Ice fishermen enjoy one last excursion this winter

Double checking the bee moth on his ice jig, Scott Thompson of Rockville enjoys an afternoon of ice fishing Saturday on Leon Tippin's pond east of Bainbridge. With weather turning warmer this weekend, Thompson and his father Lee knew they were likely out for the last time this winter. (Photo by JARED JERNAGAN)

BAINBRIDGE -- A Rockville ice fisherman couldn't make it north for his favorite sport this winter.

Instead, the ice came to him.

Scott Thompson, who enjoys winter trips to places like Michigan or Minnesota to fish for walleye, pike and crappie, said his normal plans didn't work out this year.

A cold late-winter snap and the purchase of some quality gear made it possible for Thompson to instead enjoy his own ice fishing camp in Putnam County in recent days.

Setting up shop on Leon Tippin's pond just east of Bainbridge, Thompson spent Thursday and Friday pulling bluegill and crappie from the frigid waters.

But this wasn't your typical situation of drilling a hole in the ice and sitting on a bucket in the open air, Thompson visited Gander Mountain recently, purchasing an ice fishing tent and outfitting his camp with a small propane heater, a propane griddle, ice fishing supplies, a mat to keep his feet warm and even a cot.

The plan was for Thompson to spend the night out on the ice on Friday.

Thompson said Tippin was surprised when he learned his guest planned to camp out on the pond.

The tent also makes it possible for Thompson to pass his love on to the next generation.

"My kids wanted to go and when it's real super cold, it's nice the be able to take the kids," he said.

Although 10 inches of ice remained in place on Friday, the situation is likely to change quickly over the weekend. With project highs in the 40s on Saturday and Sunday, ice fishing season may be all but over in central Indiana.

"The weather's going to be warming up in a couple of days, so this is my last shot," Thompson said.

Taking full advantage of that last shot, Thompson also had his father Lee come around on Thursday and Friday evening. With the most bites coming around sunset, father and son had the chance to enjoy each other's company and the day's best fishing.

"We've been ice fishing for years and years," Lee said, admitting that his son loves it even more than he does.

"As busy as our schedules are, it's hard to get together and do things as father and son," Scott added.

And so ice fishing it was, pulling fish after fish up through the ice. Even if the fish aren't biting, the middle of a frozen pond provides a unique spot to leave the tent and enjoy the serenity of nature and the night sky.

"I just love ice fishing. It's my favorite sport," Scott said. "I've used five vacation days so far this year to ice fish, but it's my favorite thing to do."