Icemen are always thinking about fishing the Hard Water. Yea, I know that we could also be on water that flows, and is wet, but Ice Fishing is just so much fun. In just a few more months, Montana lakes will begin to freeze up.
So, last year I had a long-handled ice ladle. The handle extended so that cleaning out ice holes did not require me to bend over, when you become an older Iceman, you will understand. Tending the spread of holes from a chair is easy and efficient. Longer handles create more leverage and increase your reach.
On the way off the lake, my long-handled ladle was dragging along the ground. I had put it into a rod holder, on my sled, and it slid all the way to the ground. My son in law was helping drag the sled and when we hit the graveled shore, he kept pulling. The handle broke and bent.
This expandable handled ladle never worked right. It would not be secure when I twisted the lock on the handle. Originally, I returned it to the store and picked another one. It failed so I drilled a hole in the pipe handle and put a locking caliper through it. This allowed me to collapse the ladle or leave it extended. This solution worked well.
My Son in Law is supposed to repair the ladle before the winter season but… Anyway, I was thinking about Plan B. I also have an original metal ladle that Is sturdy and works well. The only problem is that it is shorter.
My solution is to add an aluminum extension handle. The U-shaped metal handle is light and sturdy. The handle will lay on the track and be secured with wing nuts and bolts. I shoved a rubber chair leg cover to the aluminum handles end. The original bent end often metal handle can also serve as a hook to store or hang on the sled/bucket.
Currently, my ice sled and gear are stored in my shed. This new ladle will be ready when the time Is right. It is not wrong to plan and think ahead. Fishing and hunting are also about the process of preparation and dreaming about new places, strategies, and ideas.
In a normal Big Sky ice season, ice first begins at Georgetown Lake and some high-altitude spots. By the last week of November, the bigger lakes begin to ice up. Holter Lake is often last. Canyon Ferry can be ice ready by the first week of December. Last year, this was not the case. Most ice fishing was late and began in January. A few years ago, I fished 48 inches of ice at Hegben Lake, during the last week of April!
I will be able to handle my ice holes easily when ice season begins.
Montana Grant
