November 21, 2002
Press Release

Women and Ice Fishing

On Ice Tour pro staff member Ineke Leer is featured on the cover of In-Fisherman’s Ice Fishing Guide and has become the first women ever on the cover of this major publication.   Traditionally ice fishing is thought of as a male sport, the decision to put a female on the cover of the In-Fisherman Ice Guide is proof that ice fishing is growing and enjoyed by everyone, not just “the guys”.

Ineke (pronounced Eenakuh) Leer loves the sport of ice fishing.

Neither three feet of ice nor raging blizzards have prevented Ineke from succeeding at a sport she has come to pursue with a passion unmatched by many of her male counterparts. As comfortable with an auger and a flasher finding fish as she is preparing a gourmet meal, Ineke sets a great example for modern women today who possess an interest in outdoor activities.

Ineke’s love for fishing began during her youth on Lake Zumbra near Minneapolis.  It continued to grow through her years of running resorts on Lake of the Woods, Lake Kabetogama and Leech Lake in northern Minnesota.  It was this time in the north woods that she and her husband Chip Leer found time to drop a line through the
ice now and then. Since her introduction to the sport of ice fishing in 1986 she has made angling a major portion of her life.  In fact, Ineke no longer waits for her husband, the professional fisherman, to take her fishing.

Ineke jumps at any opportunity to go fishing. On several occasions, Ineke has been pressed into duty as a guide. She has also become a valuable asset to the On-Ice Tour her husband founded along with Tommy Skarlis in 1998.

While her favorite species are perch and crappie where the action can be fast once it’s located, Ineke has been known to get just as excited over a walleye, northern pike, lake trout and eel pout.

Those who have shared a fishing shack or a sheet of ice with Ineke marvel at both her expertise and her persistence.

“She is just a peach, not only as a person, but as a real avid outdoorswoman,” says John Peterson, co-owner of Northland Fishing Tackle in Bemidji. “She’s got a great feel for fishing, and she’s serious about catching fish.

Ineke sticks with it. A lot of people become bored after an hour or two, but not her. Because of her tenacity, she ends up getting as many or more fish than a lot of guys I fish with.”

Ineke wants to help other women who might have cold feet when it comes to ice fishing.

“It’s not as difficult or as cold as some people want you to believe,” she notes. “If you keep a few things in mind and keep it simple, you can catch fish with little effort. There isn’t any reason why more women shouldn’t be out there fishing or enjoying the outdoors.”

Ineke Leer will be encouraging women to take a pro-active approach to the sport by making appearances at the On Ice Tour Promotional Trailer at various ice contests this winter and by holding “Ice Fishing Clinics for Women” at the St Paul Ice Fishing Show and the Madison Ice Fishing Show in December of 2002.  She will be working with youth at the On Ice Olympics during the Brainerd Jaycees Ice Extravaganza in January on Gull Lake in Brainerd, MN as well.  If someone is willing to listen, Ineke will offer support to the eager angler.  To find out where Ineke Leer and other pro-staff members will be making appearances look to the website www.onicetour.com for details.

If you are looking to learn more about the fast growing sport of ice fishing write; On Ice Tour, P.O. Box 517, Walker, MN 56484 for a free copy of the 2003 On Ice Annual publication or log on to the website www.onicetour.com.