Ice fishing is a popular passtime in northern Saskatchewan, but it can be too costly for some families. (Photo 38821440 © (null) (null) | Dreamstime.com)

By Derek Cornet

recreation

Ice fishing rentals now available in La Ronge

Jan 8, 2024 | 5:04 PM

A La Ronge entrepreneur known for his expertise of the outdoors has launched an ice fishing rental company.

“Ice fishing is something that costs about $1,200 if you are looking to go out and do it comfortably,” said businessperson Matthew Maurer.

“If you’re buying a shelter, a heater, an auger, fishing rods, tip ups, seating, hooks, everything. There’s lots that goes into a person being able to do it and not everybody does it a lot, so it doesn’t seem like a good investment for most people, so I figured it is a good idea to provide a way for people to rent these items, then they can afford to do it. They can do it once or twice a year and not have to make a big investment just to find out they are not doing it enough.”

Maurer operates the company through a website called icefishingrentals.ca. There, the public can purchase several packages targeting groups, partners or a package of basic necessities.

The new endeavour Maurer has launched is being done through his recreation focused company NorthSask Eco-Adventures aimed at providing more opportunities for visitors and residents of La Ronge.

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Maurer explained he has other ideas he’d like to pursue to promote the area like bird watching along the Heritage Trail, a possible ice sculpting contest, as well as outdoor education.

Matthew Maurer has led many outdoor recreation opportunities in recent years. (submitted photo/Matthew Maurer)

“One of the outdoor education aspects I am looking at right now is doing a bear awareness training, so getting people familiar in how to manage encounters with bears, and then also being able to properly disperse bear spray and the use of a bear banger,” he said.

“I am open to suggestions, so if anybody ever has any ideas on what they would like to see in the community, something that doesn’t exist, something that used to exist maybe. I am open to suggestions for bringing more opportunities to the community.”

In 2023, Maurer offered many outdoor opportunities in the area such as guided trail walks, learn-to-canoe workshops, as well as volunteered with Men of the North to organize the Haunted Trail before Halloween.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com