Former Wakefield woman launches ice fishing project

BAUDETTE, Minn. — The Women Ice Angler Project, headed by Wakefield graduate Barb Carey, is a wrap from Cyrus Resort on Lake of the Woods, near Baudette.

Gathering photos of women in the sport of ice fishing, the ladies carried the message that the sport is definitely for gals to enjoy.

Eater-sized walleyes and saugers provided great meals and a trophy pike (successfully released) topped off the experience.

“If we can encourage new women to try this sport, and at the same time raise the bar and mentor women who already love ice fishing. but would like to take their passion to the next level, then we’ve succeeded,” Carey, of Oxford, Wis., said.

She’s the founder of WI Women Fish and organizer of the Women Ice Angler Project.

An additional goal of the project is to provide quality ice fishing photos showcasing women for tourism and product promotions.

Award-winning photographer Hannah Stonehouse Hudson, of Stonehouse Photography, is part of why sponsors sign on. “The colder it is, the happier I am,” Hudson said.

Cyrus Resort, a woman-owned lodge for year-round enjoyment on Lake of the Woods, hosted the event. “We were very happy to have this project here and the fishing was great,” owner Lori Vinje said.

Outdoor First Media filmed the event. For videos and other information, visit IceFishingFIRST.com.

—Ralph Ansami