Mar 02 2009
Ice-Fishing Season
If there is anything I like about winter here in Maine… it’s ice-fishing season. Yup, it’s my favorite outdoor activity during winter because we do all those winter thingies that I enjoy like… snowshoeing, snowmobiling… camping… cook-out… binging and pigging out on [Chinese and Italian] sausages, deer meat, bacon, chicken, chips, and lots of food and drink.
Ice-fishing season is a huge event here in Maine. It is one of the most awaited winter outdoor events here in Maine. It is one of the sports events that is well-participated and well-anticipated by almost all Mainers and tourists alike.
One of the most awaited and most participated events during ice-fishing season is the Chevrolet Derby more popularly known as the Sabago Lake Derby. It is Maine’s largest and richest ice fishing derby in all of Maine. Sabago Lake being the second largest lake in Maine which covers about 45 square miles is a huge playground for both kids and kids at heart.
This year, the Sabago Lake Derby was held last February 21st and 22nd, 2009 and the statewide Derby will be held on March 7th and 8th, 2009.
And just like last year, Sabago Lake was as busy as ever. The lake was turned into a snowmobile and 4-wheeler highway. It was turned into a small plane runway. It was turned into a parking lot. And it was specked with thousand of fish traps.
People and dogs alike play carelessly on the lake. People are partying. Kids are enjoying the sled ride. Shacks, tents and lounge chairs provide comfort and warmth from the cold chill and from the long wait for the fish to bite.
And most importantly, the smell of sausages and meat grilling fills the cold air with a familiar scent known to a hungry stomach. Ice-fishing season on the hindsight… is a season for family and friends to bond… have fun… chillax [chill-out and relax] and enjoy the Maine winter outdoor despite the frigid climate. And I just love it not because I am trying to be a hardcore… I am trying to be a Mainer.
Additional Information:
The Maine Way
Ice Fishing Regulations
Maine Ice Anglers Association
My husband favorite thing in the winter is ice fishing also. He enters fishing derbies all the time.
oh wow, looks fun Ruthi! Glad you are enjoying winter. Love the pictures, though it is cold, but the blue blue sky made it look a happy picture, not a gloomy one, it is sparkling snow.
@ cindy23… do you go ice-fishing with him too? I always go with my hubby and always have fun with him. It evolved into a dating game for me now. hahahaha.