Winter time has always been a fun time in Wilson household. I loved to ski, and sled with my kids

ride snowmobiles and walk through the woods with my dog. However, the dog has past, the kids have grown

and because of the old football injuries and the lack of a consistent workout regiment I have limited my outdoor excitement these

days to shoveling the white stuff (as little as possible), and creating the occasional snow angle (which is really more like snow

flopping following the shoveling).

I even tried ice fishing back in the day. Sitting on a frozen lake in a shed or tent in front of a hole in the ice provided a lot of solitude

but never a lot of fish! I found other things to do on the lake more exciting like ice sailing and snowmobiling.

And it seemed like when we were younger it was a must to challenge the ice of every frozen pond, lake and river we came across.

We did a lot of crazy stuff on the ice when we were younger. I could remember when I was a young twenty something living by Scotty’s

Beach in Celina on Grand Lake St. Marys in the dead of winter and being so bored we walked to Safety Island and back.

It doesn’t seem that often anymore that we even have enough waterways that get frozen enough for long enough to enjoy any outdoor activities.

But when the time does occur ice fishing is still a very popular thing to do. Here in Ohio ice fishing opportunities can be found in a variety of inland lakes and ponds, and Lake Erie as well, but the “Big Lake” warrants special considerations. For a variety of reasons,

including safety, many anglers hire a licensed ice fishing guide who can set them up in the protective shelter of a shanty

and help them locate fish.

Other things to remember before going ice fishing:

• No ice is safe ice

• Have a valid Ohio fishing license

• Know the size and daily limits for the fish that you hope to catch

• Learn the ice fishing regulations for where you are fishing

• Make a checklist of things you will need to have fun and be safe

• Consider leaving a “float plan” with someone who knows that you will be out on the ice, indicating where you plan to fish,

where you plan to park your vehicle, and when you plan to return home. For boaters, this is common practice, and for ice

anglers, it’s not a bad idea either.

Once the freeze is on, check the most recent ice fishing reports, or make a quick stop at the local bait shop to find out what’s biting and where. As always, be safe when you head out on the ice and for more information, please call 1-800-WILDLIFE or contact your local Wildlife District Office.

Here’s seeing you, in Ohio Country!