Yep, when you can’t work outdoors, you ice fish instead! Our youngest son works for a retail company selling fish houses and he was able to borrow this model Yetti fish house. Keep in mind that this type of extravaganza is way above our budget so we were feeling pretty ‘cool’.
I am always nervous and apprehensive when Kraig drives the truck on the ice but I know that the ice is over 2 feet thick and the weather has been what seems extra cold this season. We have not had much snow so when you look straight down onto the frozen lake, you can see how the ice has formed. I am a pansy and when I hear the ice shift and crack, I need to really mentally prepare myself that ,yes, I can get out of the truck and walk to the house. It is all about stepping out of comfort zone right? My worst fear is falling through the ice, second fear, being trapped in a fire, and cancer coming back. We as humans are strange because I can control my fear by not even being on the ice, the other two I have no control over. So you may ask, why do I even go? Bonding time with the hubby. Sometimes we just have to do those activities that we may not always be excited about because we love them and just want to be in there presence.
Even it means looking down a hole and watching the line with minnow swim around. I am not complaining though because I had food snacks, a Starbucks frappuchino, and my notepad. My sweet husband baits my hook, and if I did catch a fish, he would take it off the line for me! What more can a girl want when you are in a gorgeous fish Yetti fish house with lots of heat!
As our evening continued, we did become a little frustrated that the crappies and sunfish were not biting. When you start to talk to the ice hole and say here fishy fishy, come get your food, then it is slow fishing. My mind did wander a little about the upcoming planting season and how I need to get all my to do list done. It is hard to keep a balance of home, work, and family. I have to remember to clear my head and stay focused on the moment (can you see my yellow bobber?) because….you just never know, a walleye bite may happen and take my line down.
Kraig used to fish perch with his dad and brother Kevin when he was a little boy on Lake Minnewaska. Back in those days, the fish house was either a homemade shanty or some type of portable. This particular one was a three hole push off the back end of the truck fish house. Each person had one fish hole and it was a simple regular bobber with a plain hook. There were nails on the wall for the fish line and no rattle reals.
After about three hours, we decided to call it a night and packed up and left for home. Even though we didn’t catch anything, Kraig said I am still his catch! awe! A thank you to Brett for setting us up on this little mini excursion to the frozen tundra lake.