Connecticut Ice Fishing

By Jon Smedley, Retired Navy Master Chief.

During the first week of February in northeastern Connecticut a group of four veterans set out in 10° weather an hour before dawn in an effort to do some fishing.

This was my first time ice fishing and I was lucky to have a good friend and fellow veteran to show me the ropes. We use the ice augers to punch 10 inch holes in the 8 inch thick ice. As with both groups of veterans even though we didn't know each other very well our teamwork made getting set up easy and fun. The most experienced member of our team spent more time pulling in fish during the first hour than the rest of us.

After the initial flurry of Pickerel, Crappy Bass and Pike, we settled down in our chairs for hot breakfast sandwiches, made there on the lake on a Coleman stove! 

After Breakfast we did a bit of storytelling.  Each of us shared what we missed about our Service and what we did not miss.   I always get a lot out of these conversations, and feel my fellow veterans do as well. 

Throughout the day, our little flags would go up indicating there was a ‘hit’ on our line.  These moments of excitement helped to keep us warm and our minds engaged.

As we waited a Bald Eagle flew over us and tipped his wings to our small clan.  

We all had a great time, have exchanged contact info so we can keep in touch and have some other outdoor activities together.