5th annual China Lake ice fishing derby huge success

Anglers from the area came out for a fun day of fishing and camaraderie during the ice fishing derby. (photo by Cindy Senkbeil)

by Sandra Isaac

Left to right, China Four Seasons Club President Tom Rumpf, sponsor Deisel Dan and Trevor Yorke, winner of the Lunker of the Day prize. (photo by Cindy Senkbeil)

The China Four Seasons Club and the China Village Fire Department co-hosted the 5th Annual China Lake Ice Fishing Derby, on Sunday, February 18, during Maine’s Free Fishing Weekend.

“It was an amazing day of fun, families, and fishing,” said China Four Seasons Club President Tom Rumpf. “We were a little concerned about ice conditions, but everyone used caution and the Fishing Derby went off without the fire department doing a cold-water rescue.”

Rumpf continued. “We also had the children’s fishing division catch our greatest number of perch to date with over 140 brought to the fire house for counting.” The first-place award went to Blake Owens with 56 total perch. Perch, which have inundated hundreds of water systems where they don’t belong, tend to proliferate, stunt, and overwhelm ecosystems. Each year the derby committee checks in with the local biologists to make sure they are still able to hold the children’s category as described, with awards going to the most perch caught by count.

“One of the derby committee’s goals is to emphasize the importance of youth and family getting out and enjoying the great outdoors. This year we added a special prize, that any youth under 15 years of age who brought a fish to the firehouse caught during derby day was entered in drawing for a lifetime Maine residential fishing license to promote future sportsman. We are proud to say we gave our first lifetime license away this year to Daxton Carbollo,” said Rumpf.

Blake Owens (photo by Cindy Senkbeil)

The derby also saw a new record for the lunker of the day, the largest fish caught overall. Trevor Yorke managed to catch a 7.22 pound largemouth bass, beating the former record held by Jeremy Ross and his 6.375 pound catch.

“We also gave away over 56 door prizes all donated by great local businesses,” said Rumpf. “In fact, there were $10,000 worth of donated prizes and fishing awards. The local support is rather overwhelming, and we are very grateful.”

“There was also a great turnout for the Cornhole Tournament as well as the China Ice Day’s activities around town over the weekend. Even if fishing was not your thing, there was something for everyone. We really look forward to this every year and encourage all area groups to be involved”, said Rumpf. If anyone is interested in joining the committee, which also helps coordinate the China Ice Day’s weekend events, please check the China Four Seasons Club website for meeting dates and times.

The China Four Seasons Club maintains a dedicated Facebook page and a website to share information including a list of who won fishing prizes, door prizes, and sponsors.

Please visit https://www.facebook.com/China-Lake-Ice-Fishing-Derby or www.chinalakeicefishingderby.com.

Fishing Prize Winners!

Lunker of the Day – Trevor Yorke with a 7.22 lbs. Large Mouth Bass.

Brook Trout

First Place – Tim Farris 1.48 lbs.

Second Place – Ryan Hamel 1.25 lbs.

Third Place – Mathew Mann 1.06 lbs.

Brown Trout

First Place – Scott White 3.6 lbs.

Secnd Place – Bill Vanwicker 3.26 lbs.

Third Place – Lindsey Witwiki 3.14 lbs.

Large Mouth Bass

First Place – Jeffery Winslow – 5.92 lbs.

Secnd Place- Stephen Vose – 5.6 lbs.

Third Place – Shawn Grant – 5.52 lbs.

Small Mouth Bass

First Place – Brendan Surette – 2.74 lbs.

Secnd Place – Damon Theriault – 2.64 lbs.

Third Place – Abby Violette – 2.6 lbs.

Pickerel

First Place – Courtney Belanger – 4.58 lbs.

Second Place – James Grover Jr. – 4.1 lbs.

Third Place – Val Baker – 3.96 lbs.

Children 15 & under Category – Most Perch (White or Yellow)

First Place– $50 – Blake Owens with 56!

Second Place – $40 Taylor Arsenault with 26

Third Place – $30 Alexis Wentworth with 20

Fourth Place – $20 – Ellie Soule with 18

Fifth Place – $10 – Myles Bradley with 17

(photo by Cindy Senkbeil)

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