Dear Jon, Ice fishing is an experience that brings peace, patience and fun

Editor's note: Back in November, Chicago Star writer Jon Cohn wrote a list of ten things he would rather do than ice fish. Here is a rebuttal by Annalisa Wilson, freelance writer, who hopes to get him to at least re-consider his opinion.

Dear Jon,

I know it sounds nuts, but ice fishing is far from the crazy, uncomfortable ordeal you think it is. You may be raising an eyebrow, but trust me, ice fishing is an experience that will surprise you in the best way possible. I know it might not be immediately clear why anyone would choose to spend time on the ice, let alone face the harsh elements in pursuit of a few fish, if any at all. You could even argue that it seems like a pointless activity at first glance. But there’s more to it than you might think.

Ice fishing is not just about sitting on a frozen lake, braving the cold, and hoping to catch a fish. It’s an experience, an all-encompassing one that you may not fully appreciate until you give it a try.

The peace and quiet is truly unparalleled. When you find yourself out on the ice, surrounded by a still winter landscape, it feels as though you've entered a completely different world. There’s no traffic, no noise, just the sound of your own breath and the occasional tap of a fish on the line. The fisherman and his hole stand as solitary figures in the vast expanse of solitude. 

Yet this isolation never feels lonely or depressing. Instead, the tranquil atmosphere brings a sense of calm that’s impossible to find on solid ground. It’s a mental clarity that’s increasingly rare these days. With the constant distractions of our fast-paced lives, split-second decisions, and the whirlwind of social media, moments of true solitude, moments when you can be alone with your thoughts–or even without thoughts–are hard to come by. But on the ice, that quiet and stillness are rare and precious gifts.

Despite the solitary nature of ice fishing, it is rarely a lonely pursuit. Many people head out with friends or family, returning with a shared experience that’s worth cherishing, even if it's experienced in nearly silent wonder. It’s about the camaraderie of enjoying a cup of hot cocoa, coffee, or a beer for some, and having a reason to be outside together, no matter the chill.

Some of the best spots are unexpectedly found in the middle of a busy lake, where ice huts create a shantytown of activity. Fishermen and women are scattered across the icy expanse, like dots on a graph, sitting alone or in groups, chatting, telling jokes, or perhaps praying to whichever saint is in charge of catching fish. And through it all, memories are made, warm memories that will be recounted for years to come.

The words "warm" and "ice fishing" may not seem like they belong together, but that’s a common misconception. Staying warm is entirely possible, thanks to the advancements and modernizations in ice fishing gear. Today’s equipment goes far beyond the usuallayers of clothing and heated boots. The heated shelters, sonar fish finders, and even snowmobiles to get to the perfect spot, tip the scales in the fisherman’s favor. Ice fishing is no longer about simply enduring the cold, it’s about embracing the experience, where the chill is always manageable with the right gear and good company. Sure, spending hours outside might conjure images of people frozen like popsicles scattered around, but when you’re surrounded by friends and enjoying the outdoors, time flies by, and with it come plenty of tall tales and stories of catching "the big one."

Some of the best stories aren’t about smooth, carefree summer fishing trips, they’re about the unforgettable moments on the ice. Tall tales of surprise catches, absurd techniques that somehow worked, and funny accounts of who dropped what or who stepped in the water hole become treasured memories. 

"Poor Uncle Pete and his wooden leg. Maybe that’s why they put flags in golf holes!" These are the kinds of stories born from the ice and the challenges it brings.

You see, Jon, ice fishing isn’t about being out of your mind or enduring some kind of torture. It’s about adventure, overcoming challenges, fostering a sense of community, and immersing yourself in nature at its most pristine and peaceful state. The stories shared and the memories created are ones you’ll look back on fondly, especially when you’ve made it through with a good group of people.

So, if you ever decide to give it a try, Jon, I’ll be right there with a heated shelter, an icebox stocked with cold drinks, and a thermos of hot toddies, ready for you to take the plunge!

Hooked yet?

Annalisa