So, it’s been a few weeks and I am definitely experiencing a void. I only wanted to get outside to try the new stuff that I scored. I needed some action, and I was desperate so I reached out to a fellow fishing chum from work.

Chris Spangler and I have been good friends for a very long time. But ever since I started working for Chris and the family business, we don’t get a chance to bond. He is a few years younger and he is quite the fisherman. Chris has been great in terms of being one of my fly fishing mentors. Spangler has all kinds of fancy gadgets. I often joke and say that he has something from every page of a Cabelas catalog. He is a good friend to have. I gladly follow.

Chris and his son Jase are doing some major ice fishing of late. I was getting jealous of their pictures, so I asked to tag along. The seven-year-old Spangler balked at first. But quickly changed his mind after a HAMILTON. I pay to hang out with my younger friends. I arrived at the northern access of Rose Valley Lake at a quarter to 4:00. The Weatherbug App said it was a raw 17 degrees. Chris had already set up shop. They were just a few clicks from the parking lot above. I was very surprised to find several others braving the elements that afternoon. We weren’t the only crazies.

I immediately noticed all of their new fancy gear. From gas powered augers to multiple ice fishing combos. One enormous cargo sled and a few propane heaters. Portable blinds to state-of-the-art electronics. It was amazing. All of this just for me?

“Jase has been slaying em,” Chris a proud pop said with a grin. “Why don’t you pull up next to him. Here. Use this. That color combo is banging right now. Are you familiar with one of these?”

Chris was pointing to a GARMIN Ice Master 4000 in a shiny blue weatherproof case. Um. No. Sorry guys. I am just an extreme wading fisherman and had absolutely zero experience with such a high-tech sonar pinging electronic devices. It reminded me of a throwback 8bit Nintendo game. Seriously I thought we were fishing. I didn’t know we were looking for the Red October.

“Well. Here’s your depth,” Chris explained. “We are fishing in 6 feet of water. That’s the bottom and see this small blue beacon? That’s your jig. Now move your rod. See it bounce up and down? Look. That’s a fish. There’s another. SET THE HOOK.”

Chris did his very best to sum up years of experience in a short three-minute introductory lesson. Then he eventually cut the cord. Both Chris and Jace were both landing jumbo perch and monster gills. I was still trying to figure out those orange and yellow sonar flashes in the freezing cold. Any luck Spencer? No! My patience was running thin.

“Dad. I caught another one,” Jace yelled. “It’s a perch. That’s three. Why isn’t Jamie catching anything?”

OK. I was now crushed. Maybe it just wasn’t meant to be. Everyone was catching fish including this little Montgomery Red Raider who was starting to talk trash. He was using the very same setup only five feet away. We’d switch holes but he’d only start catching them in my old spot. It’s gotta be me. I’m cursed.

My gloves were completely frozen, and I couldn’t feel my toes. It was starting to get dark and I thought to myself how much longer? A few more minutes passed and just when I was going to give- my sonar went absolutely berserk. I didn’t panic nor did I call for help. I only tried to remember what was discussed in Ice Fishing 101.

I slightly bounced my rod hoping to entice that monster red flash that was embedded in the weeds. He came up for a quick peek and I slowed my presentation. I felt a slight twitch and quickly set the hook. Then I realized there was a fish on the other end of my line. I was so excited. Hey guys. I finally got one! Chris was happy but Jase laughed when he saw my puny prize.

I have caught hundreds and hundreds of fish in my lifetime, but that four-inch baby bluegill was my first through the ice. Size didn’t matter and I ended up catching two more. Nothing to brag about but I was awfully proud. I am still a novice and now I am hooked.

Special thanks to the Spanglers who taught me some new tricks to help with my obsession. Ice fishing isn’t for everyone, but I had an absolute blast. Appreciate the patience and advice boys. Frozen lines. Cheers.