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The Life of an Ice Guide
It was cold, dang it was cold as I put on my crash helmet, and leather insulated gloves. The thermometer read plus 2 degrees when I left the house at 5:30 am. It was now 6:30 am. Our snowmobiles were off-loaded from our trailers, then my brother, and I, and our two helpers headed for our little village of ice shantys one mile off shore on Lake Erie.
The wind was calm for a change, but the chill factor from our sleds moving 25 mph was the same as a 25 mph wind. By the time we reached our destination our face shields were frosted and our fingers ached, but we had work to do. We went to our warehouse-shanty where our gear waited for us, so we could prepare for another day in the LIFE OF AN ICE GUIDE.
One man started lighting heaters, another distributed minnows, while my brother Don and I started chipping ice out of the holes that froze over last night. When the other two finished their jobs, they started baiting hooks, and dropping lines. By 7:55 we had the hard part of ice fishing done, so our guest could do the easy part....Fish..
When we returned to the beach, there were already eight people standing, or stomping, (it was cold) waiting for us. We hooked up the dog sleds, loaded the fishermen and their gear and headed for our shantys. The trip only lasted a few minutes, but it was sufficient time for everyone to be glad to reach the warmth of their rented shanty. As I showed my 4 guys to their shanty, I noticed a line jerking, and had the first man haul in the perch that couldn't wait to be caught. We continued to haul people until all 15 shantys were filled. It was 9:30 am...Now we could take it easy for a couple of hours.
We went from shanty to shanty to make sure everybody knew how to use a hand line, had enough bait, was warm enough, and take orders for lunch.
We don't always cater food and drinks, but if we have the time we will run to the store for snacks for our customers. We want to keep our people happy. If anyone is cold, hungry, sick or uncomfortable we will do what we can for them. We are radio dispatched, so if there is a medical problem we can get help fast. We even have the only out-house on the lake that I have ever seen.
During the week when we don't have a full house we move our shantys to the best fishing spots, but safety is our first concern. If the fish are biting in a thin ice area, our shantys will not be there.
Around 11:00 we made our rounds, refueling stoves, checking bait, and checking to see if our guests need anything else that we can provide. At 4:00 our day is far from over. We haul the people back in the same order that we brought them out, then we scrub the floors, wind up their lines, took out the trash, sunk the minnows, closed the windows, refueled the stoves, and replaced anything that might have fell down the hole.
At 6:00 pm it was still only another day. Looking back remembering the 12 year old by that caught his first fish or the lady that caught the 4-pound walleye, and her husband that didn't, make it all worth while. I'll be back tomorrow.
Capt. Bud Stonerook
North Bass Island, Ohio
Published in "The Outdoor Journal, January 1985
A Writing
Far in the distance
I hear the ferry boat whistle
announcing it's approach
to the quiet island
As I sit on the deck
in the calm of Middle Bass
and basking in the sun
or lying in the hammock
and watching the puffy
white clouds enveloping
a clear blue sky
I realize that probably
nowhere on earth I'd rather be
than here in the quiet among
the wildflowers, birds and
rabbits and enjoying
the Peach and Tranquil setting
of Middle Bass Island.
Kathy Dickerson
Middle Bass Island
Grandpa's Tree
There is a tree in our front yard.
The trunk is out of shape, it very bazzard.
But Grandpa cares, even if it is not perfect.
As he does people, he never gives a verdict.
The tree has fallen long ago, and now has a new sprout.
Some people may look, and have some doubt.
But Grandpa does not care what others think.
He lives each day to it's best, and gives us a wink.
He has a license, and flies above many trees.
It is hard to say what he thinks and what he sees.
He loves his children, and their children and God.
He tolerates complaints and pain without even nod.
I am happy to share my life with this great man,
For I know he always does the best he can.
For him giving a tree a chance to live,
He is a generous man that can give and give.
Mary Stonerook
North Bass Island
A Writing
Spring time is a good time
on the island. You can sit
on your deck, sip coffee and
maybe put your boat in
the marina.
Later on you can take the
kids or grandkids to
see the bald eagles nest
and look for snapping
turtles!
There's an old saying
"you don't get if you
don't ask." If you
want this dream to come
there, just ask - us.
Mr. Kay Dickerson
Middle Bass Island
Ice Fishing
As we set here on a winter day
in a shanty out on the ice.
All our troubles seem to slip away
waiting for the fish to bite.
We feel a tug, and give a pull
conversation ends.
Our bucket will soon be full
as we tally up another ten.
All to soon it's time to go
back across the ice.
We are tired, cold and hungry, too
but, "Boy wasn't it nice."
Connie Stonerook
North Bass Island
Published in The Outdoor Journal, January 1985
A Writing
After a long winter, you look for your first ferry boat ride to your island, because you know
the magic is still there.
On a sunny day it starts with a 40 minute gentle, relaxing ferry boat ride. You doze or talk with the other passengers, and maybe feed the gulls that follow the ferry. Even with a rock & roll ferry ride, all is forgiven once you drive on to the island.
Debarking, you eye the scenery (as you drive to your cottages) to see what nature has done
& is doing to the island.
Is the grass long & green?
Is the eagles nest still there?
Are the docks in the marina?
Then it's "Hello House!"
You unload the car, activate the house,
then sit on your porch (or deck?),
Sip coffee & listen to the quiet -
Feel the magic!
Mr. Kay Dickerson
Middle Bass Island
Faces of Lake Erie
The lake has given us many inspirations,
for many years of island generations.
We have found treasures washed up from a roar,
and wondered how they reached the island shore.
Come spring, the water is clear and cold.
Summer ripples bring warmth and sun of gold.
The autumn waves forces us into port,
and northern wind freezes the water for winter sport.
The wind can push the waves into a stew.
We stand on land and watch the view.
The breezes can calm the water to a still.
Then we can go back out, and do as we will.
But don't challenge the lake, don't give it a reason,
it can always change waters, no matter what season
We can enjoy the lake at all it's best,
and when it is at it's worst, give it a rest.
Mary Stonerook
North Bass Island
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