The Boothbay Region Fish & Game Association’s annual Kids’ Ice Fishing Derby was held on Wily Pond on Saturday, Feb. 16, and the weather and the fish were more than cooperative.

Seventy-seven kids under the age of 16 and some 50 adults – the largest number ever -- turned out for the event. Skies were clear, the sun was shining, and light winds with temperatures in the mid-30s made for pleasant fishing conditions despite a very slushy-on-top -- but safe -- ice.

Approximately 100 brook trout were caught (with many released), and 27 were entered in the contest by the 2:00 pm deadline. First place, good for $100 cash and a beautiful trophy, went to Grady Gamage for a 15 ¼” fish. Second place, for $50 cash and a trophy, was won by Sammy Doucette for her trout, which also measured 15 ¼”. J.J. Pray finished third and received $25 cash and a trophy for his 15” fish, and Avery Barter came in fourth, good for $20 cash. Ryan Clark rounded out the pack with a fifth-place trout, also good for $20. Honorable mention went to Tim Clavette for entering the first fish of the contest, Madilyn Alley for entering the last fish, and Bryce Watson for the smallest trout measured in the derby.

After the fish awards were given out, Official Fish-Measurer Michelle Bryer drew door prize tickets, and every young contestant attending the ceremony at the clubhouse went home with a prize, ranging from rod and reel outfits to ice traps to bags of fishing tackle. Dean Brewer won the 50-50 raffle, and walked away with $50 in cash.

Kids and adults alike enjoyed free pizza, hot dogs, hot chocolate, venison stew, pulled pork, chili, desserts and soft drinks in the heated club house during the derby. Loaner ice traps, tackle, and bait were available to those who were new to the sport, and there were plenty of willing adults with ice augers to drill holes.

The club wishes to extend special thanks to those who contributed prizes and food, including Ames Supply, Big Al’s Super Values, Grover’s Hardware, T&D Variety, Steve Wood, Bobo at Hometown Convenience, Dan Williams, Dicky Bredeau, Dabney Lewis, Andy and Reese Davis, Sue Flaherty, Betty Blackman, and Paul Perry. Special thanks also to Fish & Game Club members Dennis Blackman, John Splaine, Ken Anderson, Timber Brown, and Michelle Bryer for all their contributions, and major kudos to Derby Director Martin Page for providing the trophies and for all his time and effort in putting together yet another successful Derby that went off without a hitch.

The Kids’ Ice Fishing Derby, which is free and open to all children under the age of 16, has become a popular winter event in the Boothbay Region and the club is planning to hold it again next February.