The Boothbay Region Fish & Game Association’s annual Kids’ Ice Fishing Derby was held on Wily Pond on Saturday, Feb. 15, and despite temperatures barely above zero for the 8 a.m. start and some “challenging” fishing compared to some previous derbies, sunny skies, a warm club house, safe ice, and lots of enthusiasm helped make the event another big success

Fifty-four kids under the age of 16 and some 35 adults turned out for the derby. Approximately 40 brook trout were caught (with many released), and 18 were entered in the contest by the 2 p.m. deadline. First place, good for $100 cash and a beautiful trophy, went to Dylan Chryplewicz for his 15 ¼” fish. Second place, for $50 cash and a trophy, was won by five-year-old Ben Alley for his trout, which measured 14 7/8”. Abbie Clark finished third and received $25 cash and a trophy for her 14 3/4” fish. Robbie Shaw collected $20 for catching the first trout of the derby, which measured 9 ½”, and Ben Alley added $20 to his winnings by catching the last fish entered, which measured 9”. Other notable catches included Ryan Clark’s 14 ½-incher, Anthony Barter’s 14 ¼-incher, Ethan Clark’s 12 7/8-incher, and an 8 ¾-inch trout taken by Chase Carver.

After the fish awards were given out by Official Fish-Measurer Michelle Bryer, every young contestant attending the ceremony at the club house went home with a door prize, ranging from rod and reel outfits to hats and bandanas to bags of popcorn and fishing tackle.

Kids and adults alike enjoyed free pizza, hamburgers, hot dogs, hot chocolate, venison and moose stew, baked beans, American chop suey, cookies, brownies, and soft drinks in the club house during the derby. Loaner ice traps, tackle, and bait were available to those who were new to the sport, and there were plenty of willing adults with ice augers to drill holes.

The club wishes to extend thanks to those who contributed prizes, food, or their time, including Jeff at Ames Supply, Tim and Deb at T&D Variety, Steve Wood, Bobo at Hometown Convenience, Dan Williams, Dabney Lewis, Andy and Reese Davis, Betty Maddocks of Janson’s Clothing, Julie Roberts of Coastal Maine Popcorn, Carl Jordan, Matt and Heidi Spurgin, Billy Smith, Pat Lavalley, Andrea Kelly, and Kathy Page. Special thanks also to Fish & Game Club members Dennis Blackman, John Splaine, Timber Brown, Michelle Bryer, Keith Royal, Jonathan Tuell, Paul Perry, and Ken Anderson for all their contributions, and major kudos to Derby Director Martin Page for providing the trophies and for all his time and effort in putting together yet another successful Derby that went off without a hitch.

The Kids’ Ice Fishing Derby, which is free and open to all children under the age of 16, has become a popular winter event in the Boothbay Region and the club is planning to hold it again next February.