OUTDOOR Adventures

BY BRIAN G. SCHOMMER

There seems to be no doubt that at least for the folks in our neck of the woods, with some additional snow in the forecast, we will indeed be celebrating a “White Christmas.” With the dip and nip in the temperatures, a few things come to mind. The ice will be getting thicker for anglers near and far who enjoy ice fishing. The snowmobile, snowshoe, and cross-country ski trails will be setting up a nice base for those who enjoy dabbling in these outdoor adventures. The area hills that convert to “sled runs” have been well utilized by the area kids and before you know it, the outdoor skating rinks will be flooded. Something else that came to mind more prominently this year that in years past is “Baby, It’s Cold Outside.”

In the last year, I lost about 80 pounds of my insulation and I think that, in combination with another trip around the sun about to conclude, this guy is not as ready for the outdoor adventures of winters past. On New Years Day, I will be heading up to Lake of the Woods with some of my favorite friends to try to catch Walleyes and make memories and I must admit, I might not be as prepared for the cold as in the past. Think back to your most unsatisfactory wintertime outdoor adventures. What led to the misery that you experienced? I am not sure about you, but for me, it was because I did not dress for the activity. This got me to thinking.

For ice fishing, I have put tons of money into things like to top of the line rods and reels, ice auger, every latest and greatest jig, lure, gadget or scented bait ball and this year, I have finally added a new Vexilar fish finder. Fleet Farm in Hastings has been renamed in our house, at least by me. I now call it “Heaven on Earth!!!” When they opened, I got a steal of a deal on a bait cooler with an attached, battery-operated bubbler to keep my minnows alive. I also purchased a new hard case rod and reel holder to keep those 13 Fishing Tickle Sticks and Ghost Reels all safe and sound. All this stuff to help me catch more fish (or so the theory goes) and yet, not one thing to keep me warm and safe. The research then began on ways to take care of what should be the most important piece of this puzzle. Human life, at least in my beliefs, should be more important than material things. If I fall in the lake, the rest of the stuff really does not matter, does it?

Striker Ice makes some impressive gear that I think I will be adding to my closet. The words that caught my eye were warm, waterproof, durable and THEY FLOAT. Yes… THIS is exactly what I am looking for. They also used words like comfortable, and gear for serious outdoorsmen and women everywhere. Well, if it is good enough for the serious ones, it most certainly will be good enough for the guy that once was very serious but has become a baby when it comes to challenging the elements. Maybe this addition to my winter apparel is just what I need to get over the hump that seems to be presenting itself to me as I get closer to another full trip around the sun.

Some of you might be wondering about all the gear talk and such that is not normal commentary in “Outdoor Adventures.” While it is true, this column is usually more about a light-hearted approach to various experiences of yours truly and never meant to be a “how to” or “latest gear” type column, there is a method to my madness this time. Often, “Outdoor Adventures” also has a bit of “get the reader thinking” or insightful type motivation within the text. This time is one of those times. I just had to build it up a bit as I have a couple hundred words left to fill the spot reserved for the column.

So often at this time of year, we put our focus on the material things in life. We spend our time and money on all sorts of presents to be placed under the tree. I possess more ice fishing gear than I ever have and yet, I may still not catch more fish, or bigger fish. If I do, you can darn sure bet that I will let you know about it. However, if chance would be that for whatever reason I broke through the ice, there is a possibility that this could end really bad. I saw a post on social media that said, “I am going to lay under the tree to let my family know I am their present.” It was meant to be funny but in fact, it is our presence with each other that is the true present. Dress warm, be safe and have a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS. If you so desire… Get Out and Enjoy the Great Outdoors.