Anglers hope to hook a winner in ice fishing derby

MEREDITH — Anglers across the state will be out on the ice this weekend, with hopes of hooking that fabled fish so big it can barely fit through a trap hole.

The 47th Great Meredith Rotary Ice Fishing Derby starts Saturday, and this year more than $80,000 in cash prizes will be given. More than $3 million has been distributed to area nonprofits and schools from the proceeds of the tournament.

The top three prizes are drawn from the top fish across seven categories: black crappie, cusk, lake trout, pickerel, rainbow trout, and yellow and white perch. First prize walks away with a cool $15,000, and second and third take $5,000 and $3,000, respectively.

The remaining four finalists still go home with $1,000, and the five heaviest fish in each category, on both days, will be hung on the board for prizes of $1,000, $650, $450, $250 and $150.

Weigh-in times are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 7, and until 3 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 8. Winners will be announced at derby headquarters on Meredith Bay. All fish submitted become derby property, and at the end of the weekend, they are donated to Squam Lakes Natural Science Center to feed the animals. Anglers can request to take home their fish after the award session.

There is the chance to take home cash without an auger, by simply buying a raffle ticket. Fourteen cash prize drawings for $200 each will take place on Saturday, and 32 more on Sunday, held every 15 minutes, starting at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, and 8:30 a.m. on Sunday.

Two $5,000 cash drawings will be held at headquarters each day: one at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, and another at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Anglers can enter a maximum of two fish per species per ticket, and they must be above the length specified in derby rules. Fish must be caught in the fresh, public waters of New Hampshire, and by entering a fish for a prize of $500 or more, the angler signs an affidavit to certify the date, time, lake and name of who caught the fish.

When submitting fish, a valid derby ticket and fishing license are needed. Anyone under 16 must have a valid derby ticket, but fishing licenses are not required by law.

Winners do not need to be present at derby headquarters on Lake Winnipesaukee to claim a prize.

Anglers can keep up with the fish on the board remotely, by visiting icefishingnh.com.

For nearly five decades, the Meredith Rotary Club has been holding the event. While Meredith Bay is the headquarters, and home to an array of bob houses — some that have been there since the ice was formed — fishing takes place across the state.

But this is a home derby for some, and on Friday, as rotary members were putting up the leader board, there was a hustle and bustle on the ice in front of Hesky Park.

Jonathan Wixson was getting his gear loaded onto a sled towed by his snowmobile. He was walking around bundled for the weather, along with a grin that showed he was happy to be down on the ice. It represents a tradition he and his friends and family have participated in for many years.

“Back in the day we’d go out Friday afternoon, and come back Sunday, every weekend, and the derby we’d be out all week,” Wixson said, noting his crew includes his brother and another buddy.

It was once an event where he brought the family along. He recalls when his daughters were younger, he would bring out a big dollhouse for them to play in. Wixson said it’s an event that brings back fond memories, as fishing continues to be one of his favorite pastimes.

“There’s nothing like being on the ice,” Wixson said.

Public parking in Meredith Bay can be found adjacent to derby headquarters in Hesky Park, and there are spaces on the street, as well. Be sure to follow all posted signs to avoid taking on any fines.

Tickets for the derby can be purchased at headquarters and various locations around the Lakes Region, and online at icefishingnh.com.