Youth fishing on tap this weekend; Long Lake derby looms

Now that we’ve enjoyed some real Maine winter weather, it’s time to start planning future excursions — and to take advantage of the many fishing opportunities to be found.

Family fun at Pickerel PondFirst up today, one of my favorite events of the year: A family fun day at Maine’s Youth Fish and Game Association, which is located at Pickerel Pond.

This year’s event will take place on Saturday from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. Lunch and bait will be provided for all attendees.

If you and your kids like to ice fish, you’ll love doing so with other families. And if you’ve thought of introducing your kids to the sport, this is the perfect chance to do so. You don’t have to have any equipment. You don’t have to know what you’re doing. All you have to do is show up and have fun. Volunteers from the club will give as much or as little assistance as you need.

Travis Roy of the MYFGA says activities will be centered on the big orange ice shack near the boat launch. An added incentive: The largest trout caught during the event will be mounted for free by Gone Fishing Taxidermy.

In addition, kids will be eligible for door prizes.

To get there: Head out Old County Road in Milford and follow that road until you reach the four-way intersection with the Stud Mill Road. Turn right and follow Stud Mill Road until you see the signs for Maine’s Youth Fish and Game Association. It’ll be on your left.

Another ice-fishing option: If you’re looking for a tournament to participate in, you may want to consider heading to the St. John Valley for the 7th annual Long Lake Ice Fishing Derby on Jan. 28-29.

A total of $10,000 is up for grabs, and anglers are allowed to fish Long, Cross, St. Froid, Square, Eagle Glazier and Beau lakes during the popular event.

Derby headquarters will be the Long Lake Sporting Club in Sinclair, but take special note: The muskie-weighing station is at Joe’s Country Store in St. Francis.

If you’re looking for more information, call derby chairman Paul Bernier at 493-3318, 543-6332 or 227-5252, or via email at paul@aroostook.me.us.

 

 

 

John Holyoke

About John Holyoke

John Holyoke has been enjoying himself in Maine's great outdoors since he was a kid. Today, he's the Outdoors editor for the BDN, a job that allows him to meet up with Maine outdoors enthusiasts in their natural habitat. The stories he gathers provide fodder for his columns, and this blog.