For those interested in learning more about this sometimes overlooked form of fishing, the Fish and Boat Commission is partnering with other organizations to offer ice fishing instruction.

Also checkout the Commission’s ice fishing safety webpage.

If you think of ice fishing as only sitting on a sheet of ice, braving bone-numbing winds and staring anxiously into a slushy hole, ice fishing doesn’t sound very tempting. However, it’s an incredibly productive way to catch fish – and big ones at that – and “hard water angling” takes on a whole new appeal.

So just how effective can ice fishing be? Ice anglers caught two recent state record fish – an 8 lb. 14.8 oz. chain pickerel and a 35 lb. northern pike. Now that’s appealing.

Six ice fishing clinics are scheduled. Participants will learn basic ice safety, get an explanation of the different types of ice fishing gear and some practical lessons in various ice fishing techniques. Don't have any ice fishing gear? That's okay, just bring yourself. Equipment may be provided by the PFBC or the event sponsor. Interested participants are encouraged to call ahead.

For more information on individual events, interested participants should call the number indicated after each listing.

· Winter Festival at Black Moshannon State Park, Centre County, January 22, beginning at 1 p.m. 814-342-5960

· Snowfest at R.B. Winter State Park, Union County, January 30, noon – 4 p.m. 570-966-1455

· WinterFest at Nescopeck State Park, Luzerne County, February 5, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. 570-403-2006

· Winter Fun Fest at Pymatuning State Park, Crawford County, February 5, 9 a.m. – noon & February 6, noon – 3 p.m. 814-336-2426

· Winter Family Fun Day at Parker Dam State Park, Clearfield County, February 6, noon - 3 p.m. 814-765-0630

· SMART Ice Fishing Skills Clinic & Derby at Moon Lake County Park, Luzerne County, February 5, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. 570-735-6303.

1/7/2005