By Jon Gulliver
Staff writer
ST. AGATHA — The largest ice fishing derby in northern Maine will soon be taking place on Long, Cross, St. Froid, Square, Eagle, Glazier and Beau lakes on Jan. 28 -29.
Contributed photo
The Long Lake Fishing Derby will be taking place Jan. 28-29 on several bodies of water in the Long Lake area. A big togue like this one, caught on Eagle Lake earlier this month, would certainly be in the running for the top prize. The fisherman is Bruno Doucette from St. David. The togue weighed 22 pounds and was 38 inches long.
The event, which began in 2006 with 290 entrants, now attracts close to 600 anglers, hoping to land the “big one” and win $1,500 for the heaviest salmon or togue. There are slightly smaller prizes for brook trout and muskie. There is also a “booby prize” for the most perch caught.
The big cash prizes are for anglers 14 years old and above. There is also a youth division for age 13 and under. Winning youngsters get trophies and savings bonds.
Derby chairman Paul Bernier said there are several reasons why the event has grown, but first and foremost, it’s the cause.
“To date, the benefits go to the Edgar J. Paradis Cancer Fund at the Northern Maine Medical Center, we have donated more than $20,000 in the first six years,” said Bernier.
But beyond the cause, he also stated the prize money, family atmosphere and the number of lakes included have helped to grow the Long Lake Ice Fishing Derby.
“It gives everyone involved a chance to fish their favorite fishing spot,” Bernier said.
Bernier said it’s not just anglers who have championed this event.
“There is great support from the local communities and businesses,” he said. “The sponsors are unbelievable. This year we have over 20 new sponsors. Each year we have about 50 or 60 sponsors and considering the economics of the times the cause speaks for itself.”
A recent cold-snap means the ice conditions should be perfect for the event said Bernier, but as always he urged fishermen to use caution, especially in an area that is unfamiliar.
The registration fee for adults is $15 a day or $25 for the entire weekend; and for 13 and under $5 a day.
There are 26 registration outlets in Aroostook County from Houlton to the St. John Valley. In Caribou anglers can register at County Sports or Ouellette Variety; in Ashland at Ashland One Stop; in Presque Isle at the Sled Shop or Ben’s Trading Post; Northstar Variety in New Sweden; and in Houlton at Mac’s Trading Post.
For a complete list of registration outlets or for more derby information log onto www.stagatha.com/derby.
