Not sure what we do to deserve such luck from the Weather Gods but we’ll take it! Low winds and warmer temps than we’ve had in a month graced us when we hit the ice to setup. We assembled our registration area and were soon bombarded by eager participants. The participants arrived to find Timbits and Coffee waiting for them courtesy of Bennett’s Baitntackle.
We had a larger turnout than the year before which was great to see. Also great to see lots of kids out as well as wives and girlfriends. The “Free” fishing weekend also allowed for a few folks that had never ice fished before to take part!
The hourly winners took home a big bag of loot provided by HT Enterprises and Shimano. The support of these companies is what makes our job so much easier.
The 12 O’clock hour was won by Dave Olsen with a 12 1/8th inch Perch.
The 1 O’clock hour was taken by Gabrielle Rauche with a 11 3/4 inch Perch.
The 2 O’clock hour was taken by Justin Pierce. This young fella brought in a fish every hour to be measured!
The 3 O’clock hour was won by Martin Ethier. Martin had never ice fished before, let alone used a Vexilar. We set him up with a unit to play with and off he went. He plucked fish all day and bumped into an 11 inch Perch to win the hour.
The final hour was taken by Anthony Beaucaire Cameron with a 11 1/2 inch Crappie.
A few more pics of folks out enjoying the day, including Doug Catton with a bonus Whitefish!
Wayne Riley in search mode, I think he was actaully looking for Mossy’s sausages rather than fish!
Carl Liscumb with a biggun!
Garry Fisher from Big Bass Challenge with a contender that was bumped at the last minute.
Sherry Chambers just chillin’ out fishin’.
We assembled at days end to draw for the raffle prizes and announce a total of money raised for the Kelly Shires Breast Cancer Foundation. In excess of $3000 was raised through the event and private donations beforehand. Awesome.
These events are work, but fun work. The support from the companies that support us and most of all the folks that take their time to attend we will forever be grateful for. See ya next year!
