Panel discussion on ice fishing tips and techniques to again kick off Great Rotary Ice Fishing Derby

The Meredith Rotary Club will host the fourth annual free ice fishing panel discussion to kickoff the 31st year of the Great Ice Fishing Derby on Friday, January 30 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Meredith Community Center. The event, titled "Tip-Up Talk", will include light refreshments.

“The panel discussion events we have hosted for the past three years were well attended, and the fishermen and the sponsors all had a fun evening,” according to Rob Wichland, chairman of the 2010 Derby. Speakers for the event will include Don Miller, of the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, and Travis Williams and Adrien LaVoie, both licensed New Hampshire fishing guides from Cool Water Charters. The focus of the discussion will be ice fishing tips, techniques and equipment.

The Ice Fishing Derby is one of the most well attended events in the state, bringing visitors to New Hampshire from all over the country. Fisherman, their families and friends come to New Hampshire in hopes of snagging the heaviest Meredith Rotary-tagged rainbow trout claiming the grand prize. Hundreds of other prizes are awarded throughout the Derby weekend. Additionally, the enhanced Derby Rewards Program enables everyone with a valid Derby Ticket to receive discounts at a wide variety of restaurants, hotels and shops throughout New Hampshire. Many vendors are providing discounts from October of 2009 through May of 2010. You don’t have to be a fisherman to win prizes or take advantage of the discounts. In depth information on all aspects of the Derby, including online ticket purchase, can be found on the Rotary website (www.meredithrotary.org).

Throughout the years, The Meredith Rotary Club has donated more than $1.5-million into the Lakes Region community for charitable projects, area improvements, scholarships, and individuals and families in need.