An ice fishing lesson for our changing climate in New York

An ice fishing lesson for our changing climate in New York

By Megan Zerez

Source: WSKG

3/14/2022

As warmer temperatures return to the Southern Tier, it’s a sign that ice fishing season is wrapping up. Before that happens, Department of Environmental Conservation biologist and self-proclaimed “fish nerd” Jim Everardt teaches his ice fishing class.

If you drive a little too fast, tiny Casterline Pond is easy to miss. It sits right between two very not-so-scenic landmarks: the Interstate and Route 11.

But the cars that whooshed by didn’t seem to bother Everardt or the dozen or so kids and adults at a DEC fishing class.

A lot of the people there said they’ve been fishing before … just not ice fishing. A few people admitted they’ve always been a little nervous about falling through the ice.

“That’s the problem with ice fishing, someone’s always got to be the brave one who goes out first,” Everardt said.

But he added that ice fishing is actually pretty safe.

“Of all the years I’ve been ice fishing, I’ve only like went through the ice once, really,” Everardt said.