Ice Fishing 101 Introduces 13 NEW Anglers to Ice Fishing in New York
Megan Plete Postol 01.31.24
The air on the morning of Saturday, January 20 in Upstate New York was frosty cold. Ice crystals danced in the early dawn and a slick layer of ice coated untreated surfaces. The wind was sharp and angry, whirling around at below-zero chills. In what turned out to be the coldest day of the winter so far, 13 new ice anglers braved the cold and wind for Ice Fishing 101 on Mariaville Lake in Pattersonville. Despite the cold, it was a day full of learning, making friends, and pulling in fish. For some participants, it was their first time on the ice. For others, it was their first time fishing. For one participant, who was a recent transplant from out West, he had only seen snow for the first time three days prior. This new event was a collaboration between Artemis Sportswomen, WildHERness, and Backcountry Hunters & Anglers.
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Artemis Sportswomen, which was represented by New York Ambassador Megan Plete Postol, is an initiative of the National Wildlife Federation that tasks ambassadors with conservation advocacy, organizing events for women to learn outdoor skills, such as hunting, fishing, trapping, etc., and network with other women. WildHERness, which was represented by New York Coordinator Zsakee Lewis, is a similar organization to foster a community of strong, adventurous women through education and mentorship.
Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, which was represented by NY/NJ/New England Chapter Coordinator Brian Bird, is a non-profit conservation organization that advocates for public land access and builds community for new and seasoned hunters alike. These coordinating groups were supported by the help of local fishermen Jerrod Vila and Gabe Lopez, who stayed busy the entire day teaching new anglers, resetting tip-ups, and providing guidance and knowledge.
“Seeing new, prospective anglers come from near and far, enduring the most hospitable conditions, all while standing on a frozen lake just to learn a new skill was truly eye opening,” Jerrod Vila said. “The smiles, the laughs, the friendships formed over a matter of hours made all the time invested and panning so worth it. I would do it all over again without a second thought.”
The day included a safety debriefing, gear talk, tip-up and jigging ice fishing demonstration, and hands-on skills practice. Attendees were safe from slipping on the ice thanks to a generous donation of ice cleats from the Runnings Store in Rome, New York.
