Meredith Rotary Club Announces Free 'Kids Clinic' During Fishing Derby

MEREDITH — The Meredith Rotary Fishing Derby will host a "Let's Go Fishing" program for children on Saturday, February 11 in conjunction with the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department.

This is a free hands-on clinic for kids and their parents on the basics of ice fishing developed and presented by the Fish and Game Department.

Sessions run hourly from 10 a.m. through 3 p.m. at in the roped-off area directly behind the Meredith Rotary headquarters trailer on Lake Winnipesaukee. Once again, as she has done for many years, the program will be taught by Karina Walsh, who is a member of New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. She will demonstrate ice-fishing techniques, including using tip-ups, sounding the hole and operating power augers.

Tickets for the Great Meredith Rotary Ice Fishing Derby are currently available to purchase online at the Meredith Rotary website (www.meredithrotary.org). Prior to the event tickets can be purchased at a variety of local vendors, and starting Friday, February 10 at 8 a.m., tickets will be available at the Rotary trailer in Meredith.

"Remember, you don’t have to fish to win cash prizes," says Tracy Aquilla, Derby Chairman for 2012. "Everyone who purchases the $30 Derby Ticket has the opportunity to win hundreds of dollars in cash prizes throughout the weekend."

This will mark the 33rd year of the Fishing Derby and more than $63,000 in prizes. The 2012 grand prize, for the largest Meredith Rotary-tagged rainbow trout, will be a John Deere XUV 825i Camo with camo tracks. The second place prize is a Polaris 500 Touring ATV, and third prize is a deluxe ice fishing package including a Frabill Guardian portable bobhouse.

Late breaking information is available by calling 279-7600 or by visiting the Meredith Rotary Club website at (www.meredithrotary.org).

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First prize in the 33rd annual Great Rotary Fishing Derby is a John Deere XUV 825i Camo with Camo Tracks. (Courtesy photo)