Young and old learn the ropes at ice fishing class

Participants in Beginning Ice Fishing at Cedar Lake Farm Regional Park Sunday, Feb. 10, were met with snow and some slush, but the elements didn’t stop them from trying their hand at the winter sport. Those attending the event north of New Prague began at the park and then migrated to a spot on Cedar Lake.

Scott County, in partnership with Three Rivers Park District held the event. The storm that blew through the area did cut down on the number of people attending. Eleven people of the 25 originally scheduled did attend. People from the area shared temporary ice fishing houses as they tried their luck at fishing. There were also demonstrations on the equipment, an underwater camera, lures used and bait.

"You want to keep the tip of the pole over the middle of it," instructor Jennifer Plaster told participant Sharon Brown as she held her line over a hole.

The group caught three crappies, which became four as Adrienne Grossmann of Lonsdale later landed one. She was with her husband Scott and their children Samantha and Bradley.