I waited a lifetime to brave the cold, new world of ice fishing, but only a year to do it again! Scheduling busy writers and our host, pro bass fisherman Dave Lefebre, to show up along with safe ice was tough. A four-week window was set and literally solidified only a week in advance, in time to make travel arrangements. This time, I prepared. Hiding my razor for a few months made me look like I was ready and hopefully warmer. Dipping my hands in frozen peas at the grocery store toughened my digits for Lake Erie single digits. Packing to perfection, I loaded my carry on suitcase with layers of warmth. The moment of truth began with hitching a ride to the edge of the Shenandoah Mountains to join outdoors writer Jeff Samsel. A quick lunch and a long 7-hour drive and we arrived at Dave’s Erie shore home. A bonus for me is spending time with his wonderful family. His kids are charming and his wife Anne takes great care of us, preparing great meals and packing awesome lunches! A few other writers, Pennsylvania native and freelance writer and guide Darl Black, Todd Ceisner from bassfan.com and Jack Hanrahan with Erie Daily Times were there to work and fish, fish and work, and fish! Apparently the early bird gets the ice fish too! Lefebre had us heading out early to Lake Erie’s Misery Bay, not a misery when it comes to fishing as long as you are dressed appropriately. But, before stepping out on the frozen and slippery ice, we all strapped 32 North STABILicer cleats to our boots. This took seconds while providing all-day no-slip security! A StrikeMaster electric auger made quick work of the 9-inch ice! All we needed were some limes and tequila, to go…
After spending 6 weeks packing and planning for a 6-day trip to Raleigh, NC and then to Erie, PA, I awoke to freezing rain. Will my flights be late or cancelled? Airlines are on time just about as often as a teenager to an algebra class right after lunch. Hard to imagine why my airline advertises 80% on time performance. If anticipation of traveling 6 days wasn’t enough, how do I pack dual-climatized garments for balmy Raleigh and Erie’s frozen ponds? Guys have no problem packing shoeless. Wear what you’ve got on. Fit over fashion! Pounding show pavement or walking on thin ice requires wearing comfy shoes and packing boots. Even stuffed with socks they become an issue. A rather ambitious trip for me, the much less than frequent flyer. Airport prepared, plastic belt buckle, small tube of toothpaste and shoeless, of course I was chosen for a suitcase search. Just once I’d like to put some wet underwear for them to feel, likely resulting in a less than comfortable search. To say I dislike flying, especially with today’s unfriendly skies, is akin to a toddler rejecting broccoli. The first travel leg was to Raleigh to emcee a two-day Bass University with top bass pros. The last time I attended one of these events they used overhead projectors, placing items on lighted screens to cast a shadow image. Nowadays, younger polished presenters employ advanced Power Points and videos! Anglers pay $100 a day to hear 3 pros conduct two seminars each. Departing Raleigh at 0600, I was headed to Erie, PA for ice fishing. I was lost in the concept of walking onto frozen water to drill a hole, waiting for frozen fish to bite. I expected to reel in Mrs. Paul’s. FLW Kellogg’s pro Dave Lefebre took me from…