PAULATUK - Paulatuk Grade 8 student Georgina Wolki said her favourite part of school is using computers.

But on April 20, she enjoyed something a little more traditional.

Paulatuk student Georgina Wolki proudly holds a heavy fish, while Dustin Gordon-Ruben smiles for the camera. Students from Angik school recently went ice fishing at Thrasher Lake, as part of an educational field trip. - photo courtesy of Jessica Schmidt/Angik school

She was one of 24 students who travelled to Thrasher Lake as part of a fishing trip, and happened upon the day's biggest catch.

"It feels good," she said over the telephone May 8, adding her mom and dad often go fishing as well.

Angik school teacher Jessica Schmidt said the trip was quite popular.

She said seven teachers and five guides accompanied the students, who travelled by snowmobile to reach their ice fishing spot.

"It's just an opportunity for them to do what their families do and learn about their culture and their history. Most of the family members in this community actually do fish, so this is their chance to get out there and actually do it," Schmidt said.

And of course, it was also a good way to build school spirit.

"When the fish started biting, everyone was screaming, seeing who caught what," Schmidt said with a laugh, adding plans are underway for future trips.

Wolki said she brought her catch home, where it was promptly eaten.

And while she does have some experience on the land -- family fishing trips and the like ---- you might call her success beginner's luck.

"It was just a plain hook, I didn't even have any bait," she said.