Annual fishing derby a hit
The fish were biting hard last weekend for the annual Mamit Lake Derby, put on by the Nicola Valley Fish and Game Club.
The largest trout caught at the competition weighed 2 pounds, 15 ounces, which earned the winner a $300 prize. Second place reeled in $200 and third-place netted $100.
“We had 125 people show up,” said Paul Komonoski, club president, noting the derby has been held consistently for approximately the last 12 years. “People parked their vehicles on the ice, it was 20 inches thick, and they had a great day of fishing.”
The large number of participants were able to tolerate plummeting temperatures throughout the day. The sun was shining, but then wind and snow started pounding later in the day. The derby ran from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 15.
Komonoski said Mamit lake is a prime year-round destination for people looking for a catch.
“We had someone reel in a 4-pound, 15-ounce course fish,” he said. “There were 20 or 21 course fish caught and 91 trout.”
Course fish, or suckers, are not usually eaten. They are boney and most people don’t like the taste. Suckers also eat fish that are edible by humans and the predator can wipe out entire fish populations.
At the derby, fishers used worms, PowerBait, shrimp and jigs to lure in their catch. Most of the participants jigged their lines to attract the fish, before reeling in their catches.
Ed Hendricks of Ponderosa Sports donated prizes for the event. Many other donors in the community also chipped in, including Fred Watts of Nicola Valley Outdoors.
Watts hears a fishing story or two from his Nicola Avenue location.
“You know what, the thing about ice fisherman is that they are worse than fly fisherman, [for telling you about where they are catching fish],” he said. “Mamit always fishes, Marquart [Lake], and up in the Kanes, Harmon [are popular]. Everyone pretty much has their favourite lake.”
He said the most popular lures used are jig heads, glow hooks and live bait.
Derby co-ordinator, Fran Depper George, said the event is a massive catch in the community.
“It’s a great time for everyone, but I wish I was out there fishing too,” she said, laughing.
During the derby, Depper George is inside a communal tent where participants can enjoy donuts, coffee and hot chocolate.
Ice fishing is generally safe until April, but safety depends on the altitude.
Anyone planning to venture onto a lake should check ice conditions with Environment Canada.
Mamit lake is about 40 kilometres north of Merritt and takes approximately 35 minutes to navigate when the weather cooperates.
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