Amid a Global Pandemic Wisconsin Families  Reconnect Through Outdoor Traditions Like Ice Fishing

"It's alot more families coming in, people who haven't been fishing in 10 years stocking up their tackle boxes," says Heather Yarrington, co-owner of Bite-Me Bait & Sport Shop in Mondovi.  Her store like many in her industry have seen brisk sales due to the COVID-19 pandemic. People want to get out shake off some of that cabin fever.

observes social distancing in all public spaces. This mandate will be reviewed again February 1st, 2022.

Fishing is these modern times of Zoom, and Skype is about that rare, pleasurable moment of waiting. It's a chance for your mind to calm down and reconnect with nature. "What better way to social distance than fishing out on the ice," says Yarrington. She believes that pandemic has "people turning into outdoorsmen." in a big way.

Closer to home, Brian Huser, co-owner of Rock River Bait Box in Ft. Atkinson is seeing the same trend,  "It's exploded if you own a business selling an outdoor product line
your loving life."

Huser whose business was closed for 15 months due to flooding in 2018 was grateful to see such a high volume of customers coming and buying fishing equipment and bait spurred on by the pandemic.

Another pandemic trend that has helped local businesses such as Huser's is the growing

movement of customers seeking out small retail over the big box options. "We'd rather buy from you than big  box or go online. People really appreciate me this business being here," says Huser.

But like many seasonal, outdoor sports the baseline costs for ice fishing gear can get pricey. Thankfully, many fishing, outfitter businesses like Rock River Bait Box and Bite-Me Bait & Sport Shop give their customers the option to rent everything from collapsible ice shanties on sleds to augers, and fishing poles.

In this dire time of sadness and loss brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic it's hard to find a silver lining. But if there is one it might be that families are reconnecting and enjoying more activities
together.

"I've seen hundreds of more families doing things, young and older, fathers with kids coming into the shop doing outdoor things getting in touch with nature. and hopefully carry on the tradition for
years to come,." says Brian Huser.

BEFORE YOU GO:

Safety is paramount. Good ice conditions on open water are determined by how much snow cover is present and the consistent, number of below freezing, night time temperatures. Some tackle and bait shops like Papa's Live Bait and Tackle Shop in Necedah is not opening its' doors until the end of January due to the lack of substantial ice cover on nearby rivers and lakes.. Bite-Me Bait & Sport Shop in Mondovi is open now that the nearby Mississippi river is completely ice covered with minimal snow cover. Less (insulating) snow cover means a thicker sheet of ice able to support the weight of an ATV hauling an ice fishing, shanty.

You don't need a lot of upfront investment to try out the growing sport of ice fishing. Here are a few suggestions from area bait and tackle shop owners.

NEEDS:

    Canvas, folding chair
    Thermos of favorite hot beverage
    Layers of clothing
    Waterproof boots with good traction
    ice auger drill adapters.attachment for a cordless drill
    Bait or jig
    Fishing pole

WANTS:

If you find out that ice fishing is not a one time family adventure but a lifetime tradition you might
consider adding this list of wants to your needs.

    Ice cleats ($9-20)
    GPS/sonar, fish finder ($200)
    Power Ice Auger ($200-400)
    Tent heaters ($18-100)
    The Artic Fisherman, ice fishing Tip Up made in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin ($25-75)
    Shanty ($250 - 600)
    Ice fishing sled ($55 - 95)
    ATV ($3500-20000)
    Ice fishing pole ($100-200)

Wanting to know about where to fish and the ice conditions of lakes in our area?  stay tuned, and continue to stop by the Fish section of Lakes Edition for everything fishing.

Lastly, remember to practice Selective Harvest when out on the ice
to limit over fishing of native species. and keep the fish populations
viable for the health of our lakes and future anglers.

Wisconsin DOT's 511

For up to the minute winter driving conditions in southern Wisconsin visit the Wisconsin

DOT's 511 Wisconsin or call 511 or (866) 511-9472.