FISHY PHOTO: Netting a good one

Leighann Mazoki took this photo of her dad, Gary Mazoki, netting a bass on Sheepscot Lake, in Palermo. Leighann’s son, Manny, stayed with his grandparents for two weeks last summer. (photo courtesy of Leighann Mazoki)

FISHY PHOTOS: Good day on the ice!

Hunter Hallee, 14, of Rome, had a successful day ice fishing a few weeks ago. Here, he shows off the smallmouth bass he caught while fishing with his maternal grandfather.

Hunter displays a rather large yellow perch he also caught that day, at some undisclosed location in Belgrade. His father, Ryan Hallee, of Rome, exclaimed, “that is the biggest tiger trout I’ve ever seen. Even his trash fish are big.”

FISHY PHOTO: First fish through the ice

Tyler White, son of Nathan and Alison, caught his first fish through the ice on February 14, during the China Four Seasons Club fishing derby. He was hoping to get a big one to enter but, hey, a little one (a pickerel) is just as good. (contributed photo)

FISHY PHOTO: What is it?

Hunter Hallee, 14, of Rome, recently caught this fish while fishing through the ice on Salmon Pond, in Belgrade. After taking the photo, he released it, before identifying it. It’s difficult because of the way he is holding it, but some say it’s a brook trout, others a salmon, and even others, a splake. Does anyone want to weigh in on the species?

FISHY PHOTO: Secret fishing spot

Hunter Hallee, 14, of Rome, landed this 8-lb. rainbow trout. When asked where, his answer was, “some undisclosed stream somewhere near nowhere.” The fish was released. He was fishing with his maternal grandfather, Terry Greenleaf, of Oakland. (He is the son of Ryan and Rachel Hallee, of Rome.)

FISHY PHOTOS: Brother & Sister Act

Hunter Hallee, left, 14, of Rome, displays the nice brown trout he caught while fishing with his maternal grandfather, Terry Greenleaf, of Oakland, and his sister, Megan Hallee, 11, displays her own brown trout. They were fishing on Great Pond, in Belgrade. Hunter and Megan are the children of Ryan and Rachel Hallee, of Rome.

FISHY PHOTO: Big ol’ yellow perch

Tyler White, son of Nathan and Alison White, caught a big ol’ yellow perch while fishing at the head of China Lake with his dad and grandfather.

FISHY PHOTO: Bassin’ through the ice

Hunter Hallee, 13, of Rome, caught this bass while ice fishing on McGrath Pond, in Oakland, on Sunday, February 23, with his maternal grandfather, Terry Greenleaf, of Oakland, and Hunter’s sister, Megan.

Four Seasons Club fishing derby revived

The China Four Seasons Club (CFSC) and The China Village Volunteer Fire Department (CVVFD) are pleased to announce the first China Lake Ice Fishing Derby to be held on Sunday March 1.

It has been over 18 years since the town of China held an ice fishing derby. The derby, a town favorite, was previously organized by volunteers in China Village.

The China Four Seasons Club has become more active and wanted to bring back this local event. After talks with the China Village Volunteer Fire Department. It was decided that this year China will once again have an ice fishing derby.

The event is open to all legal waters in Maine but both clubs hope participants come join everyone on the local lakes. Tickets are on sale at many local stores, bait dealers, and available through members of both the China Four Season Club and the CVVFD. Entry tickets also serve as raffle tickets to win door prizes from local vendors. Ticket sales will end at noon on the day of the derby.

Food will be available for purchase from inside the China Village Fire Department along with coffee and hot cocoa to get help people get warm and enjoy fellowship.

Fish weigh in will be held at the Fire Department at 4 p.m. Many were very excited to hear of the return of this popular event and there are already plans to expand on it for next year. Families are encouraged to attend this great outdoor activity. The CFSC will also be giving sleigh rides behind their groomer.

This event is a great way for the community to come out and enjoy the frozen lakes, outdoor weather and celebrate winter. Please see the Facebook posts from the fire department and CFSC for more information, or contact a local member from either organization.

Fishy photo: Swimming hole catch

Andre Phair, of Winslow, caught this smallmouth bass recently at the swimming hole in North Vassalboro.