The third annual Michael J. Rowe Memorial Ice Fishing Derby on Wilson Lake will take place from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18. This is the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Free Family Fishing Day. The event is hosted by Wilton Fish and Game.

The registration fee is $5. Tickets are available for purchase at Shelly’s Hometown Market in East Wilton, Wilton Hardware on Main Street, BackWoods Bait & Tackle in Chesterville, Robin’s Bait Shop in Jay and Spruce Mt. Bait & Tackle in Jay prior to derby day.

Registration the day of the derby will take place form 6 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Wilson Lake boat launch.

Fifty grab bags will be given to the first 50 registered youth that come to the shack on derby day on a first-come, first-serve basis. Youth must be present with their ticket between 6 a.m. and 4 p.m.

To learn how to fish, come to the boat launch between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. for instruction. Bait and equipment will be provided.

Snow shoe races will begin at 1 p.m.; weather permitting. There will be three classes for cash prizes: adult, youth (12-17 years old), and younger than 12. Snow shoes are available for those in need.

This year the association is adding a $1,000 tagged fish for the event. The money will only be awarded to the registered angler if the fish is caught between 6 a.m. and 4 p.m.; ticket required.

The heaviest fish overall will be the grand-prize winner of a 10-inch Eskimo Ice Auger donated by Max-traps. Prizes in the adult class are: an Eskimo Pop Up Tent for first place; large Jet Sled, second; and a 24-inch Loring Pack Basket, third.

The heaviest fish of the youth species will receive a Commemorative Box of Max-traps donated by Max-traps in memory of Michael J. Rowe who was killed in a tragic woods accident. Other species categories will receive $25, one Max-trap, Bucket Buddy, skimmer, and two movie tickets donated by Narrow Gauge Cinema; ticket required.

The smallest fish caught by a youth will also receive a special prize donated by Max-traps.

Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine has donated a free Youth Lifetime Fishing License for those 15 and younger. All door prizes will be drawn at the end of the derby at 4 p.m., followed by the prizes for the heaviest fish categories.

For more information, call 778-2450.

Copy the Story Link