Ideal weather, plenty of excitement and good company made for excellent conditions at the Carman & District Game and Fish Association’s annual ice fishing derby on March 7.
Daniel Janzen holds up the 12-inch perch that earned top honours in the perch category at the Carman & District Game and Fish Association’s annual ice fishing derby on Stephenfield Lake on March 7
Justin Major, president of the Carman Game and Fish Association, said the event ran smoothly from start to finish.
“The highlights of the day were, of course, the anglers bringing in those big catches throughout the day and handing out all the prizes at the end,” he said.
The derby saw record-setting participation, with 374 adult and youth anglers registering for the event on Stephenfield Lake.
In total, participants caught 103 pike and 401 perch.
Top prize for pike went to Ric Wieler, who reeled in a 38¼-inch fish at 1:07 p.m., while Daniel Janzen landed the winning perch, measuring 12 inches, at 12:25 p.m.
Other prize winners included Ashton Wytinck, who took home the Ion electric ice auger raffle, and Ted Pethybridge, who won the 50/50 draw.
Major credited the event’s newly introduced pre-registration system as a key factor in the day’s success, noting it helped keep the registration line moving quickly in the morning.
Favourable weather conditions and strong sponsorship support also contributed to the event’s success.
Major added the organizing committee has received plenty of positive feedback since the derby wrapped up.
“Many online messages, text messages and emails have come in thanking our committee for hosting the event,” he said. “Anglers are already saying they can’t wait for the event in 2027.”
