so deep to get across the lake that I was sure we were going to get stuck. Along the way, we saw a variety of shacks, (some decorated and some not), some trailers that have been pulled onto the ice to function as a shack, a futon carelessly left behind and some people just fishing outside the door of their trucks. It seems like ice fishing can be as simple or as glamorous as one wants it to be. We set up shop at the Pointe where a few other people had gathered and seemed to be catching fish. Lance retrieved his auger from the truck and Lisa and I watched intently as he drilled three holes into the ice. At this point, both of us were a bit more relaxed and ready to start fishing. Lance demonstrated for us how to put the perch belly onto the end of the hook and then showed us the slow and minimal movement required to hook a dogfish. After several corrections I finally got the movement down. Five minutes after we arrived a man about 50 yards away landed a giant jack fish. Lisa and I watched in awe. The man is Scottie Brier, avid fisherman. He was kind enough to chat with me and let me snap a couple pictures of him and his prize. Just as I arrived back at my little ice hole I got a bite but failed to set the hook, a mistake I would only make once.
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Lisa’s ice fishing hole was definitely a hotspot compared to mine. Unfortunately she struggled repeatedly to set the hook with the sharp tug movement that is required. If you have never fished before this is a common mistake to make and Lisa was a newbie. We waited patiently with our rods dipped in and chit chatted about how peaceful it was to be out on the open ice and how pretty the lakebed was, sparkling a perfect white. We were lucky that we had such great weather, as it was really quite a sunny and warm day. When asked about his favourite fish to catch Lance remarked, “Perch because they are so tasty to eat.” After what I think are a couple little nibbles I felt it - a hungry fish chomping on my line. I pulled hard and hooked the fish up, slowly reeling him in. My first (and subsequent) catch was indeed a burbot dogfish. This little guy was about a four-pounder. Feeling elated, I ask Lisa to be kind enough to snap a couple photos of my little trophy before I release him back to his icy water home. Lisa had a couple more close calls between my next catch of another dogfish, this time a three-pounder. After the second catch, I was feeling pretty good about my ice fishing success. I just kept hoping that Lisa would reel one up. She did get one further opportunity but, alas, the fish got away. With the perfect attitude Lisa stated that it was about the process more than the end result. She had enjoyed her time on the ice. Thus she felt that this new experience was time well spent, regardless. I concurred.
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On our way back we noticed all other sorts of activities taking place on the frozen lakebed. Snowmobiles were racing each other. We even spotted an ATV towing a sled full of children behind it. Right then and there I made another conclusion about winter in Saskatchewan. We are so lucky to experience other seasons that allow us to use the abundance of open landscape we have in such different ways. There are so many activities that provide endless hours of fun, whether you are alone, with your family or on a girlfriend getaway. The Saskatchewan ice-fishing season came to a close at the end of March but the spring/ summer season is quickly approaching. If you are someone who wants to try fishing but doesn’t know the first thing about it, hire an outfitter. Lance, for example, provides guided and unguided outfitting. He also rents out a great property in the summertime for those who want to dwell at Regina Beach. Regina Beach Vacations and Outfitters, 306-7292964.
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About the writer: Jenn Smith Nelson is a freelance travel writer/blogger/photographer who is a sky lovin’, prairie wanderer at heart. With enthusiasm she seeks to explore, capture and promote the beauty of our province and share it with those who are curious to learn more. You can read more about her travel experiences and life in Saskatchewan at www.travellinlady.com.
Tel: 306.789.8996 Address: 3622 Eastgate Drive, Regina, SK S4Z 1A5 www.ilovesushibuffet.com Mon. - Sat. 11:00 am to 10:00 pm Sunday 11:00 am to 9:30 pm
FOR SASKATCHEWAN WOMEN | VOL. 2 ISSUE 5, MAY 2013 | 17