I say that after spending some quality time with ice anglers and outdoor writers this week. Mark Martin has brought his Vacation Ice Fishing School to Houghton Lake for the second year in a row. Knowing he was coming a few weeks ago I spent a lot of time nervous about ice. No worries. And just to put the seal on it we have been suffering single digit temps and below zero wind chill for a few days.
Does that stop the guys from going out on the ice? H*** No! If yesterday was any indication, a day on Houghton Lake ice fishing is worth any frostbite. In all reality, these guys know what they are doing. They have proper attire, transportation, shanties and equipment. Their success tells the rest of the story.
During the pre-school fishing Martin said "(We are) starting the Mark Martin's ice fishing vacation school out right Walleye's Northern Pike, panfish."
When asking anglers what they like about ice fishing one said - "It's fishing." Another added it is a lot more than that. "When you are ice fishing, you really get to interact with the fish."
I am having such a good time with this great bunch of guys. Not on the ice, of course, I leave that up to the true sportsmen. But joining them after their day on the ice is giving me real pleasure. The stories they share, the pictures shown. The banter and cajoling. And I have not heard one fish tale I do not believe.
What is really impressive, too, is how much they love Houghton Lake. The fishing. The community. Well done all who have been hosting them for their stay and meals.
It is not just Houghton Lake ready for ice anglers - since the wind died down Higgins Lake is reportedly iced over and Lake St. Helen has been welcoming tip-ups and jiggers for a while now.
You are all invited to have a "hot time" at Michigan's Other Great Lakes this winter. Stay warm. Stay safe. Visit Houghton Lake Fishermen, Higgins Lake Angler and Lake St. Helen Fishing facebook pages for updates on ice and where the fish are biting. Find a list of bait shops on our website who will have the latest on ice conditions http://www.visithoughtonlake.com/fish.shtml#ice.
