Annual ice fishing derby will be held says LHIA

January 12, 2012

By Tammy Mathison

hendrickspioneer@gmail.com

The annual ice fishing derby will still be held, say Lake Hen­dricks Improvement Association representatives.

The unseasonably warm weather has had people ques­tioning the safety of the ice and whether or not the derby will be held.

“At this time, we have not made a decision to not have it,” said Vince Zylstra of the LHIA. “A chili contest will be held regard­less,” Zylstra added.

Zylstra went on to say that the LHIA is meeting every Tuesday night and updates on the status of the derby will be provided to the public. The derby is planned for Saturday, Feb. 4 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. byVeteransMemorial Parkin Hendricks.

Posters containing informa­tion on the annual event have been put up in Hendricks and surrounding communities ad­vertising that prizes are to be awarded for the biggest fish in three categories – Walleye, Northern and Perch, with the largest fish in each category winning a prize valued at over $400. A general drawing for cash prizes will also be held.

Additional information re­garding the ice conditions reads, “If ice conditions are unsafe, or if a fish is not caught in any par­ticular category, prizes will be awarded by random drawing. All contestants must fish close to derby headquarters.”

“Either fishing or a drawing will take place as scheduled,” said Zylstra.

The annual Ice Fishing Derby is the main fundraiser for the Lake Hendricks Improvement Association. Last year’s derby saw record breaking numbers with an estimated 400-500 an­glers out on the ice.

For more information call Jeff