Ice Fishing Clinic draws the adventurous into Spencer Park

By Anne Eickstadt

ANNE EICKSTADT PHOTO Belvidere Republican
Gianna Roby, age 10, and Helena Roby, age 7 ½, are enjoying their ice fishing experience while Tod Todd (in blue) uses the Vex Box to spot fish.

Editor

The Coon Creek Casters held their annual Kids Ice Fishing Workshop at the Boone County Conservation District pond in Spencer Park, 603 N. Appleton Road the morning of Saturday, Feb. 16.

“We are a local group looking to give back to the community,” said Tod Todd. “We are holding this workshop for kids aged five to fifteen. Or younger. Or older. We want to give them an outdoor experience in the wintertime that they may not otherwise get.

“We provide everything else.

“Members of the Belvidere Fire Dept. have come out to demonstrate how they perform rescues through the ice.” The Boone County Sheriff’s Dept. supplied a couple of officers to play ‘drowning victim’ for the event.

“This event is the reason I come out here,” he said. “I am a professional ice fisher. I am sponsored by Clam and Vexilar. Vexilar has provided us with several fish finders. We call it a ‘Vex Box’.”

Boys and girls were eager to get out on the pond to catch fish. Moms and dads had their armloads or sleds of equipment. Everyone enjoyed using the Vex Boxes to spot the fish. “He’s swimming away from me,” said Helena Roby, age 7½.

“I guess he’s not hungry,” Todd replied.

“We do year round events for the community….

For complete article, pick up the Feb. 21 Belvidere Republican.