Hard Water High: Mark Martin’s Ice Fishing Vacation School Returns to Mullett Lake
Before the sun rises, students and instructors waste no time getting ready for the morning bite.
Having been in outdoor media for over a decade, some of the conversations are ones I have had multiple times. One in particular is answering a question along the lines of “what is this fishing vacation school you share about?” Having been to several, I am thrilled to explain not only the experience, but also the greater value of angling education and instruction.
While the word vacation is in the title, it’s a little misleading. Yes, it is a great time people look forward to throughout the year, but the terms like apprenticeship or boot camp would probably be more accurate. Mark Martin’s Fishing Vacation School is not simply about having captains and industry professionals in the boat with you. It is a four day accelerated course on enhancing skills on the ice or open water.
Mark Martin (Left) and Andrew Hendrickson (Right) are both licensed captains who care a tremendous amount about ice fishing and angling education. Both work hard to make sure that students graduate and go on to carry confidence and understanding.
The concept of a fishing school began over forty years ago by the hands of freshwater fishing hall of fame anglers and walleye pioneers, Al Lindner and Gary Roach. After several years of being an instructor, Mark Martin was given the program to take over and has been successful ever since. When it comes to hands-on fishing education, this school is the longest-running and most successful program of its kind. Fishing Vacation School was created so that those who are serious about their business can learn by taking an accelerated course on whatever it may be with walleye fishing.
Gary Burch has attended multiple Ice Fishing Schools and has become quite the skilled angler, especially doing what he loves in the winter.
The alumni network of anglers who’ve participated in the fishing school program has a proud reputation of taking and making anglers into highly skilled artists of the craft. This kind of experience where people can learn and practice firsthand while having a licensed captain and professional as a mentor is truly a special opportunity. Highlight a former student, Gary Burch is now an instructor with the program. He is a respected angler and has a reputation of being a highly skilled walleye angler on some of the most challenging inland lakes from metro Detroit to northern Michigan.
There can be a hundred ways to catch a fish, but a thousand ways to do it wrong. The mission and overall objective is so that students leave having not only the knowledge, but the confidence to apply their understanding and critical thinking skills to consider.
Camaraderie is one of the best parts of ice fishing. Safety and preparation are main topics discussed on the first day before going out.
Decades of fishing experience from far and wide has contributed to share and develop products with this knowledge. What can be learned at a program like this are not new magic baits hot off the shelves, they are considerations for captains and anglers alike to keep as a trick up their sleeve. It could be something easily overlooked like tipping bait onto a hook, practical advice on securing gear in a sled for a snowmobile ride, or situational awareness for safety. Prime example of the old saying “the little things can mean the most.”
In the past, locations of the ice fishing school have taken place on Houghton Lake, Lake Cadillac, Mullett Lake, Saginaw Bay, Lake Missaukee, and Lake Gogebic. There is also an open water program that takes place during June for those wanting to learn Saginaw Bay. All of these systems are large and elaborate. Where does a greenhorn start and carry it out in a safe way? Like learning a trade, you can learn almost anything you want on the internet, but if you want to be really good at it, direct instruction under supervision and guidance goes a lot further and faster.
Mullet Lake is a dynamic fishery with many different species. Left: Jess Von Rox shows off her first ever burbot- and it is a big one, too! Right: Jeff Kissel with a tasty whitefish. Some great catches to learn from!
“No matter your skill level or years of fishing anyone would benefit greatly from the school as long as they can set their ego aside and be open minded. Whether a novice or experienced angler, there is a ton of knowledge to be gained by taking the school and there is no value that can be put on that! ”
Chris Carroll, a happy student, beams with pride in accomplishment with his mixed bag bounty from Mullett Lake. awesome work, sir!
Chris Carroll is an outdoor enthusiast from West Michigan who was in attendance as a media correspondent. He assists with The Walleye Files podcast, hosted by NWT angler, Brandon Ruffolo. To learn more and listen, click here.
The most recent ice fishing school had taken place on Mullett Lake in Cheboygan, Michigan. For those who are not familiar, it is the fifth largest inland lake in Michigan. At approximately 17,000 acres and a maximum depth around 148’, Mullet Lake is a versatile fishery offering a broad range of species and techniques to master. From deep-dwelling cold-water fish like burbot, whitefish, and trout, to gamefish such as pike, walleye, and perch, the lake provides great potential for student anglers to learn that brings the school back to this location..
Carole Yeck, Executive Director, Cheboygan Area Visitors Bureau shares:
“The Mark Martin Ice Fishing School has become a valued winter tradition on Mullett Lake and a meaningful part of Cheboygan’s outdoor history. Each year, the school brings anglers to our community to experience not only exceptional fishing, but the hospitality and heart of our hometown. Beyond the economic impact for our local businesses, this program helps preserve and pass on a true passion for fishing in our inland lakes. It strengthens our outdoor heritage, honors our natural resources, and inspires the next generation of anglers to respect and protect the waters that define Northern Michigan. We are proud to host this prestigious school and grateful for the role it plays in celebrating both our fishery and our community.”— Carole Yeck, Executive Director, Cheboygan Area Visitors Bureau
Big smiles for some big fish!
Experience is often the best teacher. The water is a vast, beautiful, and sometimes unforgiving classroom. While YouTube and Facebook can show you the gear and tips, it takes a mentor to explain deeper understanding. Mark Martin’s Fishing Vacation School remains the gold standard for hands-on education because it respects the 'little things' that make a big difference. A poll of graduates will agree that participating in this program not only expanded their skills, but gave them the confidence to apply their knowledge in finding fish and seeking adventure.
Be sure to check out Mark Martin Fishing on Facebook or fishingvacationschool.com for future dates and opportunities.
All photos and materials have been used with expressed permission from the Cheboygan Area Visitors Bureau , Mark Martin Fishing, and Jess Von Rox.