Fishing Derby Re-cap!

Text and pictures by Barbi Batchelder

[watch for more pix in a separate post.]

It was a perfect day for ice-fishing today, a little chilly with temps in the 20's, but plenty of sunshine! The ice ranged in thickness from 5 to 10 inches in different areas of the lakes, according to fishermen.

There were 125 contestants competing to catch the biggest fish in East Haddam, each trying their luck on one of the three lakes that included Moodus Reservoir, Bashan Lake and Lake Hayward.

Derek Babineaux, Jr., (13 years old) [that's him to the left]of Old Saybrook caught the heaviest fish, a 6.71 lb. Largemouth Bass, using shiners as bait, on the upper Moodus Reservoir, taking home the First Prize of $600. His father, Derek Babineaux, Sr. brought in the heaviest Yellow Perch, also on the upper Reservoir, weighing it in at .75 lbs., winning a $200 prize.

Simon Dell of Colchester hooked a 4.18 lb. Chain Pickerel, using minnows as bait, the heaviest of the third species of fish, netting a $200 prize, as well. That's Simon on the right, with Greg Casey next to him.

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WINNERS:
Derek Babineaux Jr - Bass 6.75 lbs (Lower reservoir)
Simon Dell - Pickerel, 4.18 lbs
(upper reservoir)
Derek Babineaux Sr. - Perch, .75 lbs (Lower reservoir)

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After the weigh-in, contestants, their families & friends were treated to an incredible buffet-style feast at the Moodus Sportsmen's Club.

The meal spread included Wild mushroom soup, Corn chowder, pulled bar-b-q pork, Venison Chili, Venison & Pork Meatloaf (with secret spices), Spanish Rice, Baked Beans, Baked Potato Skins and a cold fish salad (made with Bluefish, Perch and Porgy) that was totally delicious atop a fresh-baked piece of french bread!

The day concluded with a raffle, and prizes included a large array of ice-fishing tools and equipment. Fun was had by all, and some were already talking about looking forward to next year!

Upcoming club events will include a March Madness Skeet Shooting Tournament. More details to follow in a future post.