A day on the ice

[This story was written by former Wareham Land Trust President Jim Munise for the Wareham Land Trust newsletter.]

For the first time in years, former Wareham Land Trust President Jim Munise found ice thick enough to go ice fishing locally. So he took advantage of this opportunity to fish on Agawam Mill Pond at Whitlock’s Landing.

According to Munise, the day was cold and bright but a little windy, so he tucked inside a cove to chisel holes and set traps. He added the bites were slow in coming but was awarded with a nice 3 lb pickerel which he returned to the water for another day. Above the ice he said he was also provided with the pleasure of watching a Bald Eagle soaring high above, content to see this majestic bird that not too long ago was a rarity.

On his way out, he said stopped to chat with a group that came in later and speaking with a woman angler she indicated they were there looking to catch some dinner.

It is no surprise they were there, he said. He explained the entire Agawam waterway is an outstanding warm fishery holding Bass, Pickerel, Perch, Black Crappie, Pan Fish, and other good table fare. Many state fishing awards have come out of the Agawam Fishery that starts in Plymouth at Halfway Pond, meanders through bogs before opening to Stumpy Pond. From there it spills out again as a river before becoming Glen Charlie Pond, Agawam Mill Pond, again a river, and finally joining the Wankinco river becoming the Wareham River.

In order to enjoy a day on the ice, he said some equipment is needed. Up to five ice traps and/or jigging rods, and an ice scoop for clearing the holes. Munise also recommends an auger or chisel to cut through the ice, bait, cloths to dry your hands, a sled to pull your gear out on the ice and some food and drink to keep the furnace burning. He added it is important to dress appropriate for staying warm — nobody wants to ruin a good day on the ice by becoming chilled.

Staying safe is important too. He said ice anglers generally know when the ice is safe and what areas are less so because of currents or winds keeping areas from freezing in uniformity with the greater water body. He added officials generally consider 4 inches or more of ice for a person to be safe to enter upon a frozen freshwater pond or lake.

He said he remember years ago when the Agapine Community Association reached out to the Wareham Land Trust asking if the land trust would be interested and purchasing a property on Glen Charlie Road that they owned and no longer needed. After discussion, it was decided the land trust agree to purchase this property as it had room for parking and provided public access to the Agawam Mill Pond for kayaking, fishing, and other recreation. This property is what became Whitlock's Landing.