We faced many challenges this past ice fishing season with warmer than usual temperatures, an arctic blast and late season snow-storms. However, we still provided safe and fun fishing trips for everyone that went out with us. We never made it out to fish or guide on Sebago Lake so we made the best of it on the bodies of water that we were able to fish safely and made a successful season of it.
Early season saw us chasing panfish on smaller ponds on the western side of Sebago Lake. These ponds had safe ice early and allowed us to start our season on time. Fishing for panfish is an exciting method through the use of electronics and jig rods. With panfish the action can be hot as they are a schooling fish and when you find one you usually find many more. The action can be fast and furious, but you have to be mobile and willing to drill as many holes as possible to stay on the school of fish. Packing light and not being stationary is the name of the game.
Another focus this year was more on the experience. We wanted to focus on places that were not as crowded and more scenic than some of our usual spots. On these ponds we focused on brook trout. For most of these trips we did not see another angler on a mid-sized pond, which is unique to southern Maine. We felt that with a little bit of effort, and the use of our snowmobiles, we could offer a better experience for our clients. Thankfully the brook trout cooperated with us and fish were caught.
The biggest addition this year was the Ooni pizza oven. This is a wood pellet fired oven that takes no time to cook fresh pizza right on the ice. This was something that I had been thinking about for a while and knew that it would be a hit. Obviously, there are no other guides in the state cooking fresh pizza on the ice, so I wanted to make it special. Food has and always will be a focus on my trips as you can never control how the fishing will go, but I sure can control the overall experience of your day with great food.
Open water season is right around the corner so give us a shout to get out onto the water on the boat or on the river. As much as I love ice fishing nothing beats being out on the water on my boat. I have spent countless hours and days on my boat and countless memories have been made with countless more to be created! Come create some memories on the water with me this upcoming season!
