Colin Wood wins Morson Ice Fishing Derby

By Ken Johnston
Editor

It was a sunny but chilly day Saturday but that was not enough to deter 145 souls from participating at the 12th Annual Morson Ice Fishing Derby.
Event organizer Sheila Gate said that while angler numbers were down from last year she felt the event was a big success.
There were 105 fish caught, with most of them coming when the derby began at 9 a.m. and towards the end of the day around 3-4 p.m.
One of the very first fish weighed in was a 6.9 lbs. Northern Pike. That fish stood at the top of the leader board all day and when the day was done the angler that caught, Pete Hapka, won top price for it. He won $100.
In the Walleye category, Regan Arnould of Rainy River had an early lead with a 2.3 lbs. fish right at 9 a.m. However, as the day progressed he was dethroned by several other anglers. Reeling up the largest walleye of the derby was Colin Wood of Rainy River. His 4.12 lbs. fish won him $250. In second place was Phil Niel of Bergland who caught a 3.56 lbs. fish to win $150. In third was Jeremy Trenchard of Rainy River with 3.46 lbs. He won $75.
Rounding out the Northern Pike division was Brad Godin of Rainy River with a 5.41 lbs. to take second prize of $75. Dan Furyk of Rainy River, was fishing next to Godin and caught a 4.88 lbs. Northern to win third prize of $50.
Catching the Most Perch on the day was Phil Niel. He weighed in 21 perch and won a Mr. Heater.
The Mystery Weight Prize saw two anglers tied. The wt. was .86 lbs. Les Morrison of Rainy River and Mary Withers of Gameland received a butane cooker and a fishing rod respectively.
In the derby raffle Clarence Gibbins, Jr, of Morson won a set of golf clubs, Colin Wood won a Pack Shack and Brian Major won an afghan.
In hourly derby draws Ron Wolf, Geraldine Blight, Sharilyn Wood, Dylan Anderson, Mark Manundr, Cindy Miller, Pat Gibbins, Colin Wood, Matthew Comegan and Tanya Daoust were winners.
Gate said the Morson Hall was packed after the derby and the Roast Pork Dinner was a success.
The breakdown of fish caught were 64 walleye, 34 perch and 7 northern pikes.