ISLAND FALLS, Maine – The Island Falls Lakes Association will sponsor its fourth annual fishing derby on Saturday, July 9, from 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The headquarters for the derby will be the Snowmobile Club on U.S. Route 2 in Island Falls. The bodies of water for the derby are Pleasant Pond, Mattawamkeag Lake and the west branch of the Mattawamkeag River from the lake to the Route 2 bridge in town.
Fish must be taken by rod and reel either on land or from a boat, all according to the Maine Fisheries and Wildlife rules.
All donated fish will be expertly prepared for a community fish fry, open to the public, starting at 5 p.m. on the day of the derby. This full course meal is free for all and a great way to sample the many species of game fish available.
Cash prizes will be awarded in two divisions – adult (ages 16 and older) and youth. Cash prizes for the top three heaviest salmon, brook trout, smallmouth bass, pickerel and white perch. For adults, the cash prizes for each of the five species of fish are: first place, $100; second place, $50; and third place, $35.
The cash prizes for each species of the youth division are: first place, $40; second place, $25; and third place, $15.
All youth who turn in a fish will receive a lure of their choosing. There is also a $50 cash prize for the biggest fish caught by a male and a $50 prize for the biggest fish caught by a female.
The cost for entering the derby is $25 for adults; $20 for seniors over 70; and $10 for youth under 16.
Some of the items to be raffled off include a fish finder, game camera, fishing poles, kayak paddles and gift certificates. Individuals do not have to participate in the derby to purchase raffle tickets. The tickets are three for $10 or 10 for $20 and can be purchased at Jerry’s Thriftway in Island Falls on Thursday, July 7, and Friday, July 8 from 4 p.m. to closing.
Raffle tickets will also be sold throughout the day at the Snowmobile Clubhouse on Route 2 the day of the derby.
To register or for more information, visit www.islandfallslakeassociation.com; visit Jerry’s Thriftway from 4 p.m. to closing July 7-8; or show up Saturday, July 9, at the Snowmobile Club from 6:30-8 a.m.
