Meredith Rotary Club announces free ice fishing clinic for kids

MEREDITH — On Saturday, Feb. 11, in conjunction with the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, The Meredith Rotary Ice Fishing Derby will host the "Let's Go Fishing" program. This is a free, hands-on clinic for kids and their parents on the basics of ice fishing that has been developed and will be presented by the Fish and Game Department.

The clinic is geared toward kids but is open to anyone; those 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult. All equipment will be provided – you do not need to have a fishing license to participate. Goody bags will be given to each participant, on a first-come, first-served basis until they run out.

Sessions will run hourly at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. in the roped-off area on Meredith Bay near the Meredith Rotary HQ trailer on Lake Winnipesaukee. Come and learn about ice-fishing techniques, including using tip-ups, sounding the hole and operating power augers. Then the kids will fish.

"Ice fishing in New Hampshire is really a family tradition," said Tim Bergquist, derby chairman. "We have folks who started ice fishing in the derby more than 30 years ago and are now here with their children and grandchildren."

Everyone who purchases a derby ticket has a chance to win cash prizes, Bergquist said. There are 14 drawings on Saturday for $100 each, and 32 drawings on Sunday for $100 each. Additionally, there is a $5,000 cash drawing on both Saturday and Sunday, so participants don't even have to fish to be eligible for these prizes. All that's needed is a valid derby ticket, Bergquist said.

During the derby, updates will be available on the Meredith Rotary Facebook page as well as several radio stations, including 93.3 The Wolf, and 104.9 The Hawk.

Parents and kids enjoy the free "Let's Go Fishing" Clinic during the Meredith Rotary Ice Fishing Derby. (Courtesy photo)