It's the 29th day of February today. I'm sure glad it isn't my birthday on this day, but then again I'd have to celebrate only every 4 years. It would make me four times younger than I am. Hmm. Wouldn't be so bad either.
I went ice fishing on Saturday with my son and grandson north of Selkirk. Not far away from where I live. We fished in the Red River. I belong to the Seven Oaks Game and Fish and it was our yearly ice fishing outing. I didn't catch anything, but my son caught a Sauger (a relative of the Walleye). It would have been nice to catch more fish, but it is not all about the fishing. To me it is the chance to spend some time with my son and grandson. We had a great time. First we drilled 3 holes through the ice with an auger and then we pulled our pop-up tent on top of the holes, set up the collapsible chairs, fired up the propane heater, and started fishing. At lunch we ate hot dogs and drank pop. It doesn't get any better. Well, maybe it does a little...if we'd be able to drink a bottle of beer, but that is against the law now in Manitoba. There were just too many irresponsible idiots out there who had to get drunk in their fishing huts. Then they left all their garbage behind. They spoiled it for everyone.
It is amazing all the gear that is available for the hunter and angling enthusiast. Most people these days have a folding chair for outdoor activities. But whoever invented and designed these tents was a genius. The tent we had opens up into a structure about six feet by ten feet (I'm guessing now. There was lots of room inside). They are high enough to stand in. There are no screws, bolts, or poles to worry about. You just pull it open. It folds like an umbrella into a bundle that fits into a huge duffel-bag about six feet long. One person can easily handle it.
All in all, it was a great day. It was cold, but the sun was shining and it was warm and cozy inside the tent. We did spend some time outside, though. For a while we fished in the sunshine. When we got cold we went into the tent to warm up. We drilled another 3 holes outside the tent. With a motorized auger it doesn't take long to drill a hole through the ice. Another wonderful contraption, these augers. They are light and two people can work one without much difficulty. I drilled a couple of holes with my grandson who is ten years old. I remember drilling holes with a hand auger. Now that was work. By the time you were done you didn't feel like fishing anymore because you were too exhausted from the strain. Technology can be wonderful.
The winter isn't over yet and we want to go fishing again. To another place, though. Near the mouth of the river where it spills into Lake Winnipeg it is usually better. I can't wait.
I want to go too.. Yea, I remember doing the holes by hand. That was a nightmare. Love the gas augers. Neil has ours so I hope it's being looked after. Good luck if you get a chance to go again soon. I also agree it is more about the fun. People don't understand that until you have actually being ice fishing with family or friends.
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