My First Time Ice Fishing – An international Experience

By Hardik Patel
Belleville International

It was a bright and sunny March morning as I headed out to Herchimer Boat Launch in Belleville, Ont., prepped and ready for my first ice fishing experience.

I’d been planning this event since 2020 with Belleville International, a volunteer community group based in Belleville, along with the help of Dug from the Bay of Quinte Regional Marketing Board and Yamaha Pro Angler Ashley Rae.

Our group gathered at the launch to meet up with our friendly instructors, Ashley and Eric, who are both avid anglers with a lot of ice fishing experience. We soon headed out on the frozen water to an awaiting portable hut equipped with everything we’d need: rods, tackle, fish finder and a propane heater.

I loved the fact that Ashley and Eric were so passionate about what they were doing and came more than prepared to help us out for the day. We learned how to hold the fishing rods, hook the bait and what to do if we were to actually catch a fish!

Ashley started by drilling several holes in the ice to fish through. I am fond of adventure and like to try things myself, so I asked Ashley to teach me how to do this. I felt like a pro after drilling just one hole.

The sonar equipment was then setup so we could see the signatures of fish as they swam by, which helped a lot! After that, we were all given a fishing rod with a minnow attached to the hook as bait. These rods were way smaller than a normal fishing rod as we needed to drop the line and bait instead of casting.

Then it was time to wait with rods in hand. I was really looking forward to catching my first fish – and it finally happened. I hooked and caught the first fish of my life, and the first of the day! Everyone excitedly came running to see my first catch: a yellow perch. Ashley told us that it is a delicious fish, but I opted for catch and release. I just wanted to experience an authentic Canadian recreational activity.

Tilak, one of my friends, waited a long time for his fish, but it was worth it in the end. He finally caught one and the feeling was simply amazing. It was something Tilak had never experienced before.

During all this, we took lots of pictures and videos to help save this memory forever. When we’d had enough of the cold and wind, we moved into the preheated hut to warm up. Ashley and Eric already had a few holes drilled and chairs set up, and surprised us with the gift of a hat and bandana.

This was a unique, unbelievable experience as it was something that I never imagined I could do back in my country. I’m so glad everything worked out after years of planning and collaboration between Belleville international and Bay of Quinte Regional Marketing Board, who also sponsored the event so the students could participate free of charge.

I would love to go out and experience more activities like this in future to provide stress relief and enhance my life.