Rather than put this year’s Derby Fest on ice for lack of ice, organizers have instead decided to open it up to more ice and thicker ice.
As a result, for the first time in its history, this popular fishing tournament takes to statewide ice. And Rotary Club members are waiting to see if it floats.
For many of the fishermen and women who have competed in past Derby Fests, the waves of change flooding this year’s contest may be a bit unnerving. After all, most everyone enjoys a bit of routine.
But for other anglers, those who may not have the option of traveling to the Lakes Region, statewide ice fishing is rather nice fishing.
For Barbara Cutting and her husband Carroll, owners of Jordan’s Store in Sebago, the concept of a statewide derby is a good one. As one of the two Derby weigh stations on Sebago Lake, their business is likely to be affected. But if Barbara’s worried, she’s not showing it.
“We’re looking forward to the weekend,” she said. “It’s better than not having a derby.”
Though they must avoid certain areas because of thin ice, competitors are still allowed to fish Sebago Lake. Asked if she thought it was a good idea to permit people to fish on Sebago, Barbara said she expected people would be careful.
“Fishermen educate themselves,” she said. “People treat the lake with respect.”
With the distinction of being the weigh station farthest from the Derby site, Ben’s Trading Post in Presque Isle looks forward to a good turnout this weekend. Ben LeBlanc, who owns the store that sells “a little bit of everything,” says there’s been a lot of interest expressed by regulars. And he’s heard that a lot of people from the area have been entering online.
Although local residents consider Presque Isle to be “way up there,” LeBlanc says he’s sent posters “farther up in northern Maine” to advertise the tournament up there. He’s confident that the muskie and togue found in his area could win the big prizes.
Up by Moosehead Lake, at Indian Hill Trading Post in Greenville, they’re looking forward to being a part of the Derby. Sporting goods manager for the store, Scott Bennett, says they already have a couple of fishing derbies that go on in the area but the Derby Fest will be a nice addition. Besides Moosehead, Bennett says Lobster Lake, also in that area, has some great fishing.
All Around Fence Company will provide the Rotary with their weigh station in Belgrade. Owner Bob Williams says the idea of a statewide derby is “wonderful.”
“It works good for us,” he said, “because we have a derby on Feb. 19. Those people will stay a week. To me, that’s a big deal.”
The Lakes Region Suburban Weekly’s own Jean Berg, a Rotary member, will be weighing fish at the Belgrade site. She’ll be assisted by Bob William’s wife, Jen. But customers and fishermen needn’t expect to see Bob in the store – he’ll be out fishing.
With next to no time before the Derby begins, organizers are frantically getting ready for the influx of people both locally and statewide. Getting ready, and waiting – to see if this statewide derby will sink or swim.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
