Photo by Samantha Davis: Lynd Public School eighth grade student Jacob Ibarra catches a fish while on an ice fishing field trip Wednesday morning at Island Lake near Russell.

RUSSELL — The fish were biting for Lynd Public School students Wednesday morning, who stepped out of the classroom and onto Island Lake near Russell for an ice fishing field trip for the second straight year.

Sixth, seventh and eighth-grade students were brought ice fishing by Lynd’s science teacher Martin Boucek along with the help of several parents and volunteers.

The class also did the same trip last winter on Rock Lake, but with the better weather conditions and less wind this year, a handful of the students were able to feel the excitement and share it with one another by catching a fish. Some students even caught a few.

“I’m having fun,” student Rowyn Luebke said. “This is my second time doing it (ice fishing), because I don’t do it besides school with Mr. Boucek.”

Axel Evans, another student, said he had already caught a pair of small perch within the first hour.

“It’s a lot better out here than in the classroom,” Evans said, laughing. “I would say (that I enjoy) just sitting here, and getting to be outdoors.”

The class was out on the lake for a two-hour fishing trip, and Boucek said the class finished the day with about two dozen fish caught between perch and bullheads.

The students were quick to get out on the ice, drill their holes and get started.

“They all look like pros,” Boucek said. “They were definitely excited to go, overwhelmingly.”

Boucek also added that it’s been nice to see the student’s knowledge and confidence grow after doing the trip last year, as he also sees in other seasonal activities the class does.

When Wednesday’s promising weather came around after a winter where Boucek wasn’t sure if they’d be able to make it out this year, he noted that parents and community members were graciously quick to agree and offer time to volunteer to make the field trip possible to help assist with equipment, drilling and chaperoning.

Boucek noted his thankfulness to the Cabela’s Outdoor Fund as well, which also supported the field trip.

As the students were spread out throughout the lake and fish continued to bite on the lines, a friendly competition among peers began as students yelled from their separate ice holes checking in with one another on if they were getting any nibbles.

“It’s crazy because everybody else has caught one around me, but I havent caught anything yet,” Luebke said, also sporting a laugh.

Evans said he’s been out ice fishing a handful of times, and enjoys his time out on the ice.

“Usually, I have better luck with blue hooks, rather than the orange and yellow,” Evans said.

Evans and Luebke were also recent winners of winter suits donated by Striker after performing well in Minnesota Environmental trivia, Boucek noted. The duo both acknowledged that they were being kept warm and comfortable outside in the suits.

As the class carried on throughout their fishing adventure, students continued to cast their lines, help one another and wait for a bite to come their way.