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.
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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
