Thirteen adults and eight children sat around Saturday looking at ice picks, drills, rods and small cups of maggots.
They were learning to ice fish.
The state Department of Environment Protection Agency held an introductory ice fishing class at the Kellogg Environmental Center, 500 Hawthorne Ave.
While others were at shopping malls, perhaps watching movies, what would motivate a person to attend an ice fishing class?
“I just enjoy being outside in nature,” said class instructor Alan Gabris. “These days everything is high tech with computers, but some people just enjoy being outdoors. For myself, I enjoy the outdoors and this (class) is an extension of myself to show others.”
Gabris spoke to the group in detail about dressing for safety and cold weather. He also gave tips in case a person falls through the ice. He discussed avoiding hypothermia, frostbite and even sun blindness from sun glare.
Gabris advised the group that they should start testing the ice thickness within the first ten feet when they go on the ice. Stay off the ice if it is less than four inches thick, he said.
Avoid ice that has moving water under it. If you fall in, stay calm, turn around, put ice picks in the unbroken ice then pull yourself up on the ice and roll on it to spread your weight. Most important, Gabris said — don’t stand right up, because the ice will break and you’ll fall back in.
Maggot bait and ice death aside, several women listened intently, with their kids in tow.
Levina Powers, of Norwich, attended with her 16 year-old son, Chris Philips. The mother and son plan to ice fish together.
“It’s fun as long as you dress appropriately,” Powers said. “It’s an awesome experience.”
Gabris also stressed that when ice fishing that it is better to be with someone or go up to a group and introduce yourself and ask questions.
“When going out, it’s good to go out with a buddy,” Gabris said. “First, it’s more fun and it’s just safer.”
Keith Williams, an officer with the state Environmental Conservation Police (EnCon), said it is a good idea to wear a life jacket also. Although not required by state law, Williams highly recommended it.
For more information regarding the derby or ice fishing in CT you can call the CT DEP-Inland Fisheries at (860) 424-Fish. Also, the CT DEP is available online at www.ct.gov/dep/fishing. The Kellogg Environmental Center can be reached at 203 – 734-2513.
