GLADSTONE, Mich. (WZMQ) – Ice fishing season is quickly approaching for the Upper Peninsula. A new event in Gladstone aims to help women be successful and safe on the bay.
“I ice fish out here on Little Bay de Noc quite a bit,” said fishing guide Corie Berrigan of Fishing 4All Seasons. “Most of the time, I just see guys out there. There’s nothing wrong with that at all, but I think some women tend to be more intimidated to just grab the equipment and go out there on their own.”
Berigan is collaborating with Blade’s Bait & Tackle and the U.P. Ice Fishing and Hunting Expo to launch a Women’s Ice Fishing Clinic on Saturday, December 28.
“I love to help, I love to teach, and I think helping women is a great way to support the community and just get more people out there,” Berrigan said.
The clinic will start at Blade’s Bait & Tackle at 8 a.m. There, instructors will cover topics ranging from safety preparations to reeling in a catch.
“We’ll go through basic gear that you need to get started,” said Berrigan. “We’ll talk about dressing—float suits, base layers, and what you need to be prepared for cold weather. We’ll also go through some basic knots, how to get your rods set up, what lures to use. Hopefully, we’ll have enough ice and we can head down the road to the Kipling landing, and then we can go out there on the ice.”
The itinerary includes something for anglers of every skill level.
“Some of the more experienced ones might find some things they might know,” Berrigan said. “I would ask them if they think they can help somebody that’s newer, please do. Everybody’s welcome–anybody that never has been on the ice before, even new to fishing in general. If this is something you’ve always wanted to do, this is a great place to start.”
Berrigan says whether you are looking to learn a new skill or meet like-minded individuals, the Women’s Ice Fishing Clinic is sure to be a great day on the ice.
“It’s fun fishing with different people and seeing how somebody else does something,” she said. “That’s one thing about fishing—nobody knows it all. There’s always something new to learn.”
While the clinic is free, attendees are asked to register in advance by clicking here. They are also required to possess a Michigan fishing license. For more information, including a list of instructors, click here.
