Trying to get the pictures and details together. This one goes to Doc. This fish just about killed him. We were ice fishing on Strawberry. It was later afternoon and the sun had just fallen behind the tree line leaving that cold blue shadow over everything. Scott was taking a hike around the lake. I was taking comfort inside beside the fireplace. Doc was out on the ice about 30 yards from shore in front of his place.

The commotion outside caught my eye and I saw Doc running up to the house with a nice sized bass. It wasn’t an easy run up the hill in good weather. Ad a foot of snow, freezing temps, heavy boots and Carhartt's and you dramatically increase the cardio requirements.

Doc burst into the kitchen panting like he was about to pass out. He was barely able to sputter “Get my picture” as he handed me his camera. I took a few shots [that I hope he will send to me so I can post them here]. He staggered back out and jogged down to the hole in the ice to release the fish. Sometimes the effort involved in the Hatfish comes after the fish is caught.