Ice Fishing (Journal)


Billy Petersen
Professor Williams
12/10/15
Ice Fishing

              Winters up north bring a variety of things to do for outdoorsman. Cold weather brings unpredictable elements that can test you mentally and physically. If you are up for a challenge, ice fishing is one of the most rewarding things you can do in the outdoors.

              Every winter I drive up to northern Wisconsin hoping to catch some fish. Frozen lakes bring cold winds, snow, and thousands of fishermen across the country. When I got to the lake, I gathered my gear and began my hike across the frozen lake. The wind swirled across the frozen water piercing my skin every step I took. The bright white ice appeared as a never-ending sheet of crystal that gleamed like a diamond.  Snow fell from the trees like fairy dust sparkling across the sky.

              When I got to my spot, I grabbed my auger and started drilling small holes into the ice. I slowly turned the auger until water erupted up into the air from under the ice. Once I dropped my lines in the water, I began to wonder what living under a frozen lake must be like. Every year fish are faced with frigid temperatures that encapsulate them under a frozen sheet of ice. Being alone in nature forced me to think from the perspective of the creatures below me.

              After a long day of fishing, I packed up my stuff and headed home. Ice fishing is one of my favorite things to do because it’s always a challenge. The freezing temperatures makes you respect and appreciate nature. Every year I go ice fishing I build a stronger connection with the outdoors and I hope to continue to build my relationship.

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