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First Sunburn of the Year

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March is probably my least favorite month.

The thrill of ice fishing has worn thin like the ice conditions, turkey daydreams begin to creep in but the season still looms far away and spring keeps doing that thing where it shows up for a day or two (usually during the week) and then leaves in favor of a blizzard and cold snap.

I’m ready to stretch my legs after winter but there doesn’t seem to be a pursuit that warrants it.

And it was another health ridden month in our house with a stomach bug and two minor, but onerous surgeries nonetheless, adenoids for Fischer, nasal polyps for Scott.

But the weather and everyone’s health did align for one good day of tip-up fishing.

A little over a week post-surgery, Fischer was starting to be himself again and seemed up for an adventure.

The sun was shining, and the wind wasn’t blowing too bad.

Unfortunately, the trusty truck also chose March to poop out on us, so we loaded up the Subaru; auger, sled, buckets, blankets and plenty of snacks, just enough room for Fischer and Fins.

Our invited friend, Jackie, had to drive separate.

We’re at our lake of choice, seemingly always Sakakawea, not for the action but the size potential.

Scott started drilling holes at varying depths and Jackie and I followed with bait and tip-ups, Fisch in his sled, Fins running around barking at the flocks of Canada geese above.

We set up a little base camp with some blankets for Fisch to sit on, chit chatted and soaked in the warm sun on our faces.

It wasn’t long before a little someone insisted a snack turned to early lunch, as he devoured a granola bar, a pouch, and last night’s leftover fish, a northern Scott speared yesterday not 100 yards from where we sat now.

It was a perfect day, except for the lack of flags.

Fisch grew antsy, so we took turns towing him around in his sled which eventually lulled him into a snooze.

With about an hour left of our intended stay, a flag finally flew and Jackie and I ran after it.

She wrangled in a nice pike and we were delighted to not be skunked.

We started to slowly pack up other gear.

I put Fischer in his pack so I could have two hands to bring a load back to the car and we stood around for a few more minutes just in case.

Good thing we did because one more flag popped.

We all ran that way, Scott nodded to go ahead so I knelt and set the hook.

I could tell it was big as I let it go on multiple runs without gaining much, but Fischer wasn’t too happy I was kneeling forward and not moving and he cried behind me in my ear.

I finally gave in and handed the line to Scott to let him finish as I bounced around consoling Fischer.

He brought up the kind of pike Sakakawea is known for and handed it to me, a team fish.

We released the pike and decided it was time to pack it all up.

As nice as it was, I think we were approaching our limit with Fischer.

Besides, we had gotten what we came here for; one big pike and some fresh air.

I think we all even had a sunburn the next day, one of those almost welcomed discomforts this time of year.

Blog Category
Fishing

Author

Cayla with son Fischer
Cayla Bendel

North Dakota Game and Fish Department R3 Coordinator

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