MADAWASKA LAKE, Maine — After two postponements, Mother Nature finally gave in and provided the beautiful day everyone hoped for to participate in the annual Youth Ice Fishing Day.
It is said that bad things happen in threes and this year was proof of that notion. With a storm landing on the original date, high winds on the rescheduled date that led to the total destruction of the kitchen tent, the annual event almost didn’t happen.
Luckily, the third time was the charm and 92 kids hit the ice on March 29 for the 10th annual Youth Ice Fishing Day. Sunny skies and temperatures in the mid 30s brought a large crowd out to enjoy some food, fishing and fun.
The event, sponsored by Northstar Variety and Sportsmen Inc., saw 75 lbs. of hamburgers and hot dogs served up to the hungry anglers and their chaperones, along with plenty of hot cocoa, cold beverages, chips and snacks. All the kids received a free ice fishing trap upon registration and were entered into drawings for various door prizes, such as jig poles and traps.
Although the fishing was a little slow, the kids were entertained with snowmobile tote rides, a bonfire and the anticipation of a “flag.”
Local wardens Ryan Fitzpatrick and Ed Christie handed out participation medals that proved to be a big hit with the kids. Smiling faces could be seen everywhere as people enjoyed the fresh air, sunshine and the company of friends and neighbors.
The winners for the largest fish caught were: first place, Landin Spooner of New Sweden, 14-1/2 inch trout; second, Lane Moir of Woodland, 14 inch trout; third, Emily Collins of Caribou, 10 inch trout; fourth, Maren Moir of Woodland, 8-1/2 inch trout; and fifth, Crystal Forbes of New Sweden, 6-1/2 inch perch.
The winner of the Otter Magnum Tote Raffle was Bill Roberts of Fort Fairfield. The winners of the “Ready to Fish” tip-up kit and jig poles were Ethan Edgecomb of New Sweden and Mario Picard of Caribou.
The event sponsors were thankful for all the local food and beverage vendors and all others who donated to the Youth Day.
