The Wilton Fish & Game Association’s Fifth annual Michael J. Rowe Memorial Ice Fishing Derby will be held from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, on Wilson Lake in Wilton.
The event coincides with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife’s Free Fishing Weekend. This means that any person (except those whose license has been suspended or revoked) can fish without a fishing license.
First-time ice fishers are encouraged to attend. A free ice-fishing clinic for all ages will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All bait and equipment will be provided.
Registration for the event will cost $5. Registration will be open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. the day of the event at the Wilson Lake boat launch area.
Tickets also are available in advance at Shelly’s Hometown Market at 1339 Main St. in Wilton, Backwoods Bait and Tackle at 370 Vienna Road in Chesterville, Wilton Hardware at 343 Main St. in Wilton, and Robin’s Bait Shop at 237 Macomber Hill Road in Jay.
The first 50 youth to arrive at the registration shack with a ticket on the day of the event will get a free grab bag full of valuable items.
Door prizes will include a 10-inch Eskimo (propane) Auger with extra blades, fishing and outdoor gear, and gift certificates from area businesses. All participating youth 15 and younger will be entered to win a lifetime fishing license donated by the Sportsmans Alliance of Maine.
Adult fishing prizes, including a tree stand, will be awarded in three categories: Brook Trout, Togue and Salmon.
Youth prizes include a boxed set of Max-traps for the heaviest fish.
Other categories will get a package that includes a pack basket, bait net, a Max-trap and one Narrow Gauge Cinema movie ticket. Prizes will be awarded in six youth categories: Brook Trout, Togue, Pickerel, Salmon, Bass and White Perch. There will be a special prize for smallest fish.
All prizes will be announced and awarded beginning at 4:15 p.m., but the weigh-in for fish ends at 4 p.m.
Food concessions will include fresh cut French fries, grilled hot dogs and bottled water. Souvenir hats and T-shirts will be available for sale. Tickets for a 50/50 drawing also will be available.
Sponsors include Wood-Mizer LLC, Ross & Maureen Clair, Chesterville, and Dunkin Donuts, which provides hot coffee and cocoa for the event.
The 5th Annual Michael J. Rowe Memorial Ice Fishing Derby is held in memory of Michael J. Rowe, who was killed in a tragic woods accident.
For more information, call 491-0780.
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