Ice Fishing 101

We have owned our lake cabin since May of last year. This summer there were many fish caught - none of them were caught by me. Now the lake is frozen and we are ice fishing. Again many fish have been caught - none of them by me.

Both kids were home this past weekend

to spend some time at the cabin ice fishing.

They wanted to show me the ice fishing ropes.

I showed up at the cabin wearing this coat.

The kids just shock their heads.

Lesson number 1: You do not ice fish in a wool plaid coat and leather gloves. Who knew you needed special clothing to catch a fish? I guess you need Gortex™, Under Armour® and a goofy bomber hat - none of which I own.
And really, do you think the fish know what you are wearing?

Apparently they do.

(Remember to click on pictures to enlarge.)



Years ago everyone fished in wool coats - heck they fished in wool everything.
Wool coat, wool pants, wool plaid shirt, wool underwear and wool socks,
and they caught plenty of fish.
I'm just sayn' I don't think my problem is my clothing.

As soon as you get inside your hut, you take your coat off.
So does it really matter?
(Yes it is toasty warm in the little hut.)



And what is this? I ask.

Lesson #2:
You need weed to catch fish. Weed???
Gortex, a bomber hat and weed??? I don’t have any of these items.
The kids quickly set me straight. Fake vegetation. I guess you put some fake vegetation in the lake. Hopefully the fish will think it is a home??

I don't think the fish are buying it.

Lesson number 3: You need patience. I don’t have a lot of patience, so after a while I embarrassed my children by walking around the lake, in WOOL, to snap some pictures.

There is a whole little village out on the lake.
Can you guess which hut is ours?

Why yes, it is the one with the quilt on top of the roof.

(This is to cut down on condensation.)

I bet the fish are having a hey day with this one.

If you are interested in making this quilt for your ice hut - or any other reason, check it out at http://www.piecesfrommyheart.net/ Pattern #374 It's a Guy Thing. This quilt uses the stack and slice method of piecing, so it is quick and easy.

The wheel house behind our little hut is the Ice House Mansion. It seats 6 fishermen and a dog comfortably. However, the house has rules.

I see by rule number #3 that Bimbo and Bruce rule!

I also learned that some wagering goes on at the mansion.
Who is going to catch the biggest fish?

I am betting it is not me.

This little wheel house is Anthony and Bruce’s dream.

It is just the right size - seats 4.

They bought plans to make one,

but have decided it may be cheaper

to buy a good used one.

Frosty has just come in from a ski across the lake.

I don’t know if he has lost his face or if he has his back to me???

After my little stroll around the lake, I decided to make the fisherman a pot of chili.
We prefer plain ol' chili. If you like yours all doctored up this is not the chili for you.

Plain Ol’ Chili

1 lb. hamburger browned.
1 onion chopped
2 small cans light red kidney beans
1 lg. can petite diced tomatoes
1 can tomato juice
3 Tblsp. chili powder
2 Tblsp. vinegar

Simmer until onions are softened.
Ladle into bowls and top with a small pad of butter.

Our family is not a cracker crusher family. We never crush our crackers.
We like to spread them with cheese spread and eat them with our chili not in our chili.

Cheese Spread
1 jar Kraft Old English Cheese
1 tub soft margarine
Mix together and spread on crackers.
You can also spread this on French bread,

sprinkle with garlic salt and broil until bubbly.

While the chili simmers, I will see if I can catch a fish…

Fish tally:
Bruce: 3
Anthony: 4
Abby: 3
Me: 0

I failed Ice Fishing 101. :-(

From my heart,
Sandy