A New Year on the Ice

Everyone who knows me knows that I go a little “gaga” for ice fishing season. Despite the less than ideal ice conditions in most of Maine I was fortunate enough to spend the first day of 2012 on a remote pond in the western part of the state with adequate, safe ice (I’m such a stickler for ice safety) not to mention great fishing.  It was so worth the travel and 5am wake up call!  Now that I’m home (and on my second cup of hot cocoa) I can’t help but take a moment to reflect on how fortunate I feel to have days like today.

Some good ice!

I have been ice fishing since I was  4 years old.  My Dad was passionate about ice fishing and he often took me along.  He taught me angling skills, pulled me out and dried me off when I occasionally slipped a leg into an empty fishing hole (while trying to hide his panic), made Jiffy Pop for me on the stove in the ice shack, proudly looked on when I successfully caught fish and encouraged me to be patient on the days I did not. Most importantly he taught me to appreciate every opportunity I have to enjoy the outdoors in Maine.  Some of the most vivid memories from my childhood are the ones that were made on the ice with my Dad.

I have enjoyed ice fishing since I was a young child

I am so privileged to have a career that allows me to share my love for the outdoors with children and families around the state.  In the past seven years I have certainly learned a lot of lessons when it comes to teaching children to fish both in open water and on the ice. I truly enjoy nothing more than the chance to pass on my love of the sport and I am hopeful that my efforts have made a difference.  I am absolutely certain that the reason I am as active in and connected to the outdoors is because I was introduced to it at such a young age. It has always been part of my life and is as natural to me as breathing. It drives me to work as hard as possible to help parents provide the same opportunity for their young children.

A great day on the ice

I am also honored to have the opportunity to work with talented, passionate and devoted individuals at the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife who share my appreciation for Maine’s precious natural resources. Despite the Department’s endless financial struggles and limited resources they all work tirelessly (and with very little appreciation) to do their very best to ensure our fish and wildlife are here for future generations to enjoy.  It is impossible not to be inspired by their dedication.  I am proud to be part of such a wonderful team.

Regional Fisheries Biologist Dave Howatt was on the job today and collected data from a few of the fish I caught.

This year make it your new year’s resolution to take a child fishing.  Ensure that when they are a grown adult that they will still have days when they find themselves running and sliding across the ice at the sight of a flag, their heart racing with excitement, exactly the same way they did when they were a young child.  Make certain that when they are a grown adult that they strive to protect our natural resources and most importantly that they take the time to pass it on.

Happy New Year and happy fishing!

For more information about the Hooked on Fishing Program or about family fishing opportunities in Maine contact Emily MacCabe at emily.maccabe@maine.gov or (207) 462-1017.  

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