02/11/2024
Doug Duke, a fisherman and owner of Offshore Igloos Ice Fishing Adventure, looks out onto the thin, broken ice covering Burt Lake Friday, February 9, 2024. At this time last year, loyal clients would be out on the ice in the seven offshore igloos Duke has constructed himself for comfortable, convenient ice fishing. A minimum of eight inches of ice is necessary to safely support the trailers-turned-cabins, and this season’s mild temperatures have resulted in a barely there, thin layer of ice that Duke won’t even step foot on. For the first year ever, he has canceled all bookings.
The seasonal business is passion project for him that is constantly evolving. Since the pandemic, Duke has been building and improving these tricked out shanties. Solar panels offer electricity and heat among other amenities including a sink, stove, maximum eight person capacity, and even a television. For those committed fishermen, holes in the floor allow for fishing directly from the bunks. Some clients come with less experience. Seeing children use their first fishing poles or new anglers make their first catch is one of the highlights of the business, Duke said.
With many customers returning annually, Duke has missed the opportunity to reconnect with people that have become like extended family to him. Missing out on these interactions has been one of the hardest parts of the mild winter.
Innovation and a commitment to the customer experience has set him apart from other ice fishing experiences. But the seasonal, outdoor recreation business is unpredictable, and Duke has realized that he must adapt and pivot his adventure experience to survive. Instead of catering to his customers this winter, Duke will be focused on improving his igloos and thinking about new ways to bring people and fishing together.
In a season where winter events across northern Michigan have been cancelled, changed, or rescheduled, the future of winter recreation is uncertain. For Duke and his counterparts, adaptability will be crucial to success.
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