Ice Fishing Adventures
I used to joke that my dad ruined fishing for me at a young age. Back then, I would have rather watched cartoons instead of getting woken up before dawn for an early morning cast. That being said, ice fishing was different. My first experience was on Lake Huron and it was like travelling into a different world. Riding on snowmobiles across the lake, we would arrive at a group of huts where, for the rest of the day, our family would sit in a hut warmed by a wood stove while we waited for the fish to bite. I know this might sound boring to some, and even surprising (as a kid I had a short attention span—there were no iPads then) but through my frosted rose-coloured glasses, I remember it as an adventure—an opportunity to bring us closer to the land, closer together as a family, and if we caught a fish, well that was a bonus.
With the cold months upon us, our cover story for February is all about being close to the land. From fur trapping to fishing, we profile individuals and groups who, rather than hibernate, embrace the winter season. As part of the cover story, we talk to Darren Letz about his passion for winter camping, get a crash course on Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School’s land-based classes, go on a winter trek with the Thunder Bay Hiking Association, and chat with Roger Mayer, the creator of thunderbayfishing.com.
Keeping with our theme, we present ideas for winter camping in Stuff We Like, Justin Allec delves into telemark skiing, and our film columnist Michael Sobota shares some of his favourite winter films. Also in this issue, we preview Consortium Aurora Borealis’ 40th anniversary concert, help spread the word about LU Radio’s funding drive, and Chef Rachel Globensky serves up a delectable truffles recipe. Still feeling the winter blues? With Magnus Theatre’s production of Huff, Cambrian Players’ production of Anastasia, as well as Paramount Live’s production of Mamma Mia!, our film and theatre section is jam-packed with things to do this month other than hibernate.
So hopefully this month’s issue encourages you to go outside and enjoy the season. Because as of February 1, there are only 47 days left to do so.
-Adrian Lysenko
