Two-hundred and fourty eight fish were caught this past weekend at the North Stars Jackfish Lake Ice Fishing Derby. Not only is that one of the highest numbers of fish caught in recent years, but there were also a total of 26 prizes handed out, with the grand prize being a 2015 Prince Craft boat home.
Dean Shinkewski of Saskatoon walked away with it, hauling in a 6.9-pound pike.
John Leite of Battleford won a 2015 Yamaha SR Viper snowmobile and a $800 store credit card.
Jordan Lenuik won the 2015 Outlanders 500XT quad and snow blade package.
Other prizes were also handed out to the first fish registered, two mystery weights and the top junior fisherman with the most fish caught.
The North Stars players, along with dozens of volunteers and board members, put in months of labour to organize the event. With hard work came success.
There were about 850 anglers who came out to the lake to do some fishing, and although the numbers were a bit down, they succeeded in creating awareness as one of the best derbies in Western Canada.
It was a great day for fishing, not just for the prize winners, but for everyone involved. The weather cooperated with the derby despite coming off some colder days and strong winds during the week leading up to the event. It beat last year’s blizzard, too.
“The Battlefords North Stars would like to thank all those who came out to the event, as well as the many volunteers who made this event possible, not only for this year, but for the 20-year history.” Marketing Manager Trent Cey said in a press release.
Other prize winners included Mike Arnold of Meota, who won a $2.500 travel voucher for anywhere in the world from Marlin Travel with his 4.55-pound Pike.
Larry Kopp of Battleford, who took home a set of tires donated by Fountain Tire with his 4.4-pound Burbot.
Jeff Kessel of Unity won a Aqua View Camera from the Fishin’ Hole with his 3.65-pound Pike.
Rob Campbell of North Battleford won a 32” Panasonic TV from Battleford Furniture with his 3.55-pound Pike.
