Ice fishing season has finally ended. Quite a year it has been. Considering the weather conditions, questionable ice in many areas, and the price of fuel, the 2006 Ice Fishing season was quite remarkable. A world ice fishing record Landlocked Salmon was caught in Long Lake in Aroostook County. A recent claim has been made of an even larger salmon caught several years ago from Schoodic Lake. A recent discussion with John Boland (Fisheries Division, IFW) confirmed that a claim had been made and that the fish was mounted and evidence to support the claim is being compiled. The reported weight of that fish was 13.75 pounds.

Several fundraising events for the Association were conducted this year. One at Wassookeag Lake and a second fundraiser in the Belgrade Lakes region. Special thanks to Wild Thing Bait & Tackle in Oakland and Nicki’s Bait & Tackle in Belgrade for all the work they put into the derby. The winners were: Matt Woodman of Oakland for the largest warm water fish and Chip Cole of Oakland for the largest coldwater fish.

MIAA members Scott Horne, Roger Pelletier, and John Whalen also assisted the Oakland Cub Scouts at the weigh-in during their fundraiser-fishing derby. Several large pike and bass were presented as well as splake, salmon and trout from lakes as far away as Chesuncook. A great day and it was most enjoyable to see the kids respond to the derby with such enthusiasm.

Also in March we sponsored, the Dexter High school on an ice fishing class. 23 kids were in the class the class was two weeks long. Kids were from Garland, Ripley, Dexter, and Harmony. Take a look at our website, it’s at www.maineiceanglers.org/ this should help us to see what’s going on, we need your help with any info. you have to put into the site. Just a reminder the 2006 dues, help us sponsor, the derby’s and classes so please send in your dues. Thanks to all the members for your help with the derby’s, and sponsors for there help, with out them we could do the things we do.
Thanks

President Jim Nicholas
Vice President John Whalen