Central Maine Fishing Report: January 26, 2007

The unusual weather has every one wondering if this years ice-fishing season will last very long. If the truth be told, it will probably last as long as we want it to, because if you recall in a normal winter, anglers are fired up to get out on January 1, but come the end of February, the urge is not so intense and outdoor pursuits are geared to warmer weather sports. Open water fishing is starting to be the hot topic. So when ice is safe, anglers will venture forth and get their fill and catch the fish they are after and eventually when they have had enough, other interests are tugging at them.

When I was a youngster, my dad, my three brothers and I would get up before the crack of dawn and head off to a favorite fishing pond and punch some holes in the ice. We would have a good mess of pan fish before too long. By late morning boredom would set in and after lunch we would be thinking about heading home. I remember one time on a popular water when other anglers showed up after we had several fish on the ice. They would set up around us thinking they would have similar success, only to be disappointed and because of poor luck announce “I’ve had enough of this kind of fishing!” and pull up and go home. So a fishing trip or season is all you make it out to be —-and when we have safe ice, try your favorite water and be patient and persevere.

I had to write this column in advance of a trip I was assigned to go on with the Fish and Wildlife Department, so I’ve had little recent contact with anglers on my surveys. A few anglers are venturing out on the available ice, so reports are few and fish hard to come by, as the “best” spot is not iced over. The smaller waters seem to be the best destinations, with a few coves and protected areas on the bigger waters with safe ice. Always test the ice you walk on with a cutting tool, before venturing out too far. Safety equipment such as ice picks and rope are good items to bring with you in case someone does break through the ice. Many advances have been made that help in making our winter sports safe, so go to your favorite shop and check out the devices that will make your trip more enjoyable. —Be safe out there!