rickbramwell@aol.com
Sports Columns
Related Photos
Discussion
Rick Bramwell: Ice fishing can be dangerous
- Sports Columns
-
-
Rick Teverbaugh: Familiar face leads Wildcats
For me, there will be much excitement and anticipation as part of the girls basketball regional Saturday at Decatur Central.
-
Rick Bramwell: Indy sport show is can’t-miss event
Many outdoor enthusiasts look forward to late February for the migration of the sandhill crane, some warmer weather and the Ford Indianapolis Sport, Boat & Travel Show. This is something I don’t want to miss.
-
Ken de la Bastide: 'Mile' back on IndyCar schedule
There was good news for IZOD IndyCar fans this week with the announcement that the famed “Milwaukee Mile” is back on the 2012 schedule.
-
Quintin Harlan: Wrestlers prep for state finals
Taking part in the Parade of Champions during the opening ceremonies of the IHSAA State Wrestling Finals is a thrill that stays with competitors and coaches for as long as they’ll remember.
For some, taking part in the ceremonial start for the state finals is the best memory. -
George Bremer: Dunham tied to Arabians
Pendleton Heights senior Kellen Dunham is one of three players widely considered to be the front-runners for this season’s Indiana Mr. Basketball award. The other two — Hamilton Southeastern’s Gary Harris and Park Tudor’s Yogi Ferrell — were named last week as participants in this spring’s McDonald’s All-American Game. Dunham was left out. That doesn’t kill his chances to win the state’s most coveted individual honor, but it does inextricably tie those hopes to the Arabians’ postseason fortunes.
-
Rick Teverbaugh: Anderson's Carter small but her speed is deadly
There are sometimes very big reasons for a team to win a basketball game.
Sometimes, the reason is very small.
In the case of the Anderson Lady Tribe, they won the Greenfield Sectional championship Saturday night for a very small reason — a 5-foot-4 reason, to be exact. -
Rick Teverbaugh: Hoosier Hysteria in bloom
The smoke has cleared after the first round of the IHSAA girls basketball sectionals, and we have nearly as many teams alive as was humanly possible following Tuesday’s contests.
-
Rick Bramwell: Plenty to do outdoors throughout February
Cabin fever should be nonexistent this February. With rabbit season winding down Feb. 15, there are still plenty of things to do in the outdoors.
-
Ken de la Bastide: Barrichello might move to IndyCar
Although the IZOD IndyCar Series lost its most identifiable driver with the move of Danica Patrick to NASCAR, possible changes could raise the level of competition to new heights. The IZOD IndyCar season starts on March 25 and there is a chance a veteran Formula One driver could be in the mix.
-
Quintin Harlan: On the road to the semistate
The nature of the state tournament, regardless of what sport is being played, is that the further you go the tougher the road gets.
This week’s stretch of the 74th IHSAA Individual State Wrestling Tournament will take area grapplers to the New Castle Fieldhouse and one of the toughest semistates in Indiana. - More Sports Columns Headlines
-
WVU Settles Big East Lawsuit, Will Join Big 12
Red Wings and Maple Leafs to Play at Big House
Parade for the New York Giants Super Bowl Champs
Raw Video: Giants Celebrate Another Super Bowl
Giants Beat Patriots 21-17 to Win Super Bowl
Manning Named Super Bowl MVP
Giants Beat Patriots in Super Bowl 46
Rodgers Wins AP MVP at 'NFL Honors'
Aaron Rodgers Wins AP NFL MVP
Martin, Five Others Elected to Football Hall
Brady, Manning Headline Super Bowl XLVI
Prosecutors Close Armstrong Inquiry, No Charges
Sights and Sounds: Football Fans Pour Into Indy
Rangers' Hamilton Confirms Alcohol Relapse
Goodell: Player Safety Is Top Priority
Coaches Update Injuries Ahead of Super Bowl
Pats Mesko Fulfills American Dream at Super Bowl
First Person: Will Peyton Manning Stay in Indy?
Gronkowski's Ankle Still 'Day to Day'
Umenyiora Explains Missed Media Session
