Start March break on the ice - in Laird
Tuesday, March 05, 2013 by: SooToday.com Staff
NEWS RELEASE
LAFRAMBOISE CHILDREN'S PERCH DERRBY
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Laframboise Children’s Perch Derby Sunday, March 10, 2013
Popular 'catch-and-release' format
SAULT STE. MARIE, ON – On Sunday, March 10 families can kick-off the March break by enjoying the great outdoors and ice-fishing at the ninth running of the Laframboise Children’s (14 and under) Perch Derby.
The popular derby is a non-profit event, held annually to promote kids fishing and outdoor family time.
The derby will be held again at the end of West Neebish Road in Laird Township (just east of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario).
Registration will take place on the ice at the end of West Neebish Road beginning at 9 a.m. in the Mustad registration tent.
The entry fee is only $5 per child, and all children must be accompanied by at least one adult.
Fishing is from 10 a.m .to 1 p.m., and prize presentations will follow at 1 p.m.
Volunteers will be on hand to help drill holes.
Rods and reels will be available (deposit required) for those who do not have their own.
Live bait will be available on the ice from True Bite Tackle and Snags.
Derby founder and professional angler Rob Laframboise is once again making the derby "catch-and-release" to help promote conservation.
Scouts Canada will also be available to accept donations for their local tree planting program.
The Sault College natural environment and outdoor studies students will handle all the fish measuring and releasing at the Wacky Wings “Live Release Zone.”
Last year the kids loved releasing their prize catch after it was measured.
Everyone will receive a plastic bag at registration.
When the kids catch a Perch they fill the bag with water to keep the fish alive, and then go to the Wacky Wings measurement station on the ice.
Children can measure as many perch as they like, although only one will qualify for the top ten.
There will also be a "hidden length" prize, so the more fish you measure and release, the more chances you have to win.
Rob has implemented derby boundaries to keep people from venturing into unsafe areas. Sault Search and Rescue will be enforcing the boundaries of no fishing past Sankey Island.
Another safety concern in years past was the parking.
This year volunteers will be enforcing the No Parking along the North side of West Neebish Rd all the way to the highway.
People need to be reminded that emergency vehicles may need access to residential areas during the derby.
Organizers remind families to dress children and yourselves for the worst conditions.
As we know, in the north the weather can change quickly - even in March sometimes.
Dress in layers so you can add or remove clothing as needed, and wear good winter boots.
An extra pair of mitts and hat, as well as extra socks in the car never hurt.
"This is a great opportunity to introduce your kids to fishing and have a nice day outdoors with your family," says Laframboise.
For more information and ice condition updates, you can visit the Laframboise Children's Perch Derby official Facebook page or contact Rob Laframboise by e-mail.
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