Tom Enbody caught the biggest pike last weekend at 40-1/8 inches and 19.02 pounds.

Winter showed up just in time for the 32nd annual ice fishing derby in Spencer Township last weekend. But the winter storm may have kept some people away.

The Land of Lakes Association holds the event each February at eight area lakes—Maston, Little Muskelunge, Blue, Black, Friant, Cedar, Little Lincoln, and Lincoln Lake.

“We had 151 people signed up to fish, which is down over 100 from previous years, possibly due to poor weather conditions,” said former activities director Pam Bradfield. Nike Nienhuis is the new activities director.

The winners are:

Pike: Tom Enbody caught one at 40-1/8 inches and 19.02 pounds.

Bluegill: Lee Enbody at 9-3/8 inches.

Speck: Josh Morrison at 13-3/8 inches.

Perch: Ben Hoofman at 10-1/4 inches.

The smallest fish caught was a three-inch bluegill by Riley Eastman. The elusive bluegill got away again this year.

Mary Bolton won the grand prize fishing shanty from Tows Country Store.

The LOLA Ice Fishing Derby has been canceled this year due to warmer weather. According to organizer Pam Bradfield, they will are planning a spring event. Post photo by L. Allen.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources reminds everyone the annual Winter Free Fishing Weekend is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 18 and Sunday, Feb. 19. On that weekend, everyone can fish without a license, though all other fishing regulations still apply.

Michigan has been celebrating Winter Free Fishing Weekend annually since 1994 as a way to promote awareness of the state’s vast aquatic resources. With more than 3,000 miles of Great Lakes shoreline, 36,000 miles of rivers and 11,000 inland lakes, Michigan and fishing are a natural match.”Michigan offers some of the finest freshwater fishing in the world, including during the winter months,” said DNR Director Rodney Stokes. “Fishing is an inexpensive activity anyone can pursue, as an individual or as a family. We encourage you to get out this February and experience it for yourself, for free!”To encourage involvement in Free Fishing Weekends, organized activities are being scheduled in communities across the state. These activities are coordinated by a variety of organizations including: constituent groups, schools, local and state parks, businesses and others.

Find an event occurring in your community. Visit the newly revamped website www.michigan.gov/freefishing for all things related to this unique weekend; including where you can find help on event planning and promotion and where you can identify events in your area or register an official event. 


Tom Swanson with the winning Pike at 31-3/4 inches.

By Judy Reed

The snow and ice may be disappearing this week, but it was perfect for the 30th annual Land of Lakes Association (LOLA) ice fishing derby in Spencer Township last weekend.

“The weather was great, no problems,” said activities director Pam Bradfield. “The wind kept the thaw down, so it wasn’t too sloppy.”

The annual event held at eight area lakes—Maston, Little Muskelunge, Blue, Black, Friant, Cedar, Little Lincoln, and Lincoln Lakes—had just under 200 people registered in the tournament. “That’s a little slower than in the past, but there were other events happening in the communities also, not to mention the poor economy,” said Bradfield.

And the winners are…
Blue Gill – Chop ingraham 9 1/4 inches
Speck -Byron Andres 13 3/8 inches
Perch – Woody Norton 10 1/8 inches
Pike – Tom Swanson 31 3/4 inches
Smallest fish caught — Ben Enbody with a 3 inch Blue Gill

3-Man team winners were Blain Beemer, Roy Beemer and Ernie Jensen taking the traveling “Green Hornet Pole” for best weight.

According to Bradfield, there were no walleye caught and no trash fish brought in this year.

“Everyone had a great time even though the fish were elusive. Now spring can officially begin!” she said.