The Great Meredith Rotary Fishing Derby is Coming!

It’s that time of year again—Lake Winnipesaukee is frozen over and bob houses are starting to appear on the ice.  Soon, Meredith will be hosting the Great Meredith Rotary Fishing Derby!

This year’s Derby will take place Saturday and Sunday, February 12^th – 13^th, with a free ice fishing panel discussion kicking off the event on Friday evening, February 11^th, at the Meredith Community Center.  At the Tip-Up Talk forum, N.H. Fish and Game’s Don Miller and local experts will discuss ice fishing tips, techniques, and equipment.

The two-day Ice Fishing Derby is one of the top fund-raising events in the state, enabling The Meredith Rotary Club to donate more than $1.5 million back into the community for charitable projects, area improvements, scholarships, and individuals and families in need.  The Rotary Club, in consultation with the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, also stocks tagged fish in several New Hampshire Lakes as part of an ongoing fisheries management plan.  During the Derby, N.H. Fish and Game biologists Don Miller and John Viar will collect valuable data on the fish that are caught.

Now in its 32^nd year, the Ice Fishing Derby is one of the most well attended events in New Hampshire.  Fishermen, their families, and friends come to Meredith from all over the country in hopes of snagging the heaviest Meredith Rotary-tagged rainbow trout and claiming the grand prize.  This year’s First Prize is an 18-foot Pioneer sport fiberglass fishing boat and Tidewater trailer valued at over $25,500.  Second Prize is a Polaris Sportsman 500 ATV and trailer valued at $7,000, and Third Prize is a complete ice fishing package, including a Frabil Guardian portable bob house with tow hitch, auger, underwater camera, and fish finder, valued at $3,000.  Hundreds of other prizes are awarded throughout the weekend as well.

On Saturday, February 12^th, the Fish and Game Department’s “Let’s Go Fishing” Program presents free hands-on clinics for kids and their parents on the basics of ice fishing, including rules and regulations and tips on how to keep warm, how to set up up a tip-up, what bait to use, and other handy information.  All participants will receive a “goodie” bag of treats and then have a chance to fish!

Also this year, the enhanced Derby Rewards Program will enable everyone with a valid Derby Ticket to receive discounts at a wide variety of restaurants, hotels, and shops throughout New Hampshire.  You don’t have to be a fisherman to take advantage of these discounts!  Derby tickets and fishing licenses are available at Derby Headquarters and local bait and tackle shops.  Tickets are $30 per person and are good for both days.  Check out the official Fishing Derby page for more information, and have fun out on the ice!

Carrie Reed
The Mill Falls Blogging Team