Fishing derby enters ninth year
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
Fishing enthusiasts from near and far will be in Aroostook County this weekend to take part in the eighth annual Long Lake Ice Fishing Derby, with thousands in prizes being awarded in various categories.
“The event will be held Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 26-27. The base camp will once again be the Long Lake Sporting Club in Sinclair. This year’s cash purse will be $10,000,” said Paul Bernier, chairman of the derby.
“As always, we are guaranteed to have some awesome door prizes from various vendors, with prizes available to all who join the derby,” continued Bernier.
Bernier said this year there are two “huge incentives” for derby registrants.
“No. 1, all derby registrants automatically qualify for a brand new 2013 Ford F-150 pickup for a Maine state record catch of a landlocked salmon, brook trout or lake trout (togue). This is being sponsored by Pelletier Ford of Fort Kent,” he said.
“The second incentive provides participants, through the registration process, the option of purchasing chances for an ‘Ultimate Ice Fishing Package’ valued at over $2,500. This package includes everything needed for the sport: auger, underwater camera, flags, portable cabin, tote sled, cooler and even a weekend rental on Long Lake and more,” said Bernier, noting the major sponsor for this prize is Quigley’s Outdoors of Fort Kent.
Bernier said Quigley’s will also be setting up an outdoor tent which will be heated and will display various articles from a variety of vendors — both local and from as far away as Winsconsin.
The fishing derby is once again serving as a fundraiser.
“The major beneficiary once again will be the Edgar J. Paradis Fund based out of Northern Maine Medical Center. To date, we have donated over $25,000 from the previous seven events,” explained Bernier.
Bernier said the derby lakes remain the same as in the past: Long, Cross, Square, Eagle, St. Froid, Glazier and Beau lakes.
“Cash prizes will be offered in the following categories: salmon, togue, brook trout, cusk and muskie.
The derby starts at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 26. Weigh stations open at 7 a.m. and close at 5:30 p.m. sharp on both days. Prizes will be awarded in both adult and youth categories.
“All awards will be presented at 6:30 p.m. sharp on Sunday, Jan. 27, at the ‘base camp,’” said Bernier.
For more information, call Bernier at 493-3318 (work), 227-5252 (cell) or 543-6332 (home), e-mail paul@aroostook.me.us, or visit Facebook at facebook.com/LongLakeIceFishingDerby.
Registration forms are available at area outlets or online at www.stagatha.com/derby.