I enjoy watching the ice fisherman and bob houses appear off my dock on Paugus Bay each year. I have visited fisherman here as well as off Ellacoya State Beach and in Meredith. It is so cool to see their catch, hear about ice depths, and enjoy their stories.
(Ice fishermen setting up off my dock on Paugus Bay)
The 42nd annual Great Meredith Rotary Ice Fishing Derby was held Feb. 13-14. Participants traveled from Iowa, Missouri, Texas, California, and even Ireland for a chance to win more than $50,000 in cash prizes.
(Ice Fishermen in Meredith Bay alongside the snow mobile trail and hockey rinks)
Originally called the Winnipesaukee Fishing Derby, created to support local businesses during the winter, the rotary hoped to sell 500 tickets for the first event in 1979 and more than 1,000 tickets were sold. In 2021, approximately 5,300 tickets were sold. A Pittsburgh MA fisherman won the $15,000 prize with Malden MA and Meredith NH fisherman taking 2nd and 3rd prizes (each $5,000).
(Ice Fishermen off Ellacoya State Park in Gilford)