Ice Fishing Derby 2008

Committee Report

Ice fishing during the 2008 season is certainly tricky. The first question is "where's the ice?" The second question is "where's the bait?"

Finding a frozen spot to fish from on a lake that shows open water calls for extreme caution and luckily the early morning reports were that the ice was safe mostly everywhere.Unfortunately, the unlucky report was from Kenny at the Mastodon Sport Shop who announced that an area wide shortage of bait was going to make fishing a real challenge.Of course Highland Lakes anglers are traditionally a resourceful bunch so neither question posed any problem to the sixteen members that registered for the HLCC Fish Committees Annual Ice Fishing Derby Saturday February 23rd.The weather cooperated throughout the day with no noticeable wind and no one complained of being cold. The fish obviously cooperated also with yellow perch being the main bite. And quite a few nice fat ones too.Numerous largemouth bass were reported as well but the most impressive catch was a large chain pickerel that Highland Lakes has traditionally been known for and demonstrating that sport fishing is alive and well in Highland Lakes.At the 3pm close to the contest trophies were awarded to Ben Andersen, Clint Mautz, Johnny LaVine and Luke Anderson for notable yellow perch and to Brian Jensen for the record 10oz yellow perch.A trophy was awarded to Bruce Jensen for a record 1lb 13oz largemouth bass. Tackle prizes were once again graciously donated by the Mastodon Sport Shop and were awarded to all participants. 

Michael Ewasko Chairman HLCC Fish Committee