Courtesy photo Participants of the recent Women’s Ice Fishing Clinic check out ice fishing gear. Many of the Facebook Group members have ideas for ice fishing meet-ups from Calumet, Indian Lake to Eastern U.P.

GLADSTONE — The recently held Women’s Ice Fishing Clinic went beyond expectations, organizers said.

“The amount of community support helping to promote this event was heartwarming and all around amazing the excitement it created. We had a strong team of Brittany Weirich, Kristin Ojaniemi, Lacy Bloedorn of Blade’s Bait and Tackle, Sarah Greenlund, Taylor Bosley, Tj Gramberg and myself Corie Berrigan,” Berrigan said.

All experienced ice anglers who are passionate about sharing their knowledge with participants. Organizers had to adjust their Saturday program a little since Mother Nature kept attendees off the ice. This did not take away from the ice fishing techniques taught and shared. Friday evening and Saturday morning were spent with Delta County Search & Rescue teaching ice safety. Then Saturday continued and rolled into what it takes to get into ice fishing, gear and various techniques from tip-ups to jigging.

“Yes, we’ll hold this clinic again next year turning this into an annual event hosted by Blade’s Bait and Tackle. And the energy from this event, had me set up ‘Upper Michigan Women Anglers’ a private and women’s only Facebook group for fishing women to ‘Network’ and connect, also promote the sport of fishing, education and fun,” Berrigan said. “We have many very experienced anglers in this group willing to help and offer advice year round. Also depending on ice conditions I have an idea to organize an ice fishing event on Munising Bay this year, hopefully late January but this all depends on ice conditions. Also many of the Facebook Group members have ideas for ice fishing meet-ups from Calumet, Indian Lake to eastern UP. Our wave is rolling across the area with members from all across the UP.” https://www.facebook.com/groups/608025838466133