In the outdoors community, traditions are important—often rooted in something far beyond the actual activity. For some, traditions are passed down from generation to generation. For others, they serve as an annual justification to simply get together. Consider this tale of friends who have developed a long-standing “excuse” to get together on an annual basis.

It all started with just four friends from high school and college, looking for a way to spend their spring break. They set their sights on something affordable—specifically, a “sleeper shack” on Lake of the Woods. With a Chevy Equinox packed to the gills, the group ventured north. For some, it was a first-time experience, while others were more seasoned in such activities. A group of friends from different backgrounds and upbringings, brought together by a shared love of ice fishing.

Fish were caught and fun was had. An annual tradition was born.

Throughout the years, friends new and old joined in on the occasion—most of whom moved on—but two additional individuals stuck around. In our busiest year, we saw a group of ten or so crammed into a cabin meant for far fewer. All in all, the core six have continued year after year.

We’ve stayed in everything from sleeper shacks and hotels to resorts and family cabins, as well as one season spent in a trailer house. In more recent years, we wised up and started renting VRBOs, which resulted in some pretty top-notch accommodations including shuffleboard tables, massage chairs and saunas.

In the early years, the focus revolved around the consumption of adult beverages nearly as much as it did around the actual fishing. As the years have passed, the number of adult beverages consumed has certainly dropped, while the number of fish catches has certainly gone up. One might argue there’s a bit of a correlation there.

With more than a decade of trips under our belts, we’ve done our best to try new bodies of water. Historically speaking, the group has preferred walleye fishing, and as a result, visited many of the major fish factories in Minnesota, like Leech, Winnibigoshish, Red, and Mille Lacs (a few times). In more recent years, we’ve explored some more diverse regions, like the Brainerd Lakes Area and Ottertail County—which have offered opportunities for everything from sight fishing trout to trophy panfish. If you were to ask each of us what our favorite trip was, I’m sure we’d all have a slightly different answer. Kabetogama, Vermilion and Ottertail would likely be at the top of the list.

Throughout the years, the members of our group have gone through a lot. There have been new careers, big moves, a number of marriages, and a whole pile of children. Like most friend groups, we’ve had our squabbles, yet we’ve always made a point to put our differences aside in respect for the tradition.

As our lives get busier and busier, we tend to see each other less and less—which only emphasizes the importance of the annual occasion. It can be difficult to plan around schedules.

Traditions are great. They’re part of what makes the outdoors so enjoyable. If you’ve got one, keep it going. If you don’t, I’d highly recommend starting one. It’s a great reason to get together with family and friends, and the perfect excuse for a fishing trip. It’s important to embrace them. And remember: It’s not just about the fishing.

Thinking of trying a new fishing destination this year? You’ll find plenty of suggestions in every issue of MidWest Outdoors, available by subscribing on our website.