Ice fishing derby warmed by smiles (19 photos)

Over the years, the Ernie Eddy Memorial Children’s Ice Fishing Derby has seen children and their families brave bone chilling cold temperature to balmy weather where youngsters played snow football in short sleeved shirts and sweaters.

The 35th Annual Ernie Eddy Memorial Children’s Ice Fishing Derby hosted by the St. Joseph Island Hunters and Anglers Association did not go down in the record books as the warmest derby on record, but it wasn’t too far off.

A total of 162 children from across the region and beyond were registered for the four hour event held on Twin Lakes, Hilton Township.

The furthest traveled participant was Brylee Nickols from Indiana, U.S.

There were 157 fish caught and registered, with a number of fish caught but not registered. 

Organizers recorded 84 Perch, 70 Splake and three Pike.

The first fish caught was by Brody Bernatchez from Sault Ste. Marie, a perch weighing 1.3 oz.

Top Three anglers:

Largest Pike Class

First Place- Skylar Bourcier, Sault Ste. Marie (3lbs. 4oz)  

Second Place- Willow Duhaime, Chapleau (3lbs 1oz) 

Third Place- Darcie Nadjiwon, Richard’s Landing (1lb  12oz)

Largest Trout (Splake)

First Place- a tie, Kendra Hansen from Sault Ste. Marie (1lb 7oz) and Emma Bouchard also from Sault Ste. Marie (1lb 7oz).

Third Place- Sawyer Senko, Sault Ste. Marie (1lb 5oz)

Largest Perch

First Place- Marciano Cranston, Sault Ste. Marie (4oz)

Second Place- Charlotte Morrison, Sault Ste. Marie (3.7oz)

Third Place- Tessa Beauchamp, Sault Ste. Marie (3.6oz) 

The smallest fish registered was caught by Natalie Wessell, a perch weighing (.2oz)