Updated with results: Good day to be ‘Hooked on Fishing’

At 6:15 a.m. this morning, Wilson Lake in Wilton is a busy place. Fishing enthusiasts were already out in force at first light for the Wilton Fish & Game Association's ice fishing derby on Free Fishing Day. The event continues to 4 p.m. when several prizes will be awarded. (Photo by Jim Knox)

WILTON - What a perfect day for the Wilton Fish and Game Association to host families for its Annual Ice Fishing Derby on beautiful Wilson Lake. The Fish and Game club partnered with Maine Dept of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to present a program “Hooked on Fishing.”

Families have been registering for the big day of the derby and the day couldn’t have been any nicer. Many of the early birds were set up and ready to go before daybreak. There was activity all over the lake.

At 9 a.m. families were greeted by Emily and Kris McCabe of the Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and members from the Wilton Fish and Game Club. Children looked on and participated with Emily in learning how to drill holes, bait hooks and set traps. Many also learned how to jig for fish. Adults as well as kids participated in the program “Hooked on Fishing.” Emily discussed with the crowd how to identify the fish you catch. Especially the difference from brookies and togue. She had cards with identification of species that were available for reference.

Families enjoyed visiting with Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Commissioner Chandler Woodcock on the lake.
A hut was available with hot coffee and hot chocolate donated by Wilton Dunkin Donuts, also old fashioned molasses cookies, bars and of course chocolate chip cookies were included. Families were coming from all over the lake to enjoy the special treats. Chatter has already started that next year there will be hot dogs and fried onions which is an ice fishing tradition for many families.
The day ended at 4PM with the fish weigh in at the Club house on Rt. 2

Youth Category for for heaviest fish:
1st place:Katelyn Daggett
2nd place: Dylan Cousins
3rd place: Corey Ridley

Adult Category for heaviest fish:
1st. place: Chet Coolidge
2nd place: Moe Castonguay
3rd place: Ritchie Mitchell
Jason Macomber won the door prize for a cord of wood, Me. Dept of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife hats were won by, Jackson Hardy and Chris Bubier. Melanie Blanchet was the winner of the Lifetime Fishing License presented to her by Emily McCabe.

For membership to the Wilton Fish and Game Association please call-Phil at 491-7489. Meetings are on the third Wed. of the month at 6:30 at the club house in Wilton on Rt. 2.

Today's conditions were perfect on Wilson Lake in Wilton with clear skies and moderate temperatures for mid-February, for Wilton Fish & Game Association's annual free fishing day. Emily McCabe of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife lead a free family fishing clinic for all who would like to learn how to ice fish. The program 'Hooked on Fishing' is for kids as well as adults. (Photo by Bobbie Hanstein)

A flag goes up and they're off and running. (Photo by Bobbie Hanstein)