Fishing derby attracts a crowd of kids
The Daily Inter Lake | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 11 years AGO
<p><strong>Moriah Turner</strong> is proud of the nice pike she caught at Smith Lake during Saturday's annual ice-fishing derby. (Fish, Wildlife and Parks photo)</p>
The annual Smith Lake Ice Fishing Derby west of Kalispell on Saturday attracted more than 400 anglers, with youngsters making up the biggest part of the crowd.
About 10 inches of ice on the lake provided a safe event for all participants. Anglers landed hundreds of small pike and smaller numbers of perch on jigs tipped with maggots or smelt.
“This is a great family event,” said Warren Illi of the Sunriser Lions Club. “We had a terrific turnout and perfect, sunny weather. It was great to see so many kids catching fish.”
Winners included:
Largest pike: Jerry Rounds, 4.76 pounds.
Smallest pike: Lucas Barsow, 0.23 pounds.
Largest perch: Cole Weed, 1.25 pounds.
Smallest perch: Harmonie VanVant, 0.01 pounds.
The Sportsman and Ski Haus of Kalispell provided support. Walleyes Unlimited provided 70 fishing rod-and-reel combinations for youths and for those who needed gear.
The event is put on by the Sunriser Lions Club as a public service to the community and as a way to make money to donate to family fishing pond programs.
Anglers also donated some pike to the Hooked on Fishing program for dissection exercises. The Lions operated a food stand offering hamburgers, chili, and other items.
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