When the state announced that Feb. 19 and 20 would be a free fishing weekend, area Scouts donned their winter gear, grabbed their fishing equipment and took to the ice — some even winning area ice fishing competitions, according to a news release from Chuck Mahaleris, district vice chairman for Kennebec Valley District of Scouting.

“We had a dozen to 15 Scouts and siblings out on the ice of Messalonskee Lake,” said Oakland Cub Pack 454 Cubmaster Willie LeHay.

The largest fish caught was a 7.41 pound Northern Pike caught by Austin Cline, who is a Lion Cub Scout and had never even been on a frozen lake before.

Pittsfield Cub Scout Pack 428 had Scouts out on the ice both days. On Saturday, they fished at Great Moose Lake in Hartland and on Sunday they were on the ice at Indian Lake in St. Albans. This was part of Hartland Fire Department’s annual Ice Fishing Derby, and Lucas Doughty came in second overall in his age category for pulling up four yellow perch.

In Vassalboro, Webelos Scout Elliott Rafuse won first place in the small mouth bass category and third place in the children’s category for his brown trout as part of the Vassalboro Business Association Fishing Derby on Three Mile Pond on Feb. 13. The Scouts helped sell chili at the event as a fundraiser for pack activities.

Kevin Hart of West Gardiner Troop 613 reported that all Scouts and siblings had a great time on the ice over the free fishing weekend. Ben Johnston received his Life Scout rank during a unique and brief ceremony in front of the ice shack on Little Cobbosse in Winthrop.