Close to 100 people showed up at Canadarago Lake to learn a thing or two about ice fishing. The D.E.C. and New York State Parks held a free clinic to get new anglers into the basics, but the overall objective was much simpler. Y State Parks Natural Resource Steward Biologist Tom Hughes explains.

"The takeaway is first and foremost a good time, and for many they’re first-timers, so it’s the intro to ice fishing and the fact that there’s something really cool….literally to do in the wintertime, and hopefully they’ll get some experience so that they can go out and do it on their own."

D.E.C Biologist Scott Wells brought along a fish finder, which worked more like a magnet for drawing in kids, but he did explain the basic concept of how it works.

"Well this is just another tool for ice fisherman. It takes the guesswork out of it. It sends soundwaves down and bounces off the bottom and comes back up so we can see exactly where the jig is. The cone down there spreads out so any fish that are coming into the field of view will show up on here (the screen)."

In addition to having fun, these kids were learning about what it takes to be a successful ice fisherman. Roseboom Ice Fisherman Curtis Shaffer learned about hypothermia concepts. 

"You should wear a lot of layers and be warm and stay out of wet and coldness."

Schoharie Ice Fisherman Noah Dutcher went for technique.

"I like to jig em’ right above the bottom, and then wait until they come and bite."

It was the fish finder that kept the attention of Roseboom Ice Fisherman Caden Laymon.

"It sends out a signal of sound waves and brings back if there’s any fish on the bottom, and it has your lure down there, it shows it."

The D.E.C. will be hosting another fishing event from 10-3pm at Lawson Lake, which is out toward Albany, so don’t miss your chance to spend a little time with your kids, and maybe get into some decent fish.