2010 Ice Fishing Contest
by Tom Yonski
6 February 2010 was the date for this year’s annual Winter Carnival and first annual Ice Fishing Contest. Although the turnout was less then last year, everyone had a good time with great fellowship, food and conversation.
The ice fishermen faced some pretty brutal conditions. It was 19 degrees to start the day, with a 10–12 mph wind blowing out of the northeast. Throughout the contest there were some gusts in the 20 mph range. With 12 to 14 inches of ice, falling in was no worry. At one point in the late morning, the sun burned through the overcast clouds and the wind died. I think everyone on the ice gave a collective sigh. I know I thought, “OK, this could turn out to be a nice day after all!” But the reprieve was not to last. After about 25 minutes or so, the sky closed back up and the wind came back to bite at any exposed skin. The ice fishermen were rewarded for their stout heartiness with a few fish, and winners in all three categories.
Team #5 was the big winner of the day. Brothers Matthew and Jason Pondi both won the Pickerel and Perch categories. Younger brother Matthew was in the lead with a 24¼ inch Chain Pickerel until big brother Jason nudged him out by only one quarter of an inch on landing a 24½ inch Yankee Wolf. Not discouraged, Matthew caught a 12¾ inch Perch to jump to the top of that board. It would take another 90 minutes, but big bro Jason bumped him again, by an inch this time, with a 13¾ inch Yellow Perch.
Rich Fello had the first fish of the day with a fat, healthy, 13 inch Crappie he caught at 9:04 AM. He also was our Catfish prize winner with a beauty of a 14¾ inch bottom digger. Rich did a very cool thing and donated his winnings back to the fish stocking program. Thanks Rich, good job!
Tommy Fusco had a slammer of a Crappie at a fat 14 inches. All the perch caught were very nice too, running 11 inches to 13¾ inches. Multiple largemouth bass were caught, with several in the 4 to 5 pound range. All were quickly released back into the lake unharmed.
Team O’Keefe, tried ice fishing for the very first time. I think a couple of times they were asking themselves, “What are we doing out here?!” They caught a couple of Pickerel for sticking it out.
All the fish I measured were healthy with great color. They all looked like they are eating well. That bodes well for a great upcoming season. Most of the fish were released, with only a few kept for a healthy fish dinner.
It was good to see a few of the ladies out on the ice. The kids didn’t appear to notice the cold at all. They were running around and sliding on patches of clear ice the wind had scrubbed clean. Like blue pieces of glass in an otherwise white landscape.
Back at the clubhouse, the volunteers had hot coffee and tea, as well as hot food, soup and snacks. All in all I think everyone had a good time. If you didn’t make it, you missed out! Even with the wind, I enjoyed officiating the contest. It was great talking to everyone. Till next time: Tight lines to you all!