The Boothbay Region Fish & Game Association will hold its second annual Kids’ Ice Fishing Derby on Wiley Pond from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 21, at the club property on Dover Road in Boothbay.

Wiley Pond has again this year been opened by the state for kids-only (under 16) ice fishing for the month of February. The Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife stocked the pond with extra brook trout, including some that are larger than normally stocked, this past fall, just for ice fishing. Opening day, Feb. 1, saw lots of folks out on the ice, with plenty of fish caught.

The derby will be open to the public, and the club gate will be open so that participants can drive up onto the club grounds adjacent to the pond. The club house will be heated and open for all, with hot beverages and food available. There is no entry fee, but kids (or their parents) need to sign up the morning of the derby at the club house, or beforehand at Oak Street Provisions in Boothbay Harbor, where ice fishing tackle is available.

IF&W rules allow a maximum of two traps or fishing rods per child. No finfish (shiners, smelts, etc.) will be allowed as bait during the derby, but worms and artificial lures are permitted. Only two trout per child per day may be legally retained.

The club will encourage catch and release during the event, and member volunteers will come around to measure and record any fish that are to be released. Released fish have the same opportunity for winning prizes as fish that are retained.

Cash prizes of $50, $25, $10, $10, and $10 will be awarded respectively for the five largest (longest overall length) brook trout caught. The awards ceremony will be held in the club house at 2 p.m. In case of inclement weather, the derby will be held the following day, Sunday, Feb. 22.

For more information, contact Barry Gibson at 207-633-5929, or email barrygibson6@aol.com.