EXCHANGE: Ice fishing enthusiasts tackle the winter blues

PEORIA, Ill. (AP) - When the mercury drops below zero and frosty wind whips up, it seems natural to retreat beneath a cozy blanket, situate near a heater and block out all thoughts of winter. That's not the case for ice fishers in the area.

Peorian Chris Vespa, who has been ice fishing for a long time, said despite the finger-numbing weather, ice fishing offers some of the best solace to break from the seasonal blues.

"It's nice when the wind's not howling at you," he said. "What I like about ice fishing during the winter is that everyone is trying to spend as little time as possible outside. You're not dressed for the weather in a suit and tie."

By trading the suit and tie he wears as an insurance agent for the fisherman uniform of coveralls and multiple sweatshirts, Vespa said the vicious wind just isn't so bad.

"When you're going ice fishing, you're dressed to be out there," Vespa said. "You're not uncomfortable sitting on ice on a bucket. It's kind of nice sitting outside and getting sunshine when you would be indoors."

Central Illinois is home to several popular ice fishing spots, including North Charter Oak Lake in Peoria, Camp Wokanda in Chillicothe and lakes Camelot and Lancelot in Mapleton. Bartonville's Presleys Outdoors, which started as South Side Worm Ranch in 1946, often welcomes ice fishers of all levels on their way up to Lake Camelot.

"This year with the longer winter, business has been better. The ice has been thicker," said Scott Klasing, an employee at Presleys.

Locals often call into Presleys to check on ice conditions, since employees go fishing frequently, including Klasing. Alongside a wide selection of lures, Presleys offers "good customer service and knowledge" to veteran and beginner fishers, Klasing said.

"Find a friend, or a friend of a friend to go with," is Klasing's advice for amateurs. "You need to make sure there's good ice, because if it's thin you'll fall through, simple as that."

Vespa agreed that thin ice is a major danger for fishers. Even if there are holes from other fishers on the lake, trust your instincts.

"I never go alone, I always go with a buddy," he said. "We're careful when we go. There are signs (about) the ice that tell you if it's a good idea."

And although Vespa said he hasn't had the chance to go fishing this year as much as he usually does, he still enjoys the "untapped" stretches of lake that others have forgone due to the biting cold.

"Ice fishing is all about getting outside when you're camped out inside and there's nothing else to do," he said.

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Source: (Peoria) Journal Star, http://bit.ly/1E9UJtY

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Information from: Journal Star, http://pjstar.com