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George Gavern, Scranton, returns a fish through the ice Jan. 6 after deciding it is a bit too small to keep.

Abington Journal/ Jim Gavenus

Brody, 6 and Anna, 4, Mcgreevy sled on the new snow Sunday, Jan. 9 at Lackawanna State park.

Abington Journal/ Samuel Stahller

Thursday, Jan. 6 was a good day for fishing at Lackawanna State Park.

Abington Journal/ Jim Gavenus

A skater uses the ice at Lackawanna State Park for hockey Jan. 9.

It’s not uncommon for a person to spend a few hours, or even a day, out on a lake waiting for the fish to bite.

What is a little more uncommon, however, is when that lake is frozen about six inches deep and temperatures are well below freezing.

For ice fishermen, the season is in full swing. On many local lakes you’ll find sportsmen clothed in heavy winter coats, warm gloves and ski masks, braving the elements for the chance to dip their lines in the waters.

Paul Rehm of Etters and George Gavern and Mike Holmes of Scranton spend as much time at Lackawanna State Park, Dalton, this time of year as possible.

Rehm said he takes a week off of work every year to go ice fishing.

“I’ve been here all day,” Rehm said. “And I’ll be here all day tomorrow even in the snow. The snow makes them bite better. I’m not sure why, but when it snows the fish are biting.”

Rehm said one of the exciting and odd things about ice fishing is that you and the person five feet away can have completely different results.

“He can be catching 50 fish right there and I’m not getting anything over here. That’s just the way it is,” Rehm said. “And if you don’t have a fish finder, you might as well stay home.”

Rehm added that this is the only time of year he eats fish. He believes the fish are less polluted in the winter, therefore taste better once cooked. His group was going after what the men called “pan fish,” which consisted mostly of Bluegills. Other fish that are common include Crappie, Perch and Trout.

Holmes said that ice fishing was a hobby he picked up as a child. The men all agreed that you have to have a lot of fun in the sport.

He also gave the tip of leaving your watch at home.

“The biggest thing about fishing, is that you have to have patience,” Holmes said.

Bob Lucchi of Scranton said that he’s been ice fishing for about 25 years, but got serious about the sport about four years ago.

“You get out as often as you can, whether it’s two or three hours in the morning or in the afternoon,” Lucchi said. “It’s all about the excitement – you never know what’s under that ice.”

Lucchi prefers going after the larger fish, such as Pickerel and Bass.

“And you always cross your fingers for that legal Muskie (Muskellunge),” he added.

Lucchi said the winter sport is more than about the catch, however. He also enjoys ice fishing because it gives him an excuse to spend some time on a beautiful lake surrounded by winter scenery.

Greg Menichini of White Haven agreed that the peace and quiet is just as rewarding as the catch – or lack thereof, for that matter. He’s been ice fishing for about 25 years, but has been fishing in general for even longer.

“It’s just really nice to be out here. It’s relaxing. Look at what we’re surrounded by, it doesn’t get much better than that.” Menichini said.

Marty Dunay of Clarks Summit said that when it snows, he does his best to make it out to a lake for ice fishing.

The catch is always better with a little winter precipitation.

“The fish seem to go crazy when it snows, so I try and always make it a point to make it out when there’s snow in the forecast,” Dunay said.

“You know, I’ve heard them say that when the barometer drops that the fish get agitated and don’t bite as often,” Menichini added. “But, I swear to you, when it’s snowing, those fish are biting.”

Ray Echalk of Old Forge – the clear veteran of the group that also consisted of Menichini and Dunay – has been enjoying ice fishing each winter for about 55 years.

It was clear that Echalk was no beginner, considering the sizable catch of Bluegills he had on the ice next to him.

“The Bluegills are fun to catch. My main goal today is to catch some fish because my daughter, who’s getting married soon, wants to have a fish fry,” Echalk said.

Echalk said he makes time for ice fishing just about every day, as long as his wife doesn’t have any chores for him around the house.

“I just like being out here,” he said. “To me, it’s not a sport – it’s an obsession.”