Triggering The Excitement of Winter Spearing
PASSING ON THE TRADITION TO THE NEXT GENERATION
BY VIVIAN LAMOORE, INAAJIMOWIN EDITOR
What if you were thinking of trying your hand at winter spear fishing, but then thought you did not want to be cold, you had no equipment, and really did not know how to spear a fish or what the regulations are? The Mille Lacs Band Department of Natural Resources has begun a new program aimed at eliminating some of those variables that may be holding beginners from trying traditional spear fishing. The program is also meant for those who already know how to spear, but lack the equipment to do so. The winter spearing program is now being offered to Band members, giving them easy access to fully operational spear houses complete with heat and pre-cut holes. While the program was initially to focus on making spear fishing available for Elders and children, it is available at no cost for all Band members.
The DNR currently has three single-hole spear houses and two double hole spear houses available for Band members. All you need to do is call the DNR to reserve a house. When you have your reservation ready, DNR staff will be happy to prepare the house ahead of your arrival.
Fisheries biologist Keith Wiggins and Fishery Technician Harvey Goodsky have been working on setting up the program for months and it is now available for all Band members. The DNR was able to obtain five spear houses formerly belonging to Eddie’s that were no longer being used. A little work was put into repairs and a fresh coat of black paint on the inside was just about all it took. Black paint is used to keep the spear house dark on the inside to minimize the glare of any movement inside the house that may startle the fish as they swim by.
Keith and Harvey can even give you a ride out to the spear house if you need a lift. They will get you set up, let you have some fun, and hopefully, spear a fish!
If you have not ever tried spearing before, Keith and Harvey are more than willing to help teach you how.
“I love introducing people to fishing, whether it is in open water or hard water,” Keith said. “I myself am always learning, and I love teaching people what I know. The coolest thing about spearing is you can see so much of what goes on under water and under the ice. You can get mesmerized looking through that hole watching for a fish to swim by.”
Harvey Goodsky and Keith Wiggins are happy to begin the wintespearing season at the DNR spear houses. All Band members are encouraged to give it a try.
Keith said the most important part of winter spearing is to “just get out here. Any time you can be out here is a blessing.”
Harvey agrees. He added that getting out there to try it is the first step. The best part is watching what happens next after a first-time fishing experience. “Then you are hooked. It happened to my kids,” he said.
Harvey explained he brought his two boys, ages 13 and 11, out for a day of winter fishing on the lake. This particular day, they were not spearing; they wanted to try fishing with a rod and reel first, before they tried spearing. At first, the idea of fishing on a frozen lake was not all that interesting for the boys, who continued to play with their “Switch” game while in the car on their way. They hardly looked up from the glowing screen of the hand-held video game. But Harvey was intent on the boys at least giving fishing a try.
The boys were a not all that excited and perhaps a bit hesitant to even walk on the ice. After a bit of coaching from Dad, they began the day in a warm house. Soon the boys settled in and began the traditional of watching the hole for any action. After quite some time, Harvey suggested they leave for the day. “I told them we had been out there three hours,” Harvey said. He wasn’t expecting what happened next.
“They were like, ‘What? It doesn’t even feel like three hours! Can we just stay for one more? Please?’ I just couldn’t believe it. They were hooked.” Harvey said. “That is what it is all about for me. I want to pass this on to the next generation. That is super important.”
The boys caught only one small fish, and by the time it was cleaned and cooked, “It was only enough for a sandwich,” Harvey said, laughing.
“But they were so thrilled to have caught a fish, cleaned it, cooked it and ate it. We talked about where food comes from and all that we really need is provided for outdoors. The manidoo have provided food for us to eat. And the boys talked about how cool it was to eat food that they were able to get for themselves, and their excitement was building. That is what needs to be triggered,” Harvey said. “All the way home they never even picked up their Switch again. They just kept talking about fishing and different lures and when can they do it again. That was the coolest part. And I got to watch it with my own eyes. It was cool.”
Ketih said that is the goal: to introduce as many Band members — especially kids — to spearing. “We want to make sure we pass this on for generations to come.”
The houses are easily accessible for Elders as well as kids. “We will bring you out here and help you every step of the way if you want help. Otherwise, we will come out here and get you all set up and let you just fish on your own.”
The Woodlands Fire Crew guys take care of the ice roads, making sure they are plowed to make access to the houses easy. DNR staff will make sure to open the houses, open the holes, and turn the heat on for Band members who have reserved a house. They also supply the spears that are a weight-forward spear weighing about 15 pounds each with a rope attached with a writ strap. Lures are available if needed. Those who prefer to fish with live bait must supply their own, but the DNR has bait harnesses available for those who may need them.
"The DNR is proud to offer this cultural spearing experience to Band members. Our staff here worked hard to make this happen, and truly enjoy providing these opportunities. Come on out and spear some fish!" said Kelly Applegate, Commissioner of the DNR.
Keith Wiggins, DNR Fisheries biologist watching his decoy as he attempts to lure potential fish into the area.
“Making sure we can get Elders out here who want to spear is just as important as teaching kids to spear,” Keith said. “If we are able to set people up in a warm, fully equipped spear house, that takes some of the pressure off people so all they have to do is come out and fish. Whether they are able to spear one is not the main goal. Just being out here. I can practically guarantee, once they try it, they will love it.”
But dress warm. Even though the spear houses have heaters that can bring the inside temperature to 50 to 60 degrees, it is still advisable to dress as though you will be outdoors. A warm outer layer including a coat and snow pants, boots, hat, and gloves are highly recommended.
And remember to bring your own tobacco.
Spear houses will be available through the DNR offices pending the ceremonial blessing. The ceremony will show respect to the Manidoog in the lake and thank the Creator for all that's here for us as Anishinabe. To reserve a spear house, please contact Leroy Day at 320-532-7896.